BoostSolutions Foundation: Installation, Setup, and Troubleshooting Tips
BoostSolutions Foundation is a centralized management platform required to run BoostSolutions SharePoint web parts and add-ons. It ensures seamless integration, license management, and core functionality across your SharePoint environment. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough for installing, configuring, and troubleshooting BoostSolutions Foundation. Pre-Installation Requirements
Before beginning the installation, ensure your SharePoint environment meets the necessary prerequisites to prevent deployment failures. Environment Compatibility
SharePoint Versions: SharePoint 2013, 2016, 2019, or SharePoint Subscription Edition (SE).
Framework: Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 or higher (depending on your specific SharePoint version). Account Permissions
Farm Administrator: The installation account must belong to the SharePoint Farm Administrators group.
Local Administrator: The account must have local administrator rights on the SharePoint server where the installer runs.
SQL Server: The account requires db_owner permissions on the SharePoint Configuration Database. Step-by-Step Installation
The installation process deploys the necessary solution files (.wsp) to your SharePoint farm. Step 1: Download the Package Visit the official BoostSolutions website.
Download the latest version of the BoostSolutions Foundation installer (.exe or .msi).
Copy the installer package to your SharePoint Front-End Server (WFE) or Central Administration server. Step 2: Run the Setup Wizard
Right-click the installer executable and select Run as Administrator. Click Next on the welcome screen. Accept the License Agreement and click Next.
The setup wizard will perform a system check to verify your SharePoint deployment and permissions. Once passed, click Next. Step 3: Deploy the Solution
Select the web applications where you want to deploy the foundation elements. It is highly recommended to deploy to all web applications, including Central Administration.
Click Install. The wizard will automatically deploy the BoostSolutions Foundation solution package to the farm. Once the installation is complete, click Close. Initial Setup and Configuration
After installation, you must verify the deployment and activate the central management features. Step 1: Verify Deployment in Central Administration Open SharePoint Central Administration. Navigate to System Settings > Manage farm solutions.
Verify that boostsolutions.foundation.wsp (or similar core packages) is listed as Deployed. Step 2: Access the BoostSolutions Management Center
In Central Administration, locate the BoostSolutions Software section on the left navigation pane or main dashboard. Click on BoostSolutions Management Center.
This dashboard acts as your command center to view installed products, manage licenses, and check for updates. Step 3: License Activation In the Management Center, click License Management. Click Register or Input License.
Paste your product license code provided by BoostSolutions, or request a trial license directly through the interface. Troubleshooting Tips
Even with a straightforward installation, environmental factors can occasionally cause issues. Use these troubleshooting strategies to resolve common bottlenecks.
Issue 1: “Solution Deployment Failed” or Stuck on “Deploying”
Cause: The SharePoint Timer Service or Administration Service is unresponsive on one or more servers in the farm. Solution:
Open the Windows Services console (services.msc) on all farm servers.
Restart the SharePoint Timer Service (SPTimerV4) and the SharePoint Administration Service.
Go back to Manage Farm Solutions in Central Administration, click the solution, and choose Retract then Deploy again. Issue 2: BoostSolutions Central Admin Menu is Missing
Cause: The Central Administration site collection feature did not activate automatically. Solution:
Go to Central Administration > Site Settings > Site collection features. Locate the BoostSolutions Foundation or Core feature.
Click Activate. If it is already active, click Deactivate and then Activate it again.
Issue 3: Web Parts Throwing “An unexpected error has occurred”
Cause: The BoostSolutions Foundation code is not authorized in the web application’s web.config file, or safe controls are missing. Solution:
Ensure the solution is deployed to that specific Web Application via Manage Farm Solutions.
Open the web.config file of the affected web application and verify that the BoostSolutions safe control entries are present.
Perform an iisreset /noforce via the command prompt on all WFEs to clear the IIS cache. Issue 4: License Key Not Recognized or Invalid
Cause: The Farm ID has changed, or the license does not match the current SharePoint version or server count. Solution:
In the License Management dashboard, verify that your current SharePoint Farm ID matches the ID tied to your license certificate.
Ensure you are not trying to apply a SharePoint 2016 license to a SharePoint 2019 environment. Best Practices for Long-Term Maintenance
Keep It Updated: Always update the BoostSolutions Foundation package before updating individual BoostSolutions web parts or add-ons.
Backup Configs: Back up your SharePoint farm and customized web.config files before performing updates.
Check Logs: When errors occur, always look at the SharePoint ULS logs filtered by the category “BoostSolutions” for detailed cryptographic or runtime error stack traces.
If you need help with a specific part of this process, please let me know:
Which SharePoint version (e.g., 2019, SE) are you currently using?
Are you installing this for the first time, or are you upgrading an existing version?
What specific BoostSolutions web parts (e.g., Excel Import, Cascaded Lookup) do you plan to use?
I can provide specific PowerShell scripts or web.config configurations based on your setup.
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