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ASUS Control Center

Express
User Manual
E15784
First Edition
September 2019

Copyright © 2019 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.


No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any
means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written
permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
ASUS provides this manual “as is” without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but
not limited to the implied warranties or conditions of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
In no event shall ASUS, its directors, officers, employees, or agents be liable for any indirect, special,
incidental, or consequential damages (including damages for loss of profits, loss of business, loss of use
or data, interruption of business and the like), even if ASUS has been advised of the possibility of such
damages arising from any defect or error in this manual or product.
Specifications and information contained in this manual are furnished for informational use only, and are
subject to change at any time without notice, and should not be construed as a commitment by ASUS.
ASUS assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this manual,
including the products and software described in it.
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless
such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the
product is defaced or missing.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or
copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identification or explanation and to the
owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.

ii
Contents
About this guide.......................................................................................... vi

Chapter 1: Getting Started


1.1 Setting up....................................................................................... 1-2
1.1.1 Installing ASUS Control Center Express (ACCE)............ 1-2
1.1.2 Logging in to ASUS Control Center Express................... 1-2
1.1.3 Changing the account password...................................... 1-3
1.1.4 Activating your license key............................................... 1-4
1.1.5 Changing languages........................................................ 1-4
1.2 Main dashboard overview............................................................ 1-5

Chapter 2: Dashboard Overview


2.1 System overview........................................................................... 2-2
2.1.1 Switching sensor views.................................................... 2-3
2.1.2 Event Log......................................................................... 2-3
2.2 Device overview............................................................................ 2-4
2.2.1 Filtering client devices...................................................... 2-4
2.2.2 Export device list.............................................................. 2-4
2.2.3 Using shortcut functions................................................... 2-5
2.3 Customizing your dashboard...................................................... 2-7
2.3.1 Customizing the Graphic dashboard view
for the first time................................................................ 2-7
2.3.2 Editing the shortcut icons and background...................... 2-9
2.3.3 Using the shortcut icons................................................... 2-9
2.4 Task Scheduler........................................................................... 2-10
2.4.1 Task scheduler calendar overview................................. 2-10
2.4.2 Setting a new task.......................................................... 2-11
2.4.3 Editing a task................................................................. 2-17
2.4.4 Deleting a task............................................................... 2-18

Chapter 3: Deploy Management


3.1 Deploying agents.......................................................................... 3-2
3.1.1 Client requirements.......................................................... 3-2
3.1.2 Installing Agents manually............................................... 3-2
3.1.3 Deploying agents through ACC Express......................... 3-4
3.2 Removing agents........................................................................ 3-11

iii
Contents
Chapter 4: Device Information
4.1 Device Information Overview....................................................... 4-2
4.2 Hardware Sensor (software)........................................................ 4-4
4.2.1 Editing the threshold value............................................... 4-5
4.3 Utilitization..................................................................................... 4-6
4.3.1 Editing the threshold value............................................... 4-6
4.4 Inventory (Software)..................................................................... 4-7
4.4.1 Disk Information............................................................... 4-7
4.4.1 Disk Information............................................................... 4-8
4.5 Software......................................................................................... 4-9
4.5.1 Application tab................................................................. 4-9
4.5.2 Processes tab................................................................ 4-10
4.5.3 Services tab................................................................... 4-10
4.5.4 Environment tab............................................................. 4-11
4.6 Control (software)....................................................................... 4-12
4.7 Event Log..................................................................................... 4-13
4.7.1 Monitor tab..................................................................... 4-13
4.7.2 Application tab............................................................... 4-14
4.7.3 System tab..................................................................... 4-15
4.7.4 Security tab.................................................................... 4-16
4.8 Remote Desktop.......................................................................... 4-17
4.8.1 General Remote Desktop.............................................. 4-17
4.8.2 Out-of-band Management Remote Desktop.................. 4-18
4.9 USB Redirection.......................................................................... 4-21
4.10 BIOS............................................................................................. 4-22
4.10.1 BIOS Setting.................................................................. 4-22
4.10.2 BIOS Flash Management............................................... 4-23

Chapter 5: Management Functions


5.1 Management Control Overview................................................... 5-2
5.1.1 Scanning for devices........................................................ 5-2
5.1.2 Using shortcut functions................................................... 5-2
5.1.3 Setting the password for RTL8117.................................. 5-3
5.2 Management Control Information Overview............................... 5-5
5.3 Hardware Sensor (hardware)....................................................... 5-7

iv
Contents
5.4 Inventory (hardware)..................................................................... 5-7
5.5 Control (hardware)........................................................................ 5-8
5.6 Remote Desktop............................................................................ 5-9
5.7 USB Redirection............................................................................ 5-9
5.8 Smart BIOS.................................................................................... 5-9
5.8.1 BIOS Flash Management................................................. 5-9
5.9 Firmware Update......................................................................... 5-13
5.9.1 Uploading and updating firmware.................................. 5-13
5.10 Software Management................................................................ 5-15
5.10.1 Software Dispatch.......................................................... 5-15
5.10.2 Software Pool................................................................. 5-17
5.10.3 Software Information...................................................... 5-22
5.10.4 Software Blacklist........................................................... 5-23
5.11 Metadata Management................................................................ 5-25
5.11.1 Adding metadata fields.................................................. 5-25
5.11.2 Removing metadata fields............................................. 5-27
5.11.3 Updating the metadata manually................................... 5-28
5.11.4 Updating the metadata using a batch update................ 5-29

Chapter 6: Settings Migrator


6.1 Settings Migrator........................................................................... 6-2
6.1.1 Importing configurations of ACC CSM server.................. 6-2
6.1.2 Deploying ACCE agents to ACC CSM devices............... 6-4

Chapter 7: Account & General Settings


7.1 Settings menu............................................................................... 7-2
7.1.1 SMTP Settings................................................................. 7-2
7.1.2 Rule Management............................................................ 7-3
7.1.3 General Configuration.................................................... 7-10
7.1.4 License........................................................................... 7-14
7.2 Account menu............................................................................. 7-19
7.2.1 Account Settings............................................................ 7-19
7.2.1 Role Privilege Management........................................... 7-23
7.3 QR Code....................................................................................... 7-26
7.4 Submit Feedback........................................................................ 7-26

v
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when using and configuring
ASUS Control Center Express (ACCE).
How this guide is organized
This guide contains the following parts:
1. Chapter 1: Getting Started
This chapter provides a quick overview of ASUS Control Center Express,
and how to install and set it up.
2. Chapter 2: Dashboard Overview
This chapter describes the functions available on the main dashboard.
3. Chapter 3: Deploy Management
This chapter describes how to deploy ASUS Control Center agents and
remove agents through Microsoft® Active Directory or manually.
4. Chapter 4: Device Information
This chapter describes the device information and software controlled
options for managing the device.
5. Chapter 5: Management Functions
This chapter describes the metadata management, software management,
and hardware based management functions.
6. Chapter 6: Settings Migrator
This chapter describes how to import configurations of your ACC CSM to
ASUS Control Center Express, and also allow you to deploy ASUS Control
Center Express agents to devices managed by ACC CSM.
7. Chapter 7: Account & General Settings
This chapter describes the User and ASUS Control Center Express settings.

vi
Conventions
To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following
symbols used throughout this manual.

DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when


trying to complete a task.

CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when


trying to complete a task.

IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.

NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.

Typography
Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than
sign means that you must press the enclosed key.
Example: <Enter> means that you must press
the Enter or Return key.
<Key1>+<Key2>+<Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously,
the key names are linked with a plus sign (+).
Example: <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del>
Command Means that you must type the command
exactly as shown, then supply the required
item or value enclosed in brackets.
Example: At the DOS prompt, type the
command line: format A:/S

Reference
Visit the ASUS websites worldwide that provide updated information for all ASUS
hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information for
details.

vii
viii
Chapter 1

This chapter provides a quick overview


of ASUS Control Center Express, and
how to install and set it up.

Getting Started

Chapter 1: Getting Started


1.1 Setting up
1.1.1 Installing ASUS Control Center Express (ACCE)
1. Please visit the product website of your ASUS product to download the ASUS
Control Center Express installer.
2. Launch the installer, then follow the steps to install ASUS Control Center
Express to your system.

• If there is an older version of ASUS Control Center Express already


installed on your system and you wish to clear the original configurations of
the older version, you may check the Clear original configuration option
during the installation process to remove the configuration settings of the
older version of ASUS Control Center Express.
• We DO NOT recommend clearing the configuration settings of older
versions of ASUS Control Center Express unless necessary.

1.1.2 Logging in to ASUS Control Center Express


1. Launch the ASUS Control Center Express by double clicking the ASUS
Control Center Express.exe application .
2. Enter your Account and Password. Click Login to enter the ASUS Control
Center Express main menu.

