​ Alpha Anywhere is a no-code/low-code platform popular with ZebraHost clients. Sometimes, Alpha Anywhere needs to be restarted. Common examples that require a restart include Windows/application updates, networking changes, intense usage that results in too much RAM/CPU usage.

The Alpha Web Application Server comes in two flavors, The “Classic” Web application server and the more recent iis web server. The Classic edition is often setup to utilize a program called “AlwaysUp” to enable it to run as a Windows service. Depending on your particular ZebraHost plan and application version, you can follow the steps below to restart your Alpha Anywhere application.

Step 1: Connect to the Firewall (If you have one)

Many ZebraHost clients choose to be protected by a firewall for security purposes. When users behind a firewall want to access their server remotely, they must login to the Forticlient VPN.

1. If not already downloaded, follow this link to download Forticlient VPN. Product Downloads | Fortinet Product Downloads | Support

2. search for Forticlient VPN either in the Windows start menu or Mac app drawer. Open it.

3. Enter the credentials ZebraHost gave to you. The VPN connection must be enabled for the duration of your time interacting with your server.

   

Step 2: Connect to Your Server

RDP:

Most ZebraHost clients choose to use Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to access their servers. To access your server via RDP, go to your computer (Mac or PC) and search for “RDP”. It may come by default in your Windows PC but for Macs you may have to go to the App Store and download “RDP”.

1. Search for “RDP” in your Windows task bar. Or, if you have a mac find “RDP” in your launcher.

2. Click “Show Options” to get “Computer” and “Username”. Enter the following:

   • Computer: server IP
   • Username: username of server (usually Administrator)

   

3. If RDP connects to your server successfully, you will be instructed to enter your password.

4. If you correctly entered your password, you will now be greeted to your desktop.

Cloud Tenant:

Some ZebraHost Clients are Virtual Private Cloud users. VPC users have access to a tenant where they can create, manage, and delete virtual machines at will. The dashboard includes a console view where you can remotely connect to your server from the tenant.

1. Find the private IP of your server. For example, 10.1.130.102. you will make the following modification:

   • Take the last part of the IP and replace with 2. Ex: 10.1.130.102 → 10.1.130.2

2. You will be brought to a web page asking for your credentials. Enter your username and password provided by ZebraHost.

3. You will now be greeted with your tenant homepage where you can view usage, manage virtual machines, take snapshots, restore backups and more.

   

4. To get to your server, click the box that says “machines”, then “virtual machines”.

5. Click the server you want to restart.

   

6. You will see 3 small buttons at the top. Click the button that looks like a console icon to remote into your server desktop.

   

   

7. Enter your password when prompted and you will arrive at your server desktop.

Step 3 Restart Your App

Always Up:

Most ZebraHost Alpha Anywhere users use Always Up to keep their app running all the time. Always Up restarts your application whenever it senses it is down is thus an easy way to restart your application.

1. Either search for “Always Up” in your Windows start menu or find it on your Desktop.

   

2. In the top bar on Always up, search for the “reboot” button. A successful Always up app reboot will restart your application.

   

   

IIS:

IIS (Internet Information Services) is a way to manage sites and apps running on Windows Server. For IIS users, Alpha Anywhere can also be restarted using IIS.

1. Search for “IIS” in your Windows start menu.

2. When IIS is started, follow this path in the side menu bar. Server → Site → Website → Manage Website → Restart. This will allow you to successfully restart your application.

   

That’s it! If you’ve followed each of these steps according to your own individual system your application should be be restarted. We recommend saving any credentials ZebraHost has provided with you. You can also save your RDP session for quick access as well as save your tenant as a favorite in your web browser.