If you are looking for reasons to choose the Definitive Edition over the original 2002 PC release or the mobile ports, here are the key advantages:
To answer the question: Yes. With the patches applied, GTA: Vice City – The Definitive Edition is the best version of the game currently available to the public.
Is it perfect? No. There are still occasional physics glitches. The rain effect, while patched, still isn't as good as modded PC versions. Some purists mourn the loss of the "orange haze" filter of the original.
However, for 99% of players, the trade-off is worth it. You are trading a few minor visual quirks for:
If you haven't returned to Vice City since the disastrous launch window, you owe it to yourself to redownload it. The sticky floors of the Malibu Club have never looked shinier. The sun has never felt hotter. And Tommy Vercetti has never looked better suited to cut a path of destruction through the neon jungle.
GTA: Vice City – The Definitive Edition is no longer the punchline. It is the definitive way to say hello to your old friend, Mr. Vercetti.
Final Score (Post-Patches): 9/10
Best for: Nostalgia seekers who want modern controls. First-timers who couldn't stomach the PS2 jank. Fans of 80s aesthetics.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City – The Definitive Edition is currently the most accessible way to play this 1980s classic on modern hardware. While it had a rocky launch in 2021, significant updates—most notably the November 2024 "Classic Lighting" patch—have drastically improved the atmosphere and fixed many persistent bugs. 🌴 Best Features and Improvements
The Definitive Edition (DE) brings several modern quality-of-life updates that weren't in the original 2002 release:
GTA V-Style Controls: Includes a weapon wheel and radio wheel for faster selection.
Modern Navigation: A GPS system now plots the fastest route on your mini-map to destinations.
Mission Checkpoints: You can immediately restart a mission upon failure, saving you from driving back across town.
Visual Overhaul: Rebuilt lighting, higher-resolution textures, and massively increased draw distances.
Enhanced Water: Waves now react to bullets and explosions, a feature missing from the original.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City – The Definitive Edition offers several ways to maximize your gameplay experience, whether you are looking for the best gameplay mechanics, the best vehicles to drive, or the best modifications to fix missing elements. 🌟 The Best Quality-of-Life Improvements
The Definitive Edition brought several modern features that drastically improved the classic 2002 experience:
The Weapon & Radio Wheels: Heavily inspired by Grand Theft Auto V, these selection wheels make cycling through weapons and music much more fluid.
Full GPS Navigation: You can finally place custom waypoints on the map that calculate direct driving routes on your mini-map.
Drive-by Controls: Firing weapons from vehicles is no longer tied to awkward button combinations; you simply aim with the right stick and fire where you look.
Instant Mission Restarts: Failing a mission no longer forces you to drive all the way back to the quest giver. 🚗 The Best Vehicles to Drive
Cruising through the neon-soaked streets is the core of the game's atmosphere. These are some of the absolute best rides:
The Cheetah: A gorgeous 1980s sports car modeled heavily after the Ferrari Testarossa.
The Infernus: Consistently one of the fastest cars in the game with incredible acceleration. gta vice city the definitive edition best
The PCJ-600: The premiere sportbike in Vice City, perfect for dodging traffic and executing insane stunt jumps. 🛠️ The Best Mods to Improve Your Game (PC)
While the game features upgraded lighting, the launch was heavily criticized for cut audio tracks and strange character models. The community has created several "must-have" mods:
Full Radio Restoration: Re-inserts all the classic licensed songs that were removed due to expired copyrights.
Classic Fonts & Menu Sounds: Swaps out the generic UI elements for the original legendary 1980s aesthetic.
Project Reborn / ReViced: Overhauls game stability, textures, and fixes developer oversights to make the game truly definitive.
💡 Quick Fact: The infamously difficult "Demolition Man" RC Helicopter mission was actually made slightly easier in the Definitive Edition by giving players an extra 30 seconds on the timer.