• The default account is administrator, and the default password is admin.


Refer to the Changing the account and password section if you wish to
change the default account and password.
• The account and password is case sensitive.

1-2 Chapter 1: Getting Started


1.1.3 Changing the account password
1. Log in with the default account and password.

• The default account is administrator, and the default password is admin.


• The account and password is case sensitive.

2. Click on the icon located at the top right menu bar, then click on
Settings.
3. Click on the account to enter a new password, then click on Update to save
the changes made.

ASUS Control Center Express 1-3


1.1.4 Activating your license key

• Each client device you deploy an agent to will require a license key.
• For more details on License Keys please refer to 7.1.4 License Key.

1. Locate the License Key on the ASUS Control Center Express card bundled in
your motherboard’s giftbox.
2. Click on the icon, then select the License tab.
3. Click on Add Key.

4. Key in the license key and then click on Add Key to register a license for a
single device on ASUS Control Center Express.

1.1.5 Changing languages


You may change the language of the ASUS Control Center Express to a preferred
language by clicking on the icon, then select a language from the drop down
list.

1-4 Chapter 1: Getting Started


1.2 Main dashboard overview
You can toggle between Classic and Graphic dashboard views by clicking on .
A brief overview of both dashboards of ASUS Control Center Express is displayed
as below:

The screenshots in this section are for reference only.

Classic dashboard
Deploy Management
Metadata Management Options
System overview Management Control Language
Banner logo
Switch View settings

Account
information

Devices
overview

Graphic dashboard
Edit
Client device shortcut icon
Zoom in Reset Zoom
System overview Background area
Zoom out

ASUS Control Center Express 1-5


Menu items
The menu bar on the top of the screen has the following menu items:
Top menu bar items Description
Displays activity alerts and event logs to monitor server components
System Overview
in real time
Switch View Toggle between the Classic dashboard and Graphics dashboard UI
Provides functions which enable you to manage deployed devices,
even when the client device is not in an OS environment. Out-of-
Management Control
band management is also featured if your motherboard supports a
Remote Management Controller (RTL8117 LAN IC)
Metadata Management Customize device metadata
Remotely deploy agents, or install agents manually for effective
Deployment Management
monitoring
Configure SMTP Server settings to send notifications for server alert
SMTP Settings
events
Rule Management Setting notification rules for the administrator
Settings General Set the refreshment interval of main server and agent, as well as
Configuration configure the banner logo
Import or remove the product key(s) for ASUS Control Center
License
Express
Language Select the language for ASUS Control Center Express
Settings Manage and edit accounts, or create and edit permissions for roles
Scan the QR code to access the web version of ASUS Control
Center Express

QR Code The device you use to scan the QR code should be


in the same network as the ASUS Control Center
Account Express server.

Feedback Provide feedback to the developer team


Import ACC CSM server settings and data and deploy ASUS
Settings Migrator Control Center Express agents to client devices managed by the
ACC CSM server
Logout Log out of ASUS Control Center Express

1-6 Chapter 1: Getting Started


Chapter 2

Dashboard Overview
This chapter describes the functions
available on the main dashboard.

Chapter 2: Dashboard Overview


2.1 System overview
The System Overview allows you to view activity alerts and event logs to monitor
client devices in real time.

Connection
This graph displays a summary of the connection status of all client devices.
Color Status
Green Online
Blue Standby
Maintain
Red Offline

Hardware Sensor
This graph displays a summary of the hardware status of all client devices.
Color Status
Red Critical
Orange Warning
Blue Normal

Utilization
This graph displays a summary of the utilization status of all client devices.
Color Status
Red Critical
Orange Warning
Blue Normal

2-2 Chapter 2: Dashboard Overview


2.1.1 Switching sensor views
You can customize the information shown on the Connection, Hardware Sensor,
and Utilization graphs by clicking on the graph keys to display or hide a specific
group.

You can also click on the top right corner of each graph to switch between pie
graph and bar graph views.

2.1.2 Event Log


The Event Log displays the status of all client devices in real time, allowing you to
keep track of the status changes of your client devices at a quick glance. You can
also click on the top right corner of the Event Log block to expand the Event Log
to view a detailed list of the event items.

ASUS Control Center 2-3


2.2 Device overview
The Device overview lists all your client devices and also allows you to search for
client devices using keywords, export the list of client devices, or perform actions
on selected client devices using the function shortcut.

Search
bar

Devices
list

2.2.1 Filtering client devices


To clear the filter and view all devices, click on Clear in the Search bar.

• To filter the devices using the Search bar:


Enter a keyword into the Search bar then press <Enter> to search for
devices with details matching the search criteria.

• To filter the devices using Devices list:


1. Hover over the column you wish to use as your filter criteria in the
Devices list.
2. Click on , then select the filter rule and enter the keyword to search.

• To view more column items in the Devices list, click on Customize, then
check the metadata item you wish to display and click on Save.

• Click on the name of a column header to sort the filter results


alphabetically, in ascending or descending order.

2.2.2 Export device list


You can export the device list to a .csv file for when you need to backup the
devices list.
To Export the device list, click on Export, then enter your file name and click Save
to save the device list as a .csv file.

2-4 Chapter 2: Dashboard Overview


2.2.3 Using shortcut functions
You can perform certain actions or schedule tasks for the client devices.
1. Select the device(s) you would like to perform an action on.
2. Click on Select function, and select the function you would like to use.
Please refer to the table below for a brief summary of each function.

• For more details on the following functions listed below, please refer to
- USB Redirection: 4.9 USB Redirection
- 8117-Set password: 5.1.3 Setting the password for RTL8117
- Firmware Update: 5.10 Firmware Update
- Task Scheduler: 2.4 Task Scheduler
- Software Management: 5.10 Software Management
- Smart BIOS: 4.10 BIOS
• 8117-Control functions are only available on client devices connected
using a management LAN port which supports RTL 8117 LAN IC.
• Some functions may require you to restart the client device for the changes
to take effect.

Restart Computer Restart the selected device(s)


Remote Control Power Off Power off the selected device(s)
Power On Power on the selected device(s)
8117-Restart Computer Restart the selected device(s)
Force a 4 second power off of the
8117-Force Power OFF
selected device(s)
8117-Power OFF Power off the selected device(s)
8117-Power ON Power on the selected device(s)
8117-WatchDog Enable Enable WatchDog for selected device(s)
8117-WatchDog Disable Disable WatchDog for selected device(s)
8117-Clear CMOS Clear CMOS for selected device(s)
Allow access of a USB device from within
USB Redirection
a remote desktop or application
8117-Control
8117-Set password Set an encryption password for RTL8117
Restart the RTL8117 service on selected
Restart Service
device(s)
8117-KVM Enable Enable KVM for selected device(s)
8117-KVM Disable Disable KVM for selected device(s)
Update the RTL8117 firmware

Firmware Update will be


Firmware Update
disabled if 8117-KVM is
Enabled.

(continued on the next page)

ASUS Control Center 2-5


Enable Regedit Enable Windows Registry Editor

Disable Regedit Disable Windows Registry Editor

Enable USB Enable the USB ports on the device(s)


Security
Disable USB Disable the USB ports on the device(s)
Set the USB ports to Read Only
USB Read Only
privileges
Task Scheduler Schedule tasks for the device(s)
Dispatch software and scripts to the
Software Dispatch
selected device(s)
Software
View or configure applications, processes
Management Software Information
or services on the selected device(s)
Software Blacklist View or add blacklisted software
Smart BIOS Flash the BIOS of the selected device(s)

2-6 Chapter 2: Dashboard Overview


2.3 Customizing your dashboard
You can toggle between the Classic dashboard view or Graphic dashboard view.
The Graphic dashboard view allows you to upload a layout image (such as the
office floor) and place shortcut icons of client devices onto their respective places
on the layout.

2.3.1 Customizing the Graphic dashboard view for the first


time
1. Click on to toggle to the Graphic dashboard view.
2. Click on Edit to add a layout file.

3. Click on Browse to select and upload an image file you would like to use as
the layout image.

ASUS Control Center 2-7


4. Select which client device you would like to add as an shortcut icon by
selecting the device from the drop down list, then clicking on Add Client.
The shortcut icon should appear in the background area.

5. Repeat step 4 to add multiple client device shortcut icons.

To remove all shortcut icons click on Reset.

6. You may adjust the positions of the shortcut icons by clicking and dragging
the shortcut icon to your preferred location, or adjust the size of the shortcut
icons using the Icon Size scroll bar.

7. Click on Save once you have finished customizing, you will be directed back
to the Graphic dashboard view.

2-8 Chapter 2: Dashboard Overview


2.3.2 Editing the shortcut icons and background
Click on to edit the shortcut icons and background, please refer to steps 3 to
7 of the Customizing the Graphic dashboard view for the first time section to
edit the background and shortcut icons.

