Setting Up Rendering Software

When you’ve configured the computers on your rendering network for TCP/IP, you’re ready to load the 3DS MAX software.

Reference

For each machine, decide between two setup options:

• Typical: At least one machine in the network needs a hardware-locked copy of 3D Studio MAX. This is the copy of 3D Studio MAX you will run interactively and use to submit jobs to the network renderer. If you have not yet set up a machine for this, see the instructions in the 3D Studio MAX documentation.
• Compact:This setup option loads the minimum files required to run 3D Studio MAX. A hardware lock is not required. Use the Compact option under the following conditions:
• You are setting up a rendering server dedicated to network rendering and nothing else.
• You are using an available computer as an occasional rendering server, and you do not intend to use this computer as a 3DS MAX workstation.

Important: Before using a copy of 3DS MAX as a rendering server, you need to authorize the program on every rendering server. Otherwise, an authorization reminder will interfere with rendering generating an error.

How To

To install a compact version of 3DS MAX on a rendering server

1. Start Windows NT on the rendering server machine.
2. Put the 3DS MAX program CD-ROM in the computer’s local drive, or connect to a network drive that has access to the CD-ROM.
3. From the Program Manager, choose File/Run and enter the following:

d:\setup (substitute appropriate directory path as necessary)

4. When the Setup program starts, continue past the Welcome screen to the Setup Type screen.
5. On the Setup Type screen, select Compact.
6. To choose a destination directory for the software, do one of the following:
• Accept the default directory \3dsmax\ by clicking Next>.
• Define a new directory by clicking Browse and replacing the default in the Path edit box. Then click OK and Next>.

Try to install 3D Studio MAX in identical locations on all servers. If 3D Studio MAX is installed on the same drive letter and directory on all server machines, configuring bitmap and plug-in paths, which are stored in the 3dsmax.ini file, will be much easier.

The Serial Number screen appears.

7 Enter the Serial Number and CD Key.

7. 8 Click Next>.
8. Select the Program Folder where you want the 3D Studio MAX icons to be installed.
9. Click Next>.

The setup program copies the minimum software to the hard disk.

10. Click on the Finish button to restart your computer.

Important: Before using a copy of 3DS MAX as a server, you need to authorize the program on every rendering server. Otherwise, an authorization reminder will interfere with network rendering generating an error. To authorize a copy of 3DS MAX on a server temporarily place your hardware lock on the rendering server machine and double click the “Authorize 3DS MAX” icon. When prompted enter your authorization code and click OK. Once your server copy has been authorized you can remove the hardware lock. A hardware lock is not required to run the 3DS MAX Network Rendering Server program.

Repeat this setup on every rendering server in the network to load and authorize the required software.

Next Step:

• Setting Up Directories