The nine best cars in GTA: The Trilogy Definitive Edition - Top Gear
The Evolution of : A "Definitive" Analysis Grand Theft Auto: Vice City – The Definitive Edition is often regarded as the standout title in the Definitive Edition
trilogy, largely due to how its neon-soaked aesthetic benefited from modern lighting overhauls. While the original 2002 release is still considered unbeatable for pure nostalgia, the Definitive Edition (DE) is now widely recommended for new players due to significant quality-of-life (QoL) improvements and recent technical patches. Core Enhancements & "Best" Features
The Definitive Edition's appeal lies in bridging the gap between 2000s arcade gameplay and modern standards: Modern Control Scheme : The addition of a weapon wheel
and updated radio station wheels brings the control layout closer to
. Improvements to targeting and lock-on aiming make combat significantly more manageable than the original's rigid mechanics. Navigation & Waypoints : The mini-map now supports custom waypoints
and GPS-style navigation lines, a feature that was entirely absent in the original. Mission Checkpoints & Autosave
: Unlike the original, which required manual saving at safehouses, the DE includes mission checkpoints
and autosaves, reducing the frustration of failing long missions. Visual Overhaul : Recent updates, specifically
, introduced a "Classic Lighting" mode that restores the original’s hazy, warm atmospheric hues while maintaining 4K resolution and smoother textures. Comparison: Original vs. Definitive
The Original Vice City
Released in 2002, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City was a massive hit for Rockstar Games. Developed by Rockstar North (formerly DMA Design), it was the seventh main installment in the GTA series. The game took players to the fictional city of Vice City, a 1980s Miami-inspired metropolis filled with crime, corruption, and excess.
The game's story followed Tommy Vercetti (voiced by Ray Liotta), a former soldier turned mobster who arrives in Vice City to oversee a cocaine deal. However, things quickly go sour, and Tommy finds himself embroiled in a complex web of crime and deception. With the help of his new friends, including Ken Rosenberg (the game's narrator) and Ricardo Diaz, a Cuban-American gangster, Tommy sets out to build his own empire in Vice City.
The Definitive Edition
Fast-forward to 2021, and Rockstar Games announced Grand Theft Auto: Vice City - The Definitive Edition, a remastered version of the classic game. This new edition was part of a trilogy of remastered GTA titles, which also included Grand Theft Auto III and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
The Definitive Edition of Vice City boasted significant upgrades, including:
Why The Definitive Edition is Considered the Best If you are looking for reasons to choose
So, what makes The Definitive Edition of Vice City stand out as the best version of the game? Here are a few reasons:
Critical Acclaim and Reception
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City - The Definitive Edition received widespread critical acclaim upon its release. Reviewers praised the game's updated visuals, controls, and faithfulness to the original. The game holds a Metacritic score of 93/100 on PlayStation 5 and 92/100 on Xbox Series X/S.
Legacy and Impact
The Definitive Edition of Vice City has cemented its place as one of the best games in the GTA series. Its success has also sparked renewed interest in the original game, with many fans replaying the classic title to experience its story and gameplay once again.
The game's impact extends beyond the gaming community, too. Its influence can be seen in various forms of media, from TV shows like Vice City-inspired storylines in series like Narcos to music and fashion inspired by the game's 80s aesthetic.
Conclusion
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City - The Definitive Edition is a masterclass in game remastering and re-releasing. By preserving the original game's essence while updating its technical aspects, Rockstar Games has created a version that is both nostalgic and fresh. For fans of the series and newcomers alike, The Definitive Edition of Vice City is an experience not to be missed.
Mastering Grand Theft Auto: Vice City – The Definitive Edition
requires a mix of strategic asset management, early-game efficiency, and knowing exactly where to find the best gear. Below is a guide to the absolute "best" ways to dominate the neon-soaked streets of Vice City. Best Early-Game Power-Ups
To build an unstoppable version of Tommy Vercetti, focus on these side activities immediately after the first mission to unlock permanent stat boosts:
Infinite Sprint: Complete the Paramedic missions (Level 12) at the hospital. 150 Max Health: Complete the Pizza Boy missions (Level 10).
150 Max Armor: Reach Level 12 in the Vigilante missions. Using a police vehicle (like the Cheetah) makes this easier.
Fireproof Status: Complete the Firefighter missions (Level 12) to become immune to fire damage. Best Money-Making Strategy
The fastest way to become a multi-millionaire early is the "Cone Crazy" exploit.
Head to the top floor of the multi-story car park in Ocean Beach and enter the Stallion.
Complete the course but wait until the timer almost hits zero before finishing.
Repeat the mission multiple times. Because the reward doubles each time you beat your previous record, you can earn over $1.6 billion in about 23 attempts. Best Assets & Properties
Once you complete the mission "Shakedown," you can buy businesses that generate daily passive income:
The Malibu Club ($120,000): The most expensive but iconic asset. It generates $10,000 daily and unlocks high-stakes heist missions.
Sunshine Autos ($50,000): Best for car enthusiasts. Completing the four vehicle export lists unlocks four special reward cars and earns up to $9,000 daily.
Print Works ($70,000): Essential for the endgame. It generates $8,000 daily and is one of the two mandatory assets needed to trigger the final story missions.