2.3.3 Using the shortcut icons


• Hover over shortcut icon:
Hover over a shortcut icon to view the details of the client. You may
customize the information shown by clicking on Customize and checking
or unchecking the metadata item you wish to display or hide, then click on
Save.
• Single click on shortcut icon:
A single click on the shortcut icon will select the icon, for when you wish to
use a function on a client device or multiple devices.

For more details on the functions, please refer to Chapter 4 Device


Information and Chapter 5 Management Functions.

• Double click on shortcut icon:


Double clicking on a shortcut icon will redirect you to the Device information
screen.

For more information on the Device Information screen please refer to Chapter
4 Device Information.

• Shortcut icon status:


The shortcut icon will change or change colors depending on the status

: Offline

: Online

: Device online, hardware sensor and utilization status in normal state

: Device online, hardware sensor and utilization status in warning state

: Device online, hardware sensor and utilization status in critical state

ASUS Control Center 2-9


2.4 Task Scheduler
You can set scheduled tasks for client devices to perform on set dates, or manage
already schedule

2.4.1 Task scheduler calendar overview


You can view the tasks already set on the task scheduler calendar.

Previous month / Toggle between month,


week / day week, or day view
Next month /
Toggle between list view
week / day
or calendar view
Return to current day

2-10 Chapter 2: Dashboard Overview


2.4.2 Setting a new task
1. Select the devices you would like to set a new scheduled task for.
Classic dashboard

Graphic dashboard

2. Click on Select function, then select Task Scheduler from the drop down
menu.

ASUS Control Center 2-11


3. Click on Add.

4. Enter the Taskset name.

The Taskset name cannot be changed after you have created the task.

2-12 Chapter 2: Dashboard Overview


5. Select a Start Date & Time. If you want the task to repeat for a set period of
time, check Repeat, then select the End Date & Time.

The End Date & Time field will only appear when you check Repeat.

6. (optional) If you checked Repeat in the previous step, select if you want the
task to repeat Daily or Weekly. Selecting Weekly will allow you to choose
the day you wish to repeat the task each week.

ASUS Control Center 2-13


7. Click on Add Task and select Software for software based functions or
Hardware for management functions.

Hardware functions are only available on client devices connected using a


management LAN port which supports RTL 8117 LAN IC.

8. Select an Action Type from the drop down menu. You may refer to the table
on the next page for a brief overview of the Action Type options.

2-14 Chapter 2: Dashboard Overview


Action
Action type Action options Description
Category
Power Off Power off device
Power
Power On Power on device
Control
Power Reboot Restart device
Service Name Enter the name of the service
Service Start Start the service
Control Stop Stop the service
Restart Restart the service
Software Select a software package from the
Software Package Name
Dispatch Software Pool
Registry Enable Enable Windows Registry Editor
Tool Disable Disable Windows Registry Editor
Security
Enable Enable the USB ports
Control USB
Disable Disable the USB ports
Control
Read Only Set the USB to Read Only privileges
Select a BIOS file from the BIOS cache
BIOS Cache BIOS Cache List
list
Power Off Power off device
Power Force Power Off Force power off device
Control Power On Power on device
Power Reboot Restart device
Heartbeat Interval Set the heartbeat interval
Hardware Enable /
Disable Enable Enable Watchdog
WatchDog Disable Disable Watchdog
Clear CMOS - Clear the CMOS of device
Enable / Enable Enable KVM
Disable KVM Disable Disable KVM

ASUS Control Center 2-15


9. Enter the Delay Time (in minutes). The delay time determines the amount of
time this task should wait before executing this task once the previous task
has finished.

When scheduling multiple tasks, ensure that each task has a delay time set to
ensure the tasks are executed properly.

10. Click on Save to save this task

11. Repeat steps 7 to 10 to add more tasks, the tasks added will appear in the
List of Tasks.

To delete a task, click on the X next to the task in the List of Tasks.

2-16 Chapter 2: Dashboard Overview


12. Once you have finished, click on Add to add the new scheduled task to the
task scheduler calendar.

2.4.3 Editing a task


1. Click on the scheduled task you would like to edit on the task scheduler
calendar.
2. You can edit the Start Date & Time, End Date & Time, Repetition
Schedule, Activation, and List of tasks.

To delete a task, click on the X next to the task in the List of Tasks.

3. Once you have finished editing the scheduled task, click on Update.

ASUS Control Center 2-17


2.4.4 Deleting a task
1. Click on the scheduled task you would like to delete on the task scheduler
calendar.
2. Click on Delete to delete the scheduled task.

2-18 Chapter 2: Dashboard Overview


Chapter 3

Deploy Management
This chapter describes how to deploy
ASUS Control Center agents and
remove agents through Microsoft® Active
Directory or manually.

Chapter 3: Deploy Management


3.1 Deploying agents
Install new agents on devices and add them to the ASUS Control Center Express
server for convenient management, monitor and control.
To access Agent Management, click on located at the top right menu bar.

Ensure to register the License keys before deploying agents to client devices.
For more information on registering license keys, please refer to 7.1.4 License
Key.

The screenshots in this section are for reference only.

3.1.1 Client requirements


Supported client OS Windows® 10 PRO or later version

Account settings Administrator account and password enabled

3.1.2 Installing Agents manually


1. Click on Manual Installation of an Agent to start downloading the
installation files (Setup.msi).

2. Copy and paste Setup.msi to the client you wish to install the agent on
using an external storage device such as a USB flash drive.

3-2 Chapter 3: Deploy Management


3. On the client device, double click on the Setup.msi file to launch the
installation.

ASUS Control Center Express only supports Windows® 10 PRO or later


versions.

4. Follow the instructions of the installation wizard to install the ASUS Control
Center Express agent to the client device.

ASUS Control Center Express 3-3


3.1.3 Deploying agents through ACC Express
1. Ensure to disable the firewall on the client device.

• Ensure the client has sufficient power and a steady connection to prevent
packet loss when deploying the agent.
• Ensure the client and ACCE server are in the same network domain.
• ASUS Control Center Express only supports Windows® 10 PRO or later
versions.
• To disable the firewall on the client device, please navigate to Control
Panel > System and Security, then click on Allow an app through
Windows Firewall under the Windows Defender Firewall section. Check
the Remote Service Management option, then click on OK.

2. You may use the following three methods to scan for or add available client
devices:

3-4 Chapter 3: Deploy Management


• To automatically scan for client devices:
a. Click on Scan to start scanning for available client devices. The devices
should appear in the scan results block shown below.

• To manually add a client device to scan results:


a. Click on Add.

ASUS Control Center Express 3-5


b. Enter the information of the device you wish to add, then click on Save.

Main Server Enter the IP of the ASUS Control Center Express server
OS Type Select the OS type of the client
Host Type Select IP Address to enter the IP address of the client
or
Select Host name to enter the name of the client
Host Port Enter the port
Account Type Select whether the client account is local or domain
Local: The agent’s administrator privileges only allow you to
manage the device the agent is installed on
Domain: The agent’s administrator privileges allow you to manage
all devices in the domain
Domain* Enter the domain name
Account Enter the administrator account name of the client
Password Enter the password for the administrator account of the client
Remote Enter the port to use when remotely accessing this client
Undeploy Enter the port to use when removing the agent from this client
* This field only appears if you selected Domain as the account type.

3-6 Chapter 3: Deploy Management


• To manually import multiple client devices to scan results:
a. Click on Import.

b. Select the .csv file you would like to import, then click Open. The
devices listed in the .csv file should appear in the scan results block.

Ensure to use a .csv file you have previously exported by clicking Export to
ensure you use the correct .csv template. Using a .csv file with the incorrect
fields may result in failure when importing the .csv file.

ASUS Control Center Express 3-7


3. Check the client devices you wish to add agents to.

• Ensure to enter an account with administrator privileges and has the


password enabled on the client device into the Account and Password
cells. You can edit the Account and Password fields by double clicking
on the device in the scan results.

• Ensure the Administrator account of the client is enabled and has a


password set. (Windows disables the Administrator account by default,
to enable the account click on the Windows button from the Desktop >
Windows Administrative Tools > Computer Management > System
Tools > Local Users and Groups > User > Administrator, then uncheck
the Account is disabled field)

3-8 Chapter 3: Deploy Management


4. (optional) If there are devices in the scan results you do not wish to deploy
agents to, check the devices then click on Remove.

5. (optional) You may click on Export to export the scan results to a .csv file for
future use.

ASUS Control Center Express 3-9


6. (optional) Check the Remove the traditional software Acc box to remove
any previous versions of ASUS Control Center agents installed on the
selected client devices when deploying new agents.

