Installing software on a cRIO using NI MAX and Windows 11

[_pepper]

We recently replaced a lab PC with a Windows 11 machine, and in the process we upgraded the remote target cRIO-9049 to Labview 2025 (was previously 2020).  That forced us to install a new base system image and new software.  We used NI MAX, and the installation of the base system image worked just fine.  However, when moving to the Add/Remove Software stage, we received the error "One or more feeds are inaccessible."  In reviewing the NI KB on this issue, we checked the firewall rules for port 9100 and other associated port settings, and everything was fine.  We also installed the Real-Time Offline Installation Support package, which installed a local copy of the feeds onto the host PC.  Even when choosing the option for an offline installation, the same error happens.  Something we noticed was that with both options, it seems MAX is trying to start the NI System Web Server.  We finally found a workaround, which was to go into the Manage Feeds window and physically disable the download.ni.com feeds.  In this scenario, choosing to install software sends us straight to the software management window, where we were able to accomplish the task.  There didn't seem to be any attempt to start the NI System Web Server or anything else, it just went straight to the installation prompt.  We never had to do this with the Windows 10 machine, installation worked just fine every time.

I have two questions for NI.  First, is there something different about how NI handles software installation on Windows 11 than it did in Windows 10 (e.g. WebDAV versus FTP)?  Second, what is bypassed in the process when I physically disable the online feeds versus when I just choose the offline option and the online option is still available?  The reason I ask these is that I'm trying to figure out if this is a company security issue or an NI issue.  I do believe one of our technicians tried this with a non-company computer and had the same result.

One question for other forum members: Has anyone else tried installing software on a cRIO using the online feeds and a Windows 11 machine?

Finally, a suggestion to NI...it would be helpful to update the associated KB article on this issue (One or More Feeds Are Inaccessible Error When Installing Software to NI Linux Real-Time Target - NI) to include disabling the online feeds as a troubleshooting step.

[Christiana]

I am currently having the same issue. I even tried to connect to the feeds from my home computer because I suspected the corporate network and the feeds were unavailable.

[_pepper]

We eventually resolved the issue on our end.  As it turned out, our internal security restrictions (we use Crowdstrike) prevent us from using a dual NIC setup.  We have a process for requesting a security exception that puts individual computers into a security group that allows a dual NIC.  We are now using the following recommendations when setting up a new PC that is going to use a dual NIC setup to connect to both the company network and a RT remote target:

• Open an IT ticket to request a Crowdstrike exception to allow communication with a local NIC
• Utilize a static IP address and Private network for the local NIC (recommended)
• Install the NI Linux Real-Time Offline Installation Support
• Change the System Configuration Web Access setting in NI MAX to "Local and Remote" (to allow access to both offline and online feeds)

[rolfk]

Same here. Our network security somehow blocks the new post 2021 cRIO setup. My solution was to take the cRIO home and do it from my home computer. Using my personal university computer at home didn't work either as the network security settings still somehow seem to be active.