The Pole Position Club ($30,000): The easiest to complete. Simply spend $600 on private dances to unlock a $4,000 daily revenue stream. If you haven't returned to Vice City since
Here’s a promotional-style text for Grand Theft Auto: Vice City – The Definitive Edition, highlighting why it’s the best version to play:
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City – The Definitive Edition – Why It’s the Best Way to Experience the ’80s Classic
Step back into the neon-soaked, synthwave-charged underworld of Vice City, now rebuilt for a new generation. GTA: Vice City – The Definitive Edition isn’t just a remaster—it’s the ultimate love letter to one of gaming’s most iconic open worlds.
Here’s why this is the definitive Vice City experience:
🎨 Stunning Visual Overhaul – Vice City has never looked sharper. From the gleaming oceanfront of Ocean Beach to the gritty back alleys of Little Havana, every texture, lighting effect, and character model has been meticulously upgraded. The iconic sunsets now shine with true HDR brilliance, and the rain-slicked streets at night feel more atmospheric than ever.
🎮 Modern Controls, Classic Soul – Say goodbye to clunky aiming and camera struggles. The Definitive Edition brings GTA V-style controls: improved targeting, smoother driving, and a fully redesigned weapon wheel. The action is now fluid and responsive, letting you focus on running Tommy Vercetti’s empire, not fighting the controller.
🌴 Enhanced World & Quality of Life – The map is more alive with denser traffic, better draw distances, and dynamic shadows. New mini-map waypoints, updated checkpoints, and a better GPS system mean less frustration and more mayhem. Plus, the full licensed soundtrack—featuring 80s legends like Michael Jackson, Blondie, and Cutting Crew—remains gloriously intact.
🎙️ The Story, Unchanged & Unforgettable – Ray Liotta’s legendary performance as Tommy Vercetti is preserved in all its raw, ambitious glory. The biting satire, the unforgettable characters (looking at you, Lance Vance), and the rags-to-riches storyline are exactly as you remember—only now they look and play better than ever.
🏆 Best for Newcomers & Veterans Alike – If you’re returning for nostalgia, you’ll love the visual polish and smoother gameplay. If you’re playing for the first time, this is the definitive way to discover why Vice City remains a high-water mark for storytelling, style, and open-world freedom.
Final Verdict:
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City – The Definitive Edition takes a timeless masterpiece and polishes it into a must-play experience. It’s the best version of the best ’80s crime drama ever made. So grab your rolled-up suit jacket, hop in a Cheetah, and turn up “Billie Jean”—Vice City is waiting.
Would you like a shorter version, like a Steam review or social media caption?
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City – The Definitive Edition is the superior way to experience the neon-soaked streets of 1986. While the initial launch of the "Definitve Edition" trilogy faced technical criticism, subsequent updates and the fundamental structural improvements have solidified it as the best version for modern players. By blending the soul of the original PlayStation 2 classic with contemporary quality-of-life enhancements, it bridges the gap between nostalgic charm and modern accessibility.
The most significant argument for this edition is the overhauled control scheme. The original 2002 release utilized a "lock-on" system that often felt clunky by modern standards, particularly during high-stakes drive-bys. The Definitive Edition implements a control layout inspired by Grand Theft Auto V. This inclusion of a weapon wheel and a radio station wheel allows for fluid, uninterrupted gameplay. More importantly, the implementation of "modern" aiming—incorporating traditional third-person shooter mechanics—makes combat encounters feel precise rather than a struggle against the camera. For a game defined by its high-octane action, these mechanical upgrades are not just aesthetic; they are essential for playability in the current era.
Visually, the Definitive Edition strikes a delicate balance between preservation and modernization. The move to Unreal Engine 4 allowed for a completely rebuilt lighting system. The neon signs of Ocean Drive now cast dynamic reflections on the hoods of glistening sports cars, and the "God rays" of a Vice City sunset create an atmosphere the original hardware simply could not produce. While purists occasionally miss the low-poly aesthetic of the early 2000s, the increased draw distance changes the fundamental feel of the world. In the original, the city was perpetually shrouded in "fog" to hide technical limitations; now, the sprawling skyline is visible from across the water, making the environment feel like a cohesive, living metropolis rather than a series of isolated levels.
Furthermore, the Definitive Edition respects the player’s time through improved navigation and mission structure. The addition of a GPS system on the mini-map—a staple of modern gaming absent in 2002—removes the frustration of getting lost in the winding alleys of Little Havana. Perhaps most vital is the "Instant Restart" feature for failed missions. In the original version, failing a mission meant a tedious trek back to the mission marker, often involving a trip to the gun store to restock. The ability to jump straight back into the action ensures that the narrative momentum of Tommy Vercetti’s rise to power is never lost.