7. Click on Deploy and wait for the agent deployment to be completed. Once
the process is completed, you may view the deploy status in the deploy list.

3-10 Chapter 3: Deploy Management


3.2 Removing agents
If a client device with an agent already deployed to it has been in for repairs
or maintenance, please remove the agent on the client device, then re-deploy
an agent to the device. To deploy an agent to a device please refer to 3.1
Deploying agents.

1. Check the client devices you wish to remove agents from in the deployed
block.

The deployed block is located at the bottom of the Agent Management or


Settings Migrator screen.

2. Click on , then click OK to remove agents on all selected devices.

If the target client device(s) are offline, the agents on these client device(s) will
be removed once the client device(s) are online.

ASUS Control Center Express 3-11


3-12 Chapter 3: Deploy Management
Chapter 4

This chapter describes the device


information and software controlled

Device Information
options for managing the device.
4.1 Device Information Overview
The Device Information Overview provides you with detailed information about
your selected client device, and also provides you with some software controlled
management functions such as power control options.
To access Device Information of a client device from the different dashboard
views, please refer to the following:
• Classic dashboard view: Click on a client device in the device list.
• Graphic dashboard view: Double click on a client device shortcut icon.

• This chapter is only for the Software Mode options, for Hardware Mode
options, please refer to Chapter 5 Management Functions. Hardware
Mode (out-of-band management) options are available for client devices
connected using a management LAN port which supports RTL 8117 LAN
IC.
• Most options are only available when the client device is online and logged
into the OS.
• Some options are only available when the following requirements are met:
- Client device is online and logged into the OS
- Has already had an agent deployed to it
- Connected using a management LAN port which supports RTL 8117
LAN IC
• The screenshots in this section are for reference only.

4-2 Chapter 4: Device Information


Toggle between Software and
Client device details Hardware Mode.

Device Name Displays the device name.

OS Information Displays information on the Operating System.

Logon user Displays the user logged into client device.

BIOS Version Displays information on the BIOS version.

Model Name Displays the model name of client device.

IP Address Displays the IP address of client device.

Time Zone Displays the time zone client device is located in.

Up Time Displays the up time of client device.

Agent Version Displays information on the Agent version.

ASUS Control Center Express 4-3


4.2 Hardware Sensor (software)
This item allows you to view S.M.A.R.T attributes or edit the threshold value for
items such as voltage, temperature, fans, and graphics card. This item is software
controlled and values may differ with the hardware version. Please refer to 5.3
Hardware sensor (hardware) for more information on Hardware mode.

• Some options such as Graphics card may only be available if you have the
component installed on your client device.
• This item will not be available if your device is not logged into an OS
environment, or is not connected using a management LAN port which
supports RTL 8117 LAN IC.

Displays disk status, click on this item to show detailed S.M.A.R.T. attribute
S.M.A.R.T. information.
Displays the CPU Core Voltage, and other voltage related items. You may
Voltage edit the threshold for these items.
Displays the CPU status and temperature. You may edit the threshold for
Temperature these items.
Displays the status and fan speed of connected fans. You may edit the
Fans threshold for these items.
Displays the fan speed, voltage and temperature of external AMD or
Graphics Card NVIDIA graphics card. You may edit the threshold for these items.

4-4 Chapter 4: Device Information


4.2.1 Editing the threshold value
Some items such as Voltage items, or Fan items allow you to edit the threshold
values. Click on the item you wish to edit, then click on Save once you are finished
editing.

• The threshold options for each item may vary.


• Some items may not have a threshold value you can edit.

When the value exceeds this threshold value, the sensor will display
Warning (Yellow).
High threshold
When the value exceeds this threshold value by 20%, the sensor will
display Critical (Red).
When the value is below this threshold value, the sensor will display
Warning (Yellow).
Low threshold
When the value is below this threshold value by 20%, the sensor will display
Critical (Red).
Monitor Enable or disable monitoring of this item.
Enable or disable the check for zero value. When enabled, a warning will
Check zero value display if the fan speed for a fan is 0. When disabled, if the fan speed for a
fan is 0, it will be recognized as a removed fan (not connected).

ASUS Control Center Express 4-5


4.3 Utilitization
This item allows you to view and set the utilization threshold value for the CPU,
DIMM, Partition, and Network.

Displays CPU utilization status and usage percentile. You may edit the
CPU threshold for these items.
Displays memory utilization status and usage percentile. You may edit the
DIMM threshold for these items.
Displays disk partition utilization status and usage percentile. You may edit
Partition the threshold for these items.
Displays disk network utilization status and usage percentile. You may edit
Network the threshold for these items.

4.3.1 Editing the threshold value


Click on the item you wish to edit, then click on Save once you are finished
editing.

When the value exceeds this threshold value, the sensor will display
High Critical Critical (Red).
When the value exceeds this threshold value, the sensor will display
High Warning Warning (Yellow).

4-6 Chapter 4: Device Information


4.4 Inventory (Software)
This item will not be available if your device is not logged into an OS
environment, or is not connected using a management LAN port which
supports RTL 8117 LAN IC.

This item displays more details about the client device and disk. This item is
software controlled and values may differ with the hardware version. Please refer
to 5.4 Inventory (hardware) for more information on Hardware mode.

4.4.1 Disk Information


Click on Disk Information for more details on the disk.

Disk Name Displays the disk name.

Media Type Displays the media type.

Serial Number Displays the serial number for the disk.

Status Displays the status of the disk.

Manufacture Displays the name of the manufacturer of the disk.

Size Displays the total size of the disk.

S.M.A.R.T. Displays the S.M.A.R.T. attribute status of the disk.

ASUS Control Center Express 4-7


4.4.1 Disk Information
Click on Asset Information for more details on the client device. You may also
edit items with a gray border.

Displays the model name, serial number, asset tag and manufacturer
Baseboard information on the base motherboard. You may edit these items.
Displays the name and manufacturer of the system. You may edit these
System items.
Memory Displays the location and size of the memory.
Displays the release date, version, and manufacturer information of the
BIOS BIOS.
Processor Displays the name, and clock of the processor.
Displays the name, MAC address, connection status, and adapter type
Network Adapter information on the network adapter.
Graphic Card Displays the name and driver version of the graphic card.
Displays the device’s SMBIOS TYPE information. You may edit these
OEM String items.

4-8 Chapter 4: Device Information


4.5 Software
This item displays details on the software and applications with the Application,
Processes, Services, and Environment tab.

Some operating system applications, processes, and services cannot be


removed, terminated, or stopped.

4.5.1 Application tab


The Application tab allows you to view information on installed applications on
the client device. You may also click on an application then select Uninstall to
uninstall the application.

The Uninstall button will be grayed out if the uninstall option is unavailable for
the selected application.

ASUS Control Center Express 4-9


4.5.2 Processes tab
The Processes tab allows you to view information on active processes. You may
also click on a process then select End Task to end the process.

4.5.3 Services tab


The Services tab allows you to view information on the services available. You
may click on a service then choose to start the service by clicking on Start, or stop
a running process by clicking on Stop.

4-10 Chapter 4: Device Information


4.5.4 Environment tab
The Environment tab allows you to view information on the environment
variables.

ASUS Control Center Express 4-11


4.6 Control (software)
This item will not be available if your device is not logged into an OS
environment, or is not connected using a management LAN port which
supports RTL 8117 LAN IC.

This item allows you to configure items such as Regedit, USB Storage Device,
and power control options. This item is software controlled and values may differ
with the hardware version. Please refer to 5.5 Control (hardware) for more
information on Hardware mode.

Enable or disable the Windows Registry Editor.


Enable/Disable Regedit
Enabled: Disabled:
USB Storage Device Enable or disable the USB port, or set it to Read Only.
Restart Computer Restart the client device.
Power On Power on the client device.
Power Off Power off the client device.

4-12 Chapter 4: Device Information


4.7 Event Log
This item displays the event logs for the client devices of ASUS Control Center
Express by clicking on the Monitor, Application, System, and Security tabs.
In each event log tab you may click on an event to view more details about the
event.
You may also export the tables to a .csv file, or import an ACC CSM Evet Log .csv
file:
• To export the table click the Export button, enter a filename, then click
Save.
• To import an ACC CSM Event Log table click the Import button, select
the ACC CSM Event Log .csv file you wish to import, then click Open.

4.7.1 Monitor tab


The Monitor tab allows you to view the event log of the status changes of client
devices detected by the Connection, Hardware, and Utilization sensors.

ASUS Control Center Express 4-13


4.7.2 Application tab
The Application tab allows you to filter application related events by selecting
your filter criteria from the Filter Type block, then clicking Query.

