Overview
GFI LanGuard Central Management Server uses the Microsoft SQL database to store collected monitoring data. This article describes how to change the current CMS database configuration, specify data retention settings, or create a new database.
Diagnosis
GFI LanGuard Central Management Server supports Microsoft SQL Server and SQL Server Express databases (2005 and later editions) that can be configured to store collected monitoring data. This data is used by GFI LanGuard Central Management Server to populate the dashboards and for reporting purposes.
The currently configured database can be viewed from Settings > Database. Here you can change the configuration, specify data retention settings, or create a new database.
Solution
To change the current database configuration or create a new database:
- In GFI LanGuard Central Management Server, go to Settings > Database.
- Under the Database Server area, modify the following options:
Option Description SQL Server The name of the SQL Server instance. Key in the name of the server where the database is installed. Windows Authentication Select this option to use Windows credentials when connecting to your SQL Server. SQL Server Authentication If your SQL Server has been installed in SQL Server Authentication Mode, select this option and provide Username and Password. Database Name If you want to create a new database, use this field to type the name of the database you want to create in SQL Server. IMPORTANT: Ensure that the database name entered is unique, otherwise you will overwrite the existing database.
Note: We recommend always using the SA user to access the database since this is the user who is most likely to have all required permissions to access the database.
Specifying data retention settings
Retention policy settings define whether to keep all historical data stored in the configured database or whether to delete this data after a specified amount of time. By default, GFI LanGuard Central Management Server is set to keep historical data for a period of 36 months.
To change data retention settings:
- In GFI LanGuard Central Management Server, go to Settings > Database.
- Under the Retention Policy area, modify the following options:
Option Description Never delete history Select to keep all data gathered by GFI LanGuard Central Management Server indefinitely. Note: If selecting this option ensure adequate disk space on the server.
Keep history for a specified period Select this option to delete collected data after a defined amount of time. Use the Months field to specify an amount in months. The default is 36. Proxy server requires authentication (Optional) Enter the username and password if required by the proxy server.
Testing
If you enter incorrect database settings, user name, or password, you won't be able to save the configuration and receive a corresponding error. For example:
