Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) is a powerful Microsoft standard that allows system administrators to monitor and manage an entire Windows network from one central point. WMI technology is a key component of most network monitoring tools, as it provides vital and detailed information on devices and applications running on the Microsoft operating system such as CPU usage and temperature, or usage of RAM.

However, administrators are not always able to exploit the full potential of WMI. According to Dirk Paessler, CEO of global network monitoring solutions provider, Paessler, “For three quarters of our customers, Windows based operating systems represent more than 90% of their network; however this isn’t without its challenges. Indeed, countless calls to our support team are from customers experiencing problems with WMI.”

“In most cases, problems stem from security and user account related issues, but more complex issues can also give administrators a headache. We are often asked to help customers with configuration as WMI needs to be properly installed and configured for administrators to take full advantage of all the opportunities that it offers.”

The support team at Paessler has identified the most common WMI problems and recommends that administrators take the following steps to ensure WMI is working as it should:

1. User credentials: For every WMI query, administrators have to provide Windows user credentials. To simplify this process, choose a user that is a member of the ‘Domain Administrators’ group in the same Active Directory section as the target computer. Alternatively, set up a local system administrator account on the target computer and use this for the login. Each user must also have remote access rights to be able to use WMI.

2. Local firewall: To ensure that all enquiries reach the target computer, make sure that the firewall of the target computer allows incoming WMI requests.

3. Firewall and group policies: If the firewall is enabled by group policies, activate the ‘Allow Remote Administration Exception’ setting.

4. Port: The RPC server used for WMI on the target computer is usually running on port 135 by default (unless configured otherwise). Ensure this port is not blocked by any (hardware) firewall in the network, en route to the remote computer.

5. Security software: It is always a good idea to double-check if any local security software (anti-spy, anti-virus, etc) is blocking WMI connections. You will need to allow WMI connections in the software settings.

Paessler’s PRTG and WMI

While WMI support is vital for effective network monitoring, it is often only included with the premium versions of software solutions which often come at a higher price. Paessler’s PRTG Network Monitor, however, offers full WMI support as standard.

A trial version of PRTG Network Monitor is available for download at http://www.paessler.com/download

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About Paessler AG

Paessler AG leads the industry in providing the most powerful, affordable and easy-to-use network monitoring and testing solutions. The company’s suite of just-right software products deliver peace of mind, confidence and convenience for businesses of all sizes – from Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) to large enterprises, including more than 70% of the Fortune 100 companies. Based in Nuremberg, Bavaria/Germany, Paessler’s global reach includes more than 50,000 licenses sold and more than 150,000 active installations, including its robust freeware products, through its worldwide locations in Canada, Great Britain, Japan, the U.S. and others. Founded in 1997, Paessler AG remains a privately held company and is recognized as both a Cisco Technology Developer Partner and a VMware Technology Alliance Partner. For more information, visit www.paessler.com