- Ignore this filter


Information level events usually indicate an
Information
event which occured without incident or issue
Warning level events indicate potential issues
Warning
Level Type which may not require immediate action
Error level events indicate loading or operation
Error
failures
Critical level events indicate the most severe
Critical
problems and may require immediate action
Select the amount of events to display, or select - to ignore this
Filter by total records
filter
Select the period of time to filter events, or select - to ignore this
Filter by Timestamp
filter

4-14 Chapter 4: Device Information


4.7.3 System tab
The System tab allows you to filter system related events by selecting your filter
criteria from the Filter Type block, then clicking Query.

- Ignore this filter


Information level events usually indicate an
Information
event which occured without incident or issue
Warning level events indicate potential issues
Warning
Level Type which may not require immediate action
Error level events indicate loading or operation
Error
failures
Critical level events indicate the most severe
Critical
problems and may require immediate action
Select the amount of events to display, or select - to ignore this
Filter by total records
filter
Select the period of time to filter events, or select - to ignore this
Filter by Timestamp
filter

ASUS Control Center Express 4-15


4.7.4 Security tab
The Security tab allows you to filter security related events by selecting your filter
criteria from the Filter Type block, then clicking Query.

- Ignore this filter


Information level events usually indicate an
Information
event which occured without incident or issue
Warning level events indicate potential issues
Warning
Level Type which may not require immediate action
Error level events indicate loading or operation
Error
failures
Critical level events indicate the most severe
Critical
problems and may require immediate action
Select the amount of events to display, or select - to ignore this
Filter by total records
filter
Select the period of time to filter events, or select - to ignore this
Filter by Timestamp
filter

4-16 Chapter 4: Device Information


4.8 Remote Desktop
The Remote Desktop function provides a flexible interface for device
management through the desktop accessed in ASUS Control Center Express.

4.8.1 General Remote Desktop


Select General and click on Yes to remotely control the client device.

The client device should be powered on and logged into an OS environment.

To end the remote control session, scroll to the top of the page, then click on
 Remote Desktop.

ASUS Control Center Express 4-17


4.8.2 Out-of-band Management Remote Desktop
This method of remote desktop will allow you to control your client device even if it
is not in an OS environment, such as BIOS.

This remote control method requires the client device to have KVM enabled,
and connected using a management LAN port which supports RTL 8117 LAN
IC.

Setting up KVM before using Remote Desktop


Before using the Out-of-band Management Remote Desktop function, ensure you
have enabled KVM, and selected a KVM Display Mode.
1. Select the device you would like to use out-of-band management remote
desktop in the main dashboard overview, and click Select function > 8117
Control > 8117 - KVM Enable.
2. Reboot the client device and enter BIOS setup, then navigate to Advanced
> RTL8117 setting.

The BIOS settings may differ between client devices. Please refer to your client
device’s motherboard user manual for more information about navigating the
BIOS and BIOS settings.

3. Click on the drop down menu of the KVM Display Mode option, and select a
display mode from the following configuration options:

BIOS screen will be mirrored on both server remote desktop and


Remote Mulit-Display client devices.
OS screen will only be displayed on the server remote desktop.
BIOS screen will be mirrored on both server remote desktop and
Local Multi-Display client devices.
OS screen will only be displayed on the client device.
BIOS and OS screen will only be displayed on the server remote
Remote Single-Display
desktop.
Local Single-Display BIOS and OS screen will only be displayed on the client device.

4-18 Chapter 4: Device Information


Using the out-of-band management Remote Desktop
Select KVM - 8117 and click on Yes to remotely control your client device even if
it is not in an OS environment.

Clicking on the Function button offers more options for navigating the remote
desktop screen.
Function button

ASUS Control Center Express 4-19


Leave : Return to the previous options
: When there is no mouse connected to the client, there may
Display remote not be a mouse cursor available for the remote screen, click
mouse cursor to display a remote mouse cursor on the remote desktop
screen.
Leave : Return to the previous options
Switch full screen : Zooms the remote desktop screen to fit within your screen .
Zoom to screen size : Centers the remote desktop screen.
Dynamic zoom size : Zoom in or out by using the horizontal slider.
: End the remote control session

4-20 Chapter 4: Device Information


4.9 USB Redirection
The USB Redirection function allows your client devices to read USB drives
connected to your main server. This is useful for situations where you need to
boot up the client device using a USB device, or when you need to access a USB
connected to the main server from a remote location.

This function is only available when the following requirements are met:
- Client device is online and logged into the OS
- Has already had an agent deployed to it
- Connected using a management LAN port which supports RTL 8117
LAN

IP Address The ip address of the device the USB device is connected to


Copy the path or link to an image file you wish to mount onto the
Share Image
client device
Allow the client device access to a selected USB storage device
Share a local drive
connected to the main server device.
Image Path The path of your redirected USB device or image file

ASUS Control Center Express 4-21


4.10 BIOS
This item will have limited functions if your device is not logged into an OS
environment, or is not connected using a management LAN port which
supports RTL 8117 LAN IC.

This item will allow you to adjust some BIOS settings such as Advanced, Boot,
Monitor and Security. It also allows you to update the BIOS of a device by
uploading a BIOS file manually or from the BIOS Cache.

4.10.1 BIOS Setting


Adjust the BIOS Advanced, Boot, Monitor and Security settings of your client
device, then click Apply to save the changes made, or click Load Default to load
the default settings.

The BIOS settings may differ between client devices. Please refer to your client
device’s motherboard user manual for more information about navigating the
BIOS and BIOS settings.

4-22 Chapter 4: Device Information


4.10.2 BIOS Flash Management
You can flash the BIOS by manually uploading a BIOS file or by selecting a
previously flashed BIOS file from the BIOS cache. You may also remove BIOS
files from the BIOS cache if needed.
Flashing BIOS by manually uploading BIOS file
Manually upload a BIOS file to flash the BIOS of the client device. The BIOS file
uploaded and flashed with will be added to the BIOS Cache.
1. Select Manually Upload BIOS File in the BIOS Flash Type field.
2. Click on Browse to select a BIOS file.

3. Confirm that the BIOS file was successfully uploaded and click OK. The
uploaded BIOS file will also be added to the BIOS Cache.

ASUS Control Center Express 4-23


4. Select your Flash Mode, then click on Flash BIOS.

Hardware Flash Mode is only available if the client device is connected using a
management LAN port which supports RTL 8117 LAN IC.

5. Click OK to begin the flash process.

4-24 Chapter 4: Device Information


Flashing BIOS from the BIOS cache
You can select a BIOS file from the BIOS cache.
1. Select Flash from BIOS Cache in the BIOS Flash Type field.
2. An applicable BIOS file should be automatically selected, if you wish to
select another BIOS file, click on the BIOS Cache List drop down menu.
3. Select your Flash Mode, then click on Flash BIOS to begin the BIOS flash
process.

Hardware Flash Mode is only available if the client device is connected using a
management LAN port which supports RTL 8117 LAN IC.

ASUS Control Center Express 4-25


Removing a BIOS file from the BIOS cache
You can view the BIOS files available for the client device in the BIOS Cache
block. To remove a BIOS file from the BIOS Cache, check the BIOS file you wish
to remove, then click on Remove.

4-26 Chapter 4: Device Information


Chapter 5

Management Control
This chapter describes the metadata
management, software management,
and hardware based management
functions.

Chapter 5: Management Functions


The screenshots in this chapter are for reference only.

5.1 Management Control Overview


The Management Control options allow you to manage a client device which is
connected via a management LAN port which supports RTL 8117 LAN IC, and
also allows out-of-band management.
To access Management Control, click on located at the top right menu bar.

5.1.1 Scanning for devices


You can scan for client devices which support the Management Control functions
by clicking on Scan.

5.1.2 Using shortcut functions


1. Select the device(s) you would like to perform an action on.
2. Click on Select function, and select the function you would like to use.
Please refer to the table on the next page for a brief summary of each
function.

• For more details on the following functions listed below, please refer to
- USB Redirection: 4.9 USB Redirection
- 8117-Set password: 5.1.3 Setting the password for RTL8117
- 8117-Update Firmware: 5.9 Firmware Update
- 8117-Smart BIOS: 4.10 BIOS
• Some functions may require you to restart the client device for the changes
to take effect.

5-2 Chapter 5: Management Functions


8117-Restart Computer Restart the selected device(s).
8117-Force Power OFF Force power off the selected device(s).
8117-Power OFF Power off the selected device(s).
8117-Power ON Power on the selected device(s).
8117-Clear CMOS Clear CMOS for selected device(s).
Allows access of a USB device from within a remote desktop or
USB Redirection
application using RTL8117.
8117-Set password Set an encryption password for RTL8117
Restart Service Restart the RTL8117 service on selected device(s)
8117-Smart BIOS Flash the BIOS of the selected device(s) using RTL8117.
Update the RTL8117 firmware.

