This topic describes the Microsoft Windows Operating System, configuration and the settings used with the Keysight instrument software. It includes information about changing some of the system settings. And it describes the Windows operating system configuration and the software installations that are present on the Disk Drive when the instrument leaves the factory.
It is possible to use the front panel and touchscreen for changing operating system configuration items, but it is easier to perform these tasks with a USB mouse and external keyboard.
Note: This topic does not cover Windows Operation System features that can be found in the Windows OS Help (for example, keyboard shortcuts, etc.).
Your instrument has Microsoft Windows installed at the factory. Keysight has already configured many of the settings in Microsoft Windows for optimal behavior in your instrument. This topic contains details about many of these settings.
The Vector Network Analyzer Measurement Application software is installed in the vector network analyzer. Additional measurement applications are available. Each application requires a license to execute the software. All of these applications are installed by the factory at the time of manufacture, even if the licenses have not been purchased. You may purchase additional licenses at a later date.
Keysight has verified that the following programs are compatible with the instrument's applications:
The Vector Network Analyzer platform is an Open Windows environment, so you can install software on the instrument. However, installation of non-approved software may affect instrument performance. Keysight does not warrant the performance of the analyzers with non-approved software installed.
Note: Before installing any additional programs on the instrument, you should exit the Vector Network Analyzer application. Also, you must not remove any applications or programs that were installed on the instrument when it was shipped from the factory.
If you install programs other than those that Keysight has tested, it could cause problems with the instrument's applications. If this happens, you should try uninstalling the program that has caused the problem, or try changing the program's configuration. If this does not correct the problem, you may have to use the Instrument Recovery system to reinstall the instrument's system software.
Refer to VNA User Accounts and Passwords.
The Windows settings have been optimized for the best measurement performance. Any modifications to these settings may degrade instrument performance and measurement speed. In general, most Windows System settings (typically set through the Windows Control Panel) should not be modified. Those that can be safely modified are listed below.
CAUTION: To recover from problems caused by changing Windows Systems settings, you may have to reinstall the Windows system and instrument applications using the Instrument Recovery process.
You may change the following Windows settings or administrative tasks (available from the Windows Control Panel) to suit your own personal preferences. It is recommended that you document any changes to the instrument’s configuration in case an Instrument Recovery is performed and the configuration is reset.
Note: Some of these actions can only be performed with Administrator privileges. Refer to the Windows OS Help for how to set the permissions to Administrator.
|
You May Use This Feature: |
To Do This: |
|
Windows Update |
Configure Microsoft Windows Automatic Updates. Microsoft recommends that you always get the latest critical Windows updates to ensure that the instrument's Windows operating system is protected. If the instrument has Internet access, the instrument default is set to automatically check for critical Windows Updates and notify you. |
|
User Accounts |
Set up new user accounts. CAUTION: Do not delete or modify the "KeysightOnly" user account. Doing so may prevent Keysight from servicing the instrument. |
|
Network and Sharing Center |
Add the instrument to a network. |
|
Devices and Printers |
Install and configure a printer. |
|
Date and Time |
Set the time and date. |
|
System |
If you click on “Advanced System Settings” a dialog will open called “System Properties.” On this dialog there is an “Advanced” tab, which opens up a dialog with a number of settings options. One of these is “Performance”, and if you click on the “Settings” button under “Performance”, you will see another dialog with a number of settings options. The default is “Let Windows choose what’s best for my computer.” You can also select “Adjust for best performance.” You should leave the remaining selections unchanged. |
Avoid changing the settings described below (available from the Windows Control Panel). Changes to these settings may degrade instrument performance, screen displays, and measurement speed.
|
Do NOT Use This Feature: |
To Do This: |
|
Power Options |
Do not change power options. |
|
System |
If you click on “Advanced System Settings” a dialog will open called “System Properties.” On this dialog there is a tab called“Hardware.” You should not modify any settings under the “Hardware” tab. On this dialog there is also a tab called “Advanced.” You should not modify any settings under the “Advanced” tab except as described above under “Settings that can be changed”. |
|
Fonts |
Do not remove installed fonts. |
|
Display |
Do not change the following settings:
|
|
Region and Language |
Do not change any settings under “Region and Language” or the instrument keyboard and display may not operate properly. |
|
User Accounts |
Do not delete or modify the "KeysightOnly" user account. |
In addition, Do Not:
Add, delete, or modify disk drive partitions.
Delete or modify Keysight registry entries.
Change the contents of any directories containing the name “Keysight”.
Stop the IIS server.
Tamper with any virtual directories (or their contents) that came configured with the instrument.
Uninstall these libraries, interfaces, or programs:
The I/O Libraries
The .NET Framework or any Hot fixes or Service Packs for the .NET Framework
The “Microsoft Visual J# .NET Redistributable Package1.1”
Programs that begin with “Keysight” — The Adobe Acrobat reader
The I/O Library “GPIB27”, “GPIB28” interfaces shown as configured Instrument I/O in the Connection Expert or I/O Config
Since the introduction of Windows XP, the term Autoplay (sometimes also called Autorun) has come to be associated with the feature which assists users in selecting appropriate actions when new media and devices are detected.
The Autoplay/Autorun feature is turned off in the instrument, by default, for heightened security, unless the Administrator account is running.
If you wish to re-enable Autoplay/Autorun, you may use the Auto Play function in the Control Panel. However, be aware that if you do this you may be more subject to virus attack from portable media such as USB flash drives.
Refer to Windows Considerations.
Refer to Windows Considerations.
Microsoft recommends the following to ensure the instrument's Windows operating system is protected:
The instrument is shipped with the Windows Firewall enabled. You can verify the status of Windows Firewall by going to the Control Panel and clicking on System and Security, Windows Firewall.
Windows Firewall Exceptions for programs and ports have been added to allow proper operation of the instrument over a network. Modifying these settings may cause the instrument to not operate properly.
Microsoft recommends that you always get the latest critical Windows updates to ensure that the instrument's Windows operating system is protected. If the instrument has internet access, the instrument default is set to automatically check for critical Windows Updates and notify you.
You can change the configuration of the Microsoft Automatic Updates. You can choose not to have automatic updates. However, if you do this then you should manually update Windows periodically.
No third-party antivirus software is shipped with the analyzer. It is recommended that you install antivirus software if your analyzer is connected to the LAN. Check with your IT department to see what they recommend. The analyzer is shipped with the Windows firewall and Windows Defender enabled.
Do not modify the default network settings as this may cause problems with the operating system of the analyzer.
To adjust Windows Defender settings, log in as administrator and minimize the Application and click on the Start button and type: defender
Then click on Windows Defender from the Best match column.
There is no third-party anti-spyware software installed on the instrument. This should not be a problem if you do not use the instrument for a lot of internet browsing. Having spyware in the instrument could have an impact on the instrument performance.
Refer to Windows Considerations.
Refer to The VNA SSD Recovery Process.
The Microsoft Windows operating system settings have been optimized for the best performance. Modification of these settings may degrade instrument performance and measurement speed.
The VNA Vector Network Analyzers operate in an open Windows environment, so you can install software on the instrument. However, installation of non-approved software may affect instrument performance. Keysight does not warrant the performance with non-approved software installed.