LORD Server needs 64-bit Windows: Windows 10 or 11, or Windows Server 2016 or newer. There are three downloads with the same programs; use one. All three are on https://games.theiguru.au/lordsrv/ with their SHA-256 checksums, and in the Heisenbergs Files area on the BBS.
| Download | For |
|---|---|
LORDSRV-1.4.1-setup.exe | Most people. A normal Windows installer with choices. |
LORDSRV-1.4.1-x64.msi | msiexec, scripted installs and Group Policy. |
LORDSRV.ZIP | No installer: unzip and run. |
Run LORDSRV-1.4.1-setup.exe as an administrator. It installs to C:\LORDSRV. You can choose another folder, but not one under Program Files: the server keeps its settings, accounts and games in its own folder and must be able to write there.
| Part | What it does |
|---|---|
| Server and game | Always installed: lordsrv.exe, lord.exe, lordcfg.exe, the game template, DOSBox-X and the documents. |
| Start menu shortcuts | LORD Server (console), Stop LORD Server, Install as a Windows service, Remove the Windows service, Server folder, Getting started, README, Uninstall. |
| Firewall rule | Lets callers reach lordsrv.exe through Windows Firewall, on whatever ports it listens on. |
| Windows service | Installs the server as the service “LORD Server”, started with Windows (see Running the server). |
When it finishes it shows Getting started (QUICKSTART.TXT). It can be run silently with /S.
For msiexec or Group Policy. It installs to C:\LORDSRV with the Start menu items and the firewall rule.
msiexec /i LORDSRV-1.4.1-x64.msi INSTALLDIR=D:\LORDSRV SERVICE=1 FIREWALL=0
| Property | Default | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
INSTALLDIR= | C:\LORDSRV | Where to install. |
SERVICE=1 | 0 | Install as a Windows service. |
FIREWALL=0 | 1 | Don't add the firewall rule. |
The choices are remembered for upgrades. The MSI's screens don't offer the service; installed without SERVICE=1, it can be made a service afterwards (Start menu > Install as a Windows service).
Note: once a value has been remembered, the remembered value wins over the same property given on a later msiexec command line.
C:\LORDSRV.lordsrv.exe. It writes lordsrv.ini, makes games\A and starts listening: telnet on port 23, rlogin on port 513.netsh advfirewall firewall add rule name="LORD Server" dir=in action=allow program="C:\LORDSRV\lordsrv.exe"
lordsrv -install (as administrator).Run the new installer (or MSI) over the old one. It stops a running server first (the games save their players), updates the programs, and starts the service again if it is one. Your settings, accounts and games are kept.
A console window left open doesn't stop an upgrade; close it and open it again afterwards to get the new version. Its old program file is renamed out of the way and deleted at the next reboot.
To upgrade by hand (for example from the zip): stop the server, then copy the new lordsrv.exe, lord.exe and lordcfg.exe over the old ones. If Windows says a file is in use, a console window still has it open: Windows lets a running program file be renamed, so rename the old one (lordsrv.exe.old) and copy the new one in.
From 1.1 to 1.2 and later, the way IGMs see the game folder changed: see Upgrading from 1.1.
Settings > Apps > LORD Server > Uninstall. The service, the firewall rule and the Start menu items go. The installer asks whether to delete your games, accounts and settings too; the MSI always keeps them. Anything kept is in the server folder, which you can delete yourself.