8117-Update Firmware Firmware Update will be disabled if 8117-KVM is


Enabled.

8117-KVM Enable Enable KVM for selected device(s).


8117-KVM Disable Disable KVM for selected device(s).

5.1.3 Setting the password for RTL8117


You can set an encryption password for RTL8117 using this function.
1. Select the device(s) you would like to set the encryption password for.
2. Click on Select function > 8117 - Control > 8117 - Set password.
3. Enter the current password in the Password field, or you may check Default
Password to load a previously set password.

If no RTL8117 password was previously set, checking Default Password will


load the system’s default password.

ASUS Control Center Express 5-3


3. Enter your new password into the New password field, and enter it again
into the Confirm Password field.

The password should be a minimum of 8 characters and should only consist of


uppercase characters, lowercase characters, and numbers.

4. Click Save once you are finished.

5-4 Chapter 5: Management Functions


5.2 Management Control Information
Overview
The Management Control Information provides you with detailed information
about your selected client device, and also provides you with some hardware
controlled management functions such as power control options.
To access Management Control Information of a client device, please refer to
one of the following methods:
• Classic dashboard view: Click on a client device in the device list, then
select Hardware in the Mode dropdown menu.
• Graphic dashboard view: Double click on a client device shortcut icon,
then select Hardware in the Mode dropdown menu.
• Management Control: Click on a client device in the scanned list of the
Management Control screen.

• Some options are only available when the client device is online and
logged into the OS.
• This chapter is only for the Hardware Mode options, for Software Mode
options, please refer to Chapter 4 Device Information.

ASUS Control Center Express 5-5


Toggle between Software and
Device icon Client device details Hardware Mode.

Device Name Displays the device name.

Device icon Click on the device icon to view the event log of this device.w

OS Information Displays information on the Operating System.

Management Control Displays the Management Control LAN IC

Model Name Displays the model name of client device.

IP Address Displays the IP address of client device.

Up Time Displays the up time of client device.

Firmware Version Displays the firmware version of client device.

Kernel Version Displays the kernel version of client device.

U-Boot Version Displays the U-Boot version of client device.

5-6 Chapter 5: Management Functions


5.3 Hardware Sensor (hardware)
This item allows you to view threshold value for items such as voltage,
temperature, and fans. This item is hardware controlled and values may differ with
the software version. Please refer to 4.2 Hardware sensor (software) for more
information on Software mode.

5.4 Inventory (hardware)


This item displays more details about the client device. This item is hardware
controlled and values may differ with the software version. Please refer to 4.4
Inventory (software) for more information on Software mode.

ASUS Control Center Express 5-7


5.5 Control (hardware)
This item allows you to configure KVM and Watchdog, clear CMOS, restart
services, set an encryption password, and configure power control options. This
item is hardware controlled and values may differ with the software version.
Please refer to 4.6 Control (software) for more information on Software mode.

Some functions may require you to restart the client device for the changes to
take effect.

Restart Computer Restarts the client device.


Power On Power on the client device.
Power Off Power off the client device.
Forces a power off if your client device may be
Force Power Off
unresponsive due to an error.
Allows you to set the time interval in seconds for which
Heartbeat Interval*
the hardware signals are checked.
Enable or disable the Windows Registry Editor.
Enabled / Disable Watchdog*
Enabled: Disabled:
Clears the BIOS setup information for when the client
hangs due to overclocking or other errors.

Clear CMOS Ensure the client device is completely


powered off before clearing CMOS. Power
the client device on after the clearing the
CMOS.

* These functions only appear if an agent is already deployed to this device and if you switch from Software
Mode to Hardware Mode
(continued on the next page)

5-8 Chapter 5: Management Functions


Set Password Set an encryption password.
Restart Service Restart service.
Enable or disable KVM.
Enable/Disable KVM
Enabled: Disabled:

5.6 Remote Desktop


The Remote Desktop function provides a flexible interface for out-of-band device
management through the desktop accessed in ASUS Control Center Express.
Please refer to 4.8.2 Out-of-band Management Remote Desktop for more
information on using the out-of-band management remote desktop.

5.7 USB Redirection


The USB Redirection function allows your client devices to read USB drives
connected to your main server. This is useful for situations where you need to
boot up the client device using a USB device, or when you need to access a USB
connected to the main server from a remote location. Please refer to 4.9 USB
Redirection for more information.

5.8 Smart BIOS


The Smart BIOS function allows you to update the BIOS of a device by uploading
a BIOS file manually or from the BIOS Cache.

The client device will restart after a BIOS flash is finished for the changes to
take effect.

5.8.1 BIOS Flash Management


You can flash the BIOS by manually uploading a BIOS file or by selecting a
previously flashed BIOS file from the BIOS cache. You may also remove BIOS
files from the BIOS cache if needed.

ASUS Control Center Express 5-9


Flashing BIOS by manually uploading BIOS file
Manually upload a BIOS file to flash the BIOS of the client device. The BIOS file
uploaded and flashed with will be added to the BIOS Cache.
1. Select Manually Upload BIOS File in the BIOS Flash Type field.
2. Click on Browse to select a BIOS file, then click OK to confirm the BIOS file
was uploaded successfully. The uploaded BIOS file will also be added to the
BIOS Cache
3. Click on Flash BIOS.

Flash Mode will be defaulted to Hardware Mode.

4. Select if you wish to perform a Normal Mode BIOS flash or if you wish to do
a Recovery Mode BIOS flash, then click OK.

Performing a Recovery Mode BIOS Flash will reset all BIOS configurations,
and remove all previous configurations.

5-10 Chapter 5: Management Functions


Flashing BIOS from the BIOS cache
You can select a BIOS file from the BIOS cache.
1. Select Flash from BIOS Cache in the BIOS Flash Type field.
2. Select a BIOS file from the BIOS Cache List drop down menu.
3. Click on Flash BIOS.

Flash Mode will be defaulted to Hardware Mode.

4. Select if you wish to perform a Normal Mode BIOS flash or if you wish to do
a Recovery Mode BIOS flash, then click OK.

Performing a Recovery Mode BIOS Flash will reset all BIOS configurations,
and remove all previous configurations.

5. (Optional) If you selected Recovery Mode, you will be prompted with a


warning message, as Recovery Mode will remove all previous BIOS data
and configurations. Click Flash to continue with using Recovery Mode.

ASUS Control Center Express 5-11


Removing a BIOS file from the BIOS cache
You can view the BIOS files available for the client device in the BIOS Cache
block. To remove a BIOS file from the BIOS Cache, check the BIOS file you wish
to remove, then click on Remove.

5-12 Chapter 5: Management Functions


5.9 Firmware Update
The Firmware Update function allows you to update the firmware of the RTL
8117 LAN IC, and also displays the results of the firmware update.

Firmware Update will be disabled when KVM is set to enabled. To update


firmware please set KVM to disabled.

5.9.1 Uploading and updating firmware


1. Click on Import File, then select you firmware file (.img) and click Open.

2. Click on Firmware Update, then wait for the update to be completed.

ASUS Control Center Express 5-13


3. You can check the results of the firmware update in the Firmware Update
Result block.
4. (optional) If the client device’s firmware was updated while it was powered
on, please reboot the client device after the firmware has been successfully
updated.

5-14 Chapter 5: Management Functions


5.10 Software Management
This item provides centralized software management, such as dispatching
software setup and script files to selected devices, adding software packages to
the Software Pool, view software information, or blacklisting software on selected
client devices.

5.10.1 Software Dispatch


This item allows you to dispatch software setup and script files.
To access Software Dispatch, select the client device(s) then click on Select
Function > Software Management > Software Dispatch.
Dispatching software to client device
1. Select the Setup File and Script File you would like to upload and dispatch
to the client device.

• The following setup file formats are supported: .zip, .exe, or .msi.
• The file size of the setup file should not exceed 1.0 GB.

ASUS Control Center Express 5-15


2. (optional) Select the notification scenario for when the script has been
successfully sent to the client and completed setup, or if the script has been
successfully sent to the client.

3. Click on OK, then wait for the software dispatch process to finish. Once
it is completed you should receive a notification based on the notification
scenario selected.

5-16 Chapter 5: Management Functions


5.10.2 Software Pool
You can dispatch, remove or modify software packages uploaded to your software
pool.
To access the software pool, select the client device(s) and click on Select
Function > Software Management > Software Dispatch, then scroll to the
bottom of the Software Dispatch screen.

Adding software packages to the Software Pool


1. Click on Add.

2. Enter the required information into the Software Name, OS Type, Platform,
and Version fields. You may also type in a brief description of the software
package into the Description field.

ASUS Control Center Express 5-17


3. Select the Setup File and Script File you would like to upload. Click on
Save once you have finished.

• The following setup file formats are supported: .zip, .exe, or .msi.
• The file size of the setup file should not exceed 1.0 GB.

