Objective
After installing FactoryTalk View SE v16, we are going to configure variables in the DataLogPro configurator, in this case thinking about a later setup with InfluxDB.
When opening the editor, FactoryTalk View Studio shows an error that seems to point to the HMI Server, but the real origin is in the machine's web configuration. The objective of this article is to pinpoint the fault and solve it without unnecessary detours.
DataLogPro opening fault
The error appears when entering Data Log > DataLogPro inside the FactoryTalk View SE project:
Unable to open the DataLogPro because the HMI server is not available.
The message can make us think about a project or HMI Server problem. However, the HMI Server was available; what was failing was the HTTPS layer used by DataLogPro.
Cause of the problem
Checking Internet Information Server (IIS) Manager, we can see that the default site has both HTTP and HTTPS enabled. The problem appears because HTTPS is active, but it does not have a valid certificate assigned to the server.
In this scenario, DataLogPro tries to open its service through that web configuration. If the HTTPS binding is not properly completed with its certificate, FactoryTalk View Studio cannot open the editor and returns the HMI Server error.
As a general criterion, we should always work with HTTPS
Avoid keeping HTTP enabled if it is not necessary.
Resolution
The solution is to create or import an SSL certificate and assign it to the HTTPS binding of the Default Web Site in IIS.
A self-signed certificate could be used for a quick test, but it is not the most recommended option. In this case, it was created with a Certificate Manager CA, so the server has a certificate issued by a controlled CA.
Once the certificate is available, open the HTTPS binding, select the certificate in SSL certificate and leave port 443 correctly configured.
We can also check it from Server Certificates in IIS. The server certificate should appear there, with its validity date and the associated private key.
Final check
After assigning the certificate to the HTTPS binding, restart and go back to FactoryTalk View Studio, then open DataLogPro again. The editor now loads correctly and allows you to continue with log group and variable configuration.
This resolves the initial block. In the next article, we will cover the step-by-step configuration of InfluxDB inside FactoryTalk View SE.
Quick summary: if DataLogPro says that the HMI Server is not available right after installing FactoryTalk View SE, check the IIS bindings and the HTTPS certificate first. It is a short check and can save a good amount of time.