Ultimately, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City – The Definitive Edition is the "best" version because it treats the game as a living masterpiece rather than a frozen relic. It preserves the iconic 80s soundtrack and the legendary voice performance of Ray Liotta while removing the technical friction that often prevents modern audiences from enjoying classic titles. It offers the sleek, polished experience that our memories tell us the original was, making it the definitive choice for both returning kingpins and newcomers to the Vice City underworld.
Here’s a write-up for GTA: Vice City – The Definitive Edition, focusing on why it’s the best way to experience the classic (despite its launch issues, which you can choose to mention or omit depending on your angle).
The "Definitive" look is subjective. Some love the new lighting; others feel the character models look dated compared to the environment. Here is how to optimize the visuals:
Whether you are returning to Vice City or visiting for the first time, these tips will help you dominate the streets.
The original Vice City was a masterpiece, but let’s be honest: the gameplay has aged like milk in the Florida sun. The Definitive Edition addresses this with sweeping changes.
The Targeting System: The original had a "lock-on" mechanic that was functional but clunky. The DE introduces a modern targeting system inspired by GTA V. You can now switch targets seamlessly, aim manually with the right stick, and actually feel in control during shootouts.
The Weapon Wheel: In the original, cycling through 12 weapons using a single button during a firefight was a death sentence. The Definitive Edition adds a weapon wheel. This single feature arguably makes GTA Vice City The Definitive Edition best for action-oriented players. You can switch from a Colt Python to an M4 in a split second.
Waypoint Pathfinding: This is a game-changer. In the original, you had to constantly pause the game to look at the paper map. Now, the Definitive Edition includes GPS-style route lines on the mini-map and the main map. You won't get lost trying to find the Print Works ever again.
Let’s be honest: the original’s controls aged like milk. The Definitive Edition brings GTA V-style controls to Vice City. That means:
It’s the same ruthless, hilarious, challenging Vice City—but now you’ll fail because you messed up, not because the camera got stuck in a wall.
Daimler
4 Startup of EWA Administration Tool
5 Starting, Stopping and Monitoring of EWA core services
6 EPC net / WIS net Database Maintenance
6.1 Influence the installed Database status
6.6 Applying Daily Updates for WIS net Database
6.6.1 Configuration and Manual Run
6.6.2 Running Daily Imports Scheduled
6.7 Wiping all Database Content
7 Advanced Command line options
7.2 Update (Database and Software)
This document describes the EWA Admin Tool Interface of EWA net which is used to update, manage and maintain the WIS and EPC Databases as well as managing the state of the server.
Besides the software installation, the applications need to have access to certain databases for content data. This content is not installed within the setup of the software but needs to be updated after installation. The aim of this behavior is to decouple software and data update and minimize the downtime of the applications.
This document describes the use and function of the EWA Admin Tool. The following use cases are documented in this description:
The EWA net Administration tool can be started using the favorites menu inside the Internet Explorer. This entry is created during installation and is only available on the server.
Picture 1: Start of EWA net Administration tool using the favorites menu
The EWA net Administration tool can be only started on the EWA net server. If the link to this tool is not available, it can be started manually using the command
[EWA_HOME]\ewa_admin\EWAAdmin.exe
where EWA_HOME need to be replaced with the directory where EWA net was installed.
With the EWA Administration Tool it is possible to influence the availability of the server and see if it is running. The Administration tool acts as a service monitor and shows if the needed Windows services are running or not.
Picture 2: Service Monitor Page for the Server
Within this panel the EWA net server (application server) can be started and stopped. This is more or less a shortcut for the Windows “Services” view.
Also within this panel the user management database (i.e. for specific user data, FIN Cache,…) can be started and stopped.
Note:
Database “start” and “stop” is not simply starting and stopping services. A “stop” always also stops the corresponding TransBase multiplexer service. And “start” always starts both the database engine and the TransBase multiplexer service.
If the services are stopped the application server will not be available for all users. Please take this into account when starting or stopping services.
The databases of WIS net and EPC net are maintained in a very similar way. Since there is no difference except the starting tab on the dialog, both parts will be described in a single chapter
On the EPC net / WIS net Screen in the Administration Tool it is possible to see the current state of the running database. If no database is installed, the traffic light will be off. If the database itself is working and the database service shows a good status, it will show a green traffic light. Else the traffic light will show a red status.