4. The added software package should appear in the Software Pool list.

5-18 Chapter 5: Management Functions


Dispatching software using the Software Pool
1. Click on the software package you would like to dispatch from the Software
Pool.

2. Select the notification scenario, then click on Dispatch. Once the software
dispatch process is completed you should receive a notification based on the
notification scenario selected.

ASUS Control Center Express 5-19


Modifying a software package
1. Check the software package you would like to modify from the Software
Pool, then click on Modify.

2. You can edit the Version and Description, once you have finished, click on
Save to save the changes made.

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Deleting a software package
1. Check the software package you would like to delete from the Software
Pool, then click on Modify.

2. Click on Remove to remove the software package from the Software Pool.

ASUS Control Center Express 5-21


5.10.3 Software Information
You can view the information on Application, Processes, Services and
Environment variables of multiple devices, by selecting the client device(s) you
wish to view software information on and clicking on Select Function > Software
Management > Software Information.
Click on a device in the top block of the Software Information screen and the
Application, Processes, Services, and Environment variables of the selected
device should be displayed in the different tabs below.

Some operating system applications, processes, and services cannot be


removed, terminated, or stopped.

Application tab
The Application tab allows you to view information on applications installed
on the selected client device. You may also click on an application then select
Uninstall to uninstall the application on all selected devices.

The Uninstall button will be grayed out if the uninstall option is unavailable for
the selected application.

Processes tab
The Processes tab allows you to view information on active processes. You may
also click on a process then select End Task to end the process.

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Services tab
The Services tab allows you to view information on the services available on the
selected device. You may click on a service then choose to start the service by
clicking on Start, or stop a running process by clicking on Stop.

Environment tab
The Environment tab allows you to view information on the common environment
variables.

5.10.4 Software Blacklist


You can add software to the software blacklist of all selected devices.
To access the Software Blacklist, select the client device(s) and click on Select
Function > Software Management > Software Blacklist.
Adding a software to the Software Blacklist
1. Click on Add.

2. Enter the name of the software you wish to blacklist, then click on Save.

ASUS Control Center Express 5-23


Removing a software from the Software Blacklist
Select the software from the Software Blacklist and click on Remove, then click
on OK.

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5.11 Metadata Management
This item allows you to add or edit metadata fields and information which is
displayed when viewing device information.
To access Metadata Management, click on located at the top right menu bar.

5.11.1 Adding metadata fields


1. Click on Editor.

ASUS Control Center Express 5-25


2. Enter the name of the metadata field you would like to add, then click on
Add.

3. Your new metadata field should appear in the metadata management list,
click on Save to save the changes done.

For this example we have added the “Location” metadata field.

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5.11.2 Removing metadata fields
1. Click on Editor.

2. Click on the X next to the metadata field you would like to remove, then click
Yes

ASUS Control Center Express 5-27


5.11.3 Updating the metadata manually
You can edit the metadata of each device by double clicking on the cell of the field
you would like to update, then clicking on Save once you are finished to save the
changes made.

The Host Name field displays a list of the client devices, and cannot be edited.

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5.11.4 Updating the metadata using a batch update
1. First export a .csv file of the metadata fields you wish to populate by clicking
on Export.

To customize which metadata fields to export, click on Options, then select the
metadata fields you wish to export. Deselecting a metadata field will hide the
metadata field and will not add that field to the exported .csv file.

2. Update the exported .csv file with the data you wish to populate the metadata
fields on ASUS Control Center Express with.
3. Click on Batch Update, then select the .csv file you updated and click Open.
Your metadata fields should be populated with the information on the .csv
file.

ASUS Control Center Express 5-29


4. Click on Save to save the changes made.

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Chapter 6

This chapter describes how to import


configurations of your ACC CSM to
ASUS Control Center Express, and
also allow you to deploy ASUS Control
Center Express agents to devices
managed by ACC CSM.

Settings Migrator
6.1 Settings Migrator
If you are already using ACC CSM and wish to import all your ACC CSM
configurations to ASUS Control Center Express, you can use the Settings Migrator
function. This will also allow you to deploy ASUS Control Center Express agents
to existing devices managed by your ACC CSM.
To access Settings Migrator, click on located at the top right menu bar, then
select Settings Migrator.

The screenshots in this section are for reference only.

6.1.1 Importing configurations of ACC CSM server


1. Click on Server setting migrator located at the top of the screen,

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2. Enter the required information into the fields, then click on Save.

ACC CSM server IP IP address of the ACC CSM server you wish to import
ACC CSM account The administrator account of the ACC CSM server you wish to
import
ACC CSM password The password for the administrator account of the ACC CSM
server you wish to import
Sync metadata Check to import metadata fields of ACC CSM
Sync general setting Check to import specific general settings of ACC CSM. These
settings include:
MainServer Settings Agent Configuration
- Web page refresh timer - Hardware sensor interval
- Check for updates timer - Utilization time interval
- Agent response timer
Sync SMTP setting Check to import the SMTP settings of ACC CSM
Sync rule management Check to import notification rules of ACC CSM

Imported notification rules will only be applied


to ACC CSM client devices managed by ASUS
Control Center Express.

Sync account setting Check to import the accounts and roles of ACC CSM

The default account for ACC CSM cannot be


imported.

Due to security reasons, the passwords for


imported ACC CSM accounts will not be imported
to ASUS Control Center Express. The password for
these accounts will be defaulted to “admin”, ensure
to edit and change these passwords to the correct
administrator passwords of the imported client
devices.

ASUS Control Center Express 6-3


6.1.2 Deploying ACCE agents to ACC CSM devices
You can import the client device information of ACC CSM which will allow you to
deploy ASUS Control Center Express agents to there ACC CSM client devices.
1. Before deploying ASUS Control Center Express agents to ACC CSM
devices, please ensure you have registered CSM license keys for ACC CSM
product devices.

For more information on registering CSM license keys, please refer to 7.1.4
License Key.

2. Click on Import ACC CSM data.

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2. Enter the required information into the fields, then click on Save.

ACC Express server IP IP address of ASUS Control Center Express server


ACC CSM server IP IP address of the ACC CSM server you wish to import
ACC CSM account The administrator account of the ACC CSM server you wish to
import
ACC CSM password The password for the administrator account of the ACC CSM
server you wish to import

3. The data of client devices managed by ACC CSM should be imported and
appear in the devices block.

ASUS Control Center Express 6-5


4. Due to security reasons, the administrator passwords for imported ACC
CSM client devices will be defaulted to “admin”. Double click on the imported
client devices and change the password to the administrator password of the
client device, then click on Save.

Ensure the Administrator account of the client is enabled and has a password
set. (Windows disables the Administrator account by default, to enable
the account click on the Windows button from the Desktop > Windows
Administrative Tools > Computer Management > System Tools > Local
Users and Groups > User > Administrator, then uncheck the Account is
disabled field)

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5. Ensure you have changed the administrator password of the client devices
you wish to deploy ASUS Control Center Express agents to, then select
those devices.

6. (optional) Check Client setting migration to import the ACC CSM client
settings and data for the selected devices when you deploy. Please refer to
the table below for more information on the client settings and data Client
setting migration will import.

ASUS Control Center Express 6-7


CPU threshold values

DIMM threshold values


Utilization
Partition threshold values

Network threshold values

Enable/Disable Regedit setting


Control
USB Storage Device setting

Event log Event log information on the device

Power Control related scheduled tasks

Service Control related scheduled tasks

Scheduled tasks Software Dispatch related scheduled tasks

Security Control related scheduled tasks

BIOS Cache related scheduled tasks

If there are imported Scheduled tasks on devices which do not have ASUS
Control Center Express agents deployed yet, tasks relating to these devices
will be added to the Task Scheduler once ASUS Control Center Express
agents have been deployed to these devices.

7. (optional) Check the Remove the traditional software Acc box to remove
any previous versions of ASUS Control Center agents installed on the
selected client devices when deploying new agents.

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8. Click on Deploy and wait for the agent deployment to be completed. Once
the process is completed, you may view the deploy status below.

ASUS Control Center Express 6-9


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Chapter 7

Account & General Settings


This chapter describes the User and
ASUS Control Center Express settings.
7.1 Settings menu
You can set the general settings such as configuring SMTP Settings, Rule
Management, General Configurations, or add more License keys.
To access Settings, click on located at the top right menu bar.

The information entered in this section is for reference only.

7.1.1 SMTP Settings


Set up the SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) for ASUS Control Center
Express to allow feedback on system failures and alerts to be sent via email to the
system administrator.
To set up the SMTP Server

The settings entered may vary depending on the service provider, please refer
to the information provided by your service provider.

