Install: Factorysoft Opc Client

Mastering the FactorySoft OPC Client Install: A Step-by-Step Guide to Seamless Industrial Connectivity

Published by: Industrial Automation Insights
Reading Time: 8 minutes

3.3 Enabling 32-bit OPC Browsing on 64-bit Windows

FactorySoft’s OPC Browser tool is 32-bit. By default, it cannot see 64-bit OPC servers’ registry entries. To fix: factorysoft opc client install

1. Close the OPC Browser.
2. Launch the 32-bit version of OPCBrowser.exe from C:\Program Files (x86)\FactorySoft\OPC Client\Bin32.
3. Create a shortcut on your desktop: Target: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\mmc.exe with argument /32 – then launch the OPC Browser.

5.1 DCOM Security (OPC DA Only)

If connecting to remote OPC DA servers:

1. Run dcomcnfg → Component Services → Computers → My Computer → DCOM Config
2. Find your OPC server (e.g., FactorySoft.OPCServer) → Right‑click → Properties
3. Security tab:
   • Launch & Activation Permissions → Customize → Add ANONYMOUS LOGON and Everyone with local/remote launch & activation.
   • Access Permissions → Customize → Add same users with local/remote access.
4. General tab → Authentication Level = None or Connect (avoid Packet Privacy for performance).
5. Restart the OPC server.

1. Introduction

• Brief overview of OPC (OPC Classic vs OPC UA) and its role in industrial automation.
• Positioning of FactorySoft OPC Client as a lightweight Windows-based OPC client for reading/writing tags from OPC servers.

1.1 System Requirements (Windows 10/11 & Server)

• Operating System: Windows 10 Pro/Enterprise (21H2+), Windows Server 2019/2022.
• Architecture: The FactorySoft OPC Client is typically a 32-bit COM component. It runs on 64-bit systems via WOW64 (Windows-on-Windows 64-bit).
• Memory: 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended for high-tag-count environments).
• Dependencies: Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables (2015-2022).

5. Post‑Installation Validation

1. Launch the application from Start Menu.
2. Add OPC Server
   • Click Add Server → browse local/remote OPC servers.
   • Select server (e.g., Kepware.KEPServerEX.V6).
3. Connect → Status should show “Connected”.
4. Browse tags → Expand groups → drag tag to watch list.
5. Test read/write → Right‑click tag → Write value.