Thunder Fresh Install

This article details how to install Thunder and the needed prerequisite software to install Thunder.

Pre-Install Check

Before installing Thunder, make sure the following items are covered.

1. Ensure the operating system you are running is in the list of supported OS's for the version of Thunder you are running.
   • Release Notes by sport sport - FOOTBALL, HOCKEY, or BASEBALL
   • Ensure Windows is either Pro or Enterprise edition, installed in English
2. If inserting PowerPoint slides in Thunder, ensure the x86 version of Microsoft Office is installed
3. If you have a number of systems to install, consider using Imaging Tools to Save and Deploy an image.
   • You will want to perform all steps in this guide except for the Thunder Client Install when creating your image.
     • Macrium Reflect Saving Image Guide V1.0
     • Macrium Reflect Imaging GuideV1.1

Installing C++ Redistributable Packages

1. Download and Extract the Microsoft C++ Redistributable packages 2005 to 2013 and 2015 to 2022 HERE
2. Follow the installation prompts, until the install is complete.

Installing SQL Server 2019

1. Download and extract the SQL Server 2019 Installers.zip.  All needed executables will be include within.  
2. Download the above SQL Auto Installers folder and extract the zip.  Copy the 04 SQL Upgrade Files to the Root of your C drive.
3. Open the "04 SQL Upgrade Files\SQL 2019 Auto Installer" folder. Right click Run as Administrator on the "01. WINDOWS 10 IIS INSTALL v 1.2.bat"
   • This opens a Command Prompt.  Once you are prompted that IIS is installed, read the prompt.
     • If you are prompted to Reboot, do so and run it one more time to ensure the IIS Install went successfully
       • If you are prompted to reboot multiple times, consult with your IT department to ensure the latest .NetFramework is installed.
     • If you are not prompted to reboot, continue through the install
4. Open the "04 SQL Upgrade Files\SQL 2019 Auto Installer" folder. Right click Run as Administrator on the "installsql" command script.
   • This will open a black cmd prompt window. Leave this window up until you see a prompt that says "Press any key to continue". At this point you can press any key and it will close the window.
5. You are now good to install Thunder 22 or later

Installing Thunder Client 

1. Download the latest Thunder Release from the Help Center
   • Pick the correct sport - FOOTBALL, HOCKEY, or BASEBALL
     • The Install Packages are included within the Release Notes.
   • If you have never been involved in an upgrade, please Read What to Know Before a Thunder Upgrade
2. Follow the Thunder Client Install Guide to Install the Thunder Client
3. Post Install, reboot the laptop
4. For non admin users, run the Restricted Users Setup Tool.

AntiVirus Exclusions and Settings

1. Regardless of what Anti-Virus Software is used, the following exclusions must be set for Thunder to operate properly.

   • File extension Exceptions:

     • asf, avi, bmp, btr, db, dbf, dif, idx, jpg, ldb, ldf, log, mdf, mdw, mdx, mov, mp2, mp4, mts, mxf, ndx, omf, rtin, sbf, ts, wmv

       02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36

   • Folder Exclusions: 

     • C:\Program Files (x86)\XOS Technologies

   • Executable Exceptions:

     • "C:\Program Files (x86)\XOS Technologies\Transcode_Services\exiftool.exe"
     • "C:\Program Files (x86)\XOS Technologies\Transcode_Services\ffmpeghw2.exe"
     • "C:\Program Files (x86)\XOS Technologies\Transcode_Services\ffmpeg_mts.exe"
     • "C:\Program Files (x86)\XOS Technologies\Thunder\Thunder2.exe"
2. It is recommended to follow the below recommendations
   • Schedule Daily Scans to Occur outside of normal hours of operations.  Example 5 AM
   • Do Not Scan Networked Drives, as all server media lives on a network share.
     • This can slow degrade video playback over the network.

Graphics and Display Settings

1. Graphics Drives - We recommend utilizing the latest tested Intel Graphics Driver from our Driver and Firmware Matrix
   • If on Thunder 24, use the Intel drivers from the steps here: Using the Intel Arc Control software to update to the latest Intel Graphics Driver.
2. Optimize Video Playback for Thunder
   • How to setup Intel Graphics Settings for Thunder
3. Set the Catapult Power Plan

Windows Updates

Catapult encourages customers to stay up to date with Windows Cumulative and Security Patches as they are released.  It is recommended waiting for Major OS Feature Releases to be qualified by Catapult.  The Thunder Release Notes will outline which Operating Systems are currently supported.

Windows Update Policy Change

Misc OS Settings for Best Performance

Below are the steps performed when creating the Windows Base Image.

Thunder Image - Win OS Settings