1. Fill in and check the required fields.

Display Name The name of this SMTP setting. The display name will not appear
on sent emails
SMTP Server The SMTP server responsible for collecting and sending emails
SMTP Port Service port for SMTP. Common ports used are 25 (SMTP former
default port), 465 (encrypted SMTP), and 587 (new SMTP default)
Sender Address The email of the ACCE notification sender. This email address must
exist within the SMTP Server service
Sender Password The password for the ACCE notification email sender
Enable SSL Enables mail sent or forwarded through this SMTP server to be SSL
encrypted

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2. (optional) Click on Send Test Mail, then enter an email and click Send to
receive the test mail allowing you to check the status of the SMTP. If the
SMTP is functioning properly, you should receive an email.
3. Click Save to save the changes made.

7.1.2 Rule Management


Rule management allows you to add or delete rules on notifications. When a
device is in warning or critical status, a notification will be sent to the system
administrator.
Adding a new rule
1. Click on Add.

ASUS Control Center Express 7-3


2. Enter a rule name, then select the devices to apply the rule to. Click Next.

• You may use the Search box to search and filter devices according to the
keywords you enter. Click Clear to clear any search filters applied.
• To view more column items in the Host List, click on Options, then check
the metadata item you wish to display and click on Save.
• Click Select All to select all devices in the Host List.

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3. Select conditions (type and status of hardware or utilization sensors) to send
notifications, then click Next.

The checkbox checked when selecting the hardware sensor or utilization


type and status will send notifications when the status shifts from the other
two statuses to the status checked. For example, checking Normal will send
notifications when the status changes from Warning or Critical to Normal.

ASUS Control Center Express 7-5


4. Select the notification method between the following options (multiple
notification methods may be selected):
• Event Log
The notification will be displayed on the device’s event log and system
overview.

• Email
The notification is sent to the entered email addresses.

Ensure to set up the SMTP server settings before using the email function. For
more information please refer to 7.1.1 SMTP Settings.

When entering multiple emails, press <Enter> after each email to separate the
emails.

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5. Click on Save after finished selecting your notification method(s).

Your newly added rule should appear under Rule List, this displays the rule
name and details of your selected notification method. Clicking on the newly
added rule will display the devices associated with the rule in the Monitor
Hardware Sensor List, and the list of hardware and utilizations being
monitored in the Monitor Hardware Sensor List and Monitor Utilization
List.

ASUS Control Center Express 7-7


To edit a notification rule:

Use the edit function to add new devices or devices which have been re-
deployed to the notification rule.

1. Select a rule in the Rule List you wish to edit, then click on in the Edit
Rule column.

2. Follow steps 2 to 4 edit your Rule, then click Save to save the changes
made.

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To delete a notification rule:
1. Select a rule in the Rule List you wish to delete, then click on in the
Delete Rule column.

2. Click Delete to delete the rule.

ASUS Control Center Express 7-9


7.1.3 General Configuration
The General configurations allows you to configure different settings for the Main
Server and agents. Scroll down to view more options.

MainServer Settings:
Configure items for the main ASUS Control Center Express server. Click on Save
to save the changes made.

Theme Select a color theme (dark, acc_csm, acc) for your main server
Web page refresh Set the time interval in seconds between each refresh of all
timer webpages of the main server
Check for updates Set the time interval in hours between each main server update
timer check
MC response timer Set the time interval for management controller (RTL8117) to return
status updates to the main server

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Agent Configuration:
Configure the agent sensor intervals and response times. Click on Save to save
the changes made.

Hardware sensor Set the time interval in seconds for the hardware sensor to return
interval sensor vaules
Utilization time Set the time interval in seconds for the utilization sensor to return
interval sensor vaules
Agent response Set the time interval in seconds for the agent to query tasks from the
timer main server

Agent Account:
Set the default administrator account and password for client devices if no
administrator account and password were entered when deploying agents. Click
on Save to save the changes made.

Account Set the default administrator account


Password Set the default administrator password

ASUS Control Center Express 7-11


Agent Port:
Configure the ports for the agent and main server to use when connecting to the
client device. Click on Save to save the changes made.

We recommend using the default values as this will require no further


adjustments to the client device’s firewall settings.

HTTPS Set the port for webpage access


Remote Set the port for remote desktop
Undeploy Set the port for removing the agent from clients

Appearance Configuration:
View the version of the main server, as well as customize the banner logo. Click
on Save to save the changes made, or click on Reset to return to the default
banner logo.

Version Displays the version of the main ASUS Control Center Express
server
Banner Logo Click Browse to select and upload a new banner logo. The
banner logo can be viewed in the top left corner of the main
dashboard overview
Ignore MC Descriptor Enable or disable debug mode

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Update Settings:
Configure the update settings for the main server and clients. Click on Update to
save the changes made.

Allow Auto Updates Enable / Disable auto updates for the main server
Allow Update Enable / Disable notifications for new updates and update
Notifications statuses.
Update All Clients Click Update to begin updating all client agents

ASUS Control Center Express 7-13


7.1.4 License
You may add or remove license keys in this menu. You may also import license
information from previous versions of ACC.

To add a license key


1. Locate the License Key on the ASUS Control Center Express card bundled
in your motherboard’s giftbox.
2. Click on Add Key.

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3. Key in the license key and then click on Add Key to register a license for a
single device on ASUS Control Center Express.

To import multiple license keys


1. Click on Export to export a template .csv file, then enter the required
information in the .csv file.

2. Click on Import to import your edited .csv file.

ASUS Control Center Express 7-15


To add an ACC CSM license key
1. Prepare your ACC CSM license key(s).
2. Click on Add Key.

3. Key in the license key and then click on Add Key to register a license for a
single device on ASUS Control Center Express.

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To import multiple ACC CSM license keys
1. Click on Export to export a template .csv file, then enter the required
information in the .csv file.

2. Click on Import to import your edited .csv file.

ASUS Control Center Express 7-17


To remove a license key
1. Select the license key(s) or ACC CSM license key(s) you would like to
remove, then click Remove.

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7.2 Account menu
The Account menu allows you to manage accounts for ASUS Control Center
Express, or migrate ACC CSM settings to ASUS Control Center Express. You can
also scan a QR code for easy access to the web version of ASUS Control Center
Express or provide feedback to the developers.

• The information entered in this section is for reference only.

• For more information on migrating ACC CSM settings, please refer to


Chapter 6 Settings Migrator.

7.2.1 Account Settings


Account settings displays all user accounts on ASUS Control Center Express, and
allows you to add, edit, or delete user accounts.
To access Account Settings, click on located at the top right menu bar, then
select Settings.

ASUS Control Center Express 7-19


To add an account
1. Click on Add.

2. Enter the required information into the fields, and check Enable the account
in the Active field to enable this account, then click on Save to add this new
account.

Username Username of the account


Password Password for the account
Confirm Password Confirm the password for the account
Email Email associated with the account
Role Name The role assigned to the account will determine what privileges it
has

To add or modify roles, please refer to the Role


Privilege Management.

Description Enter a brief description on the account


Active Check to enable the account

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To edit an account
1. Click on the account you wish to modify.

2. You may edit the account details, click on Update once you are finished.

ASUS Control Center Express 7-21


To delete an account
1. Check the account(s) you wish to delete, then click Delete.

The administrator account for ASUS Control Center Express cannot be deleted.

2. Confirm that you wish to delete the account(s), then click Delete.

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7.2.1 Role Privilege Management
The Role Privilege Management displays all roles on ASUS Control Center
Express, and allows you to add, edit, or modify permissions of different roles that
you may assign to users.
To access Role Privilege Management, click on located at the top right
menu bar, then select Settings.

To add a new role


1. Click on Add.

2. Enter the Role Name and Description for the role, then check the privileges
you want to assign to this role in the Privilege Configuration block.

ASUS Control Center Express 7-23


3. Click Add to add the new role.

To edit a role
1. Click on the role you wish to edit.

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2. You may edit the Role Name and Description, or modify the Privilege
Configuration. Click on Update once you are finished.

To delete a role
1. Check the role(s) you wish to delete, then click Delete.

2. Confirm that you wish to delete the account(s), then click Delete.

If there are accounts associated with the role(s) you wish to delete, the
accounts will also be deleted when you delete the role(s). The pop up message
will notify you of the amount of accounts affected by this action.

ASUS Control Center Express 7-25


7.3 QR Code
You can scan the QR code to quickly access the web version of ASUS Control
Center Express on your mobile device.
To access QR Code, click on located at the top right menu bar, then select
QR Code.

The illustration in this section is for reference only.

7.4 Submit Feedback


You can provide feedback to the developers using the Feedback function. You
may also upload screenshots if required.
To submit feedback, click on located at the top right menu bar, then select
Feedback.

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