Use the “Start” and “Stop” Buttons to shutdown / start the database and the Transbase service.
Note:
Database “start” and “stop” is not simply starting and stopping services. A “stop” always also stops the corresponding TransBase multiplexer service. And “start” always starts both the database engine and the TransBase multiplexer service.
Picture 3: EPC net Administration of Database
Note:
EPC net / WIS net database installation requires a valid Start Key entered in the admin interface of EWA net. You can go to the interface either by selecting “EWA net Admin” from your Favorites “EWA net” folder or directly by its URL http://localhost:9000/EWA-net/Admin. An explanation for entering a StartKey is provided in your Admin Guide.
To install a new database into the running application, use the “Install” button. This will start the process of copying the needed database files from DVD to hard disk and attach the databases to the running service. Once a database is installed, the button will be labeled as "Update" to indicate that this action will update the running database.
After the button is pressed, the tool will ask you to insert an EPC net / WIS net data DVD to any DVD drive of your machine. For EpC net it will try to read the “FDARequest.cfg” file which is normally in the folder “MBXX\cfg” of any data DVD. For WIS net the program tries to find the "WISCD000" file in the folder "wis" of the DVD root.
Picture 4: Admin tool requests the data DVD configuration file
If the DVD is inserted just press “OK” - the Tool will search all available drives in PC for the configuration file. If you already had a valid data DVD of EPC net in one of your DVD drives, the tool will have skipped this dialog and started installation immediately.
Note:
If the files should be installed using a network share, use the “Browse…” button and navigate to the corresponding folder on the network share and select the “FDARequest.cfg”/"WISCD000" file in the folder “MBXX\cfg”/"wis" relative from the DVD root.
The Tool will also search all hard drives and mounted Shares for data DVDs.
After the configuration file has been read successfully and the database files could be found, the tool will request to select a target drive for the database content. Select one or more drives where all database files should be copied to and click “OK”. The dialog will also show how much space is required on the destination drive.
Picture 5: Selection of the target drive for database content
The next step in the copy process is to start to copy the ROM files to hard disk. If the source DVD can not be located in any drive of the PC, the Tool will ask for a source for copying the files.
Picture 6: Selection of ROM file source
In this dialog, please select the DVD root directory when the tool requests a file. The path inside the media is searched automatically. If a network share is used as file source, please point to the folder which corresponds to the original DVD root.
The copy process will be visualized with a progress. Please wait until all data has been copied or the Tool asks you for further media.
Picture 7: Copy Progress Dialog
After all database ROM files have been copied, the tool will proceed with the following steps:
Picture 8: Database test Dialog
After these steps have been completed successfully, it will show a notification that all needed databases have been copied and activated successfully. The traffic light for the EPC net / WIS net database status will turn to green now.
Picture 9: Successful installation of a database
The update of database content will almost use the same installation process like the initial installation of the database.
The difference in the update step is that you are requested to insert the DVD which contains the setup into any DVD drive. During update the normal setup will be called to update software resources. Please select the appropriate folder where the setup.exe is available if the files could not be found automatically.
Note:
When updating the server, you should ensure that no user is using the applications. Users can continue working while database ROM files are being copied to the hard disk. But after finish of this process the server will be shutdown so users might lose important data.
Database can easily be deleted from the system by clicking on the “Delete” button. This button will delete the currently active database.
Note:
Be sure that you notify all users to save important data and to log off from the system as they might loose data when the database will be deleted.
When a database set was updated, the older version will be kept as backup database. With the activate database button it is possible to switch the backup and the active database. The former active database will be kept as backup.
Note:
Be sure that you notify all users to save important data and to log off from the system as they might loose data when switching the database.
The WIS net database provides the ability to apply incremental daily updates.
Note:
To use this functionality you need additional files which are supplied via ManageSoft. This is only available if you use the online update mechanism. Additionally your access authorization need to enable this feature in the application.
Picture 10: Start Dialog to configure WIS net Daily Updates
Click on the "Daily Updates..." button to configure the settings for daily updates in WIS net. A dialog will appear and give you additional configuration options. If this button is disabled, the database is not active or the access authorization does not permit the use of daily update data.
Picture 11: Configuration Dialog for Daily Update settings
This dialog provides the following options:
Note:
The configuration for daily updates in Admin Tool does not automatically enable a daily based import of the data. Please take a look to the following chapter how to enable a schedules import by using the Windows Task Scheduler.
To run daily imports you need to schedule a job in the Windows Task Scheduler which automatically applies the newest received data to the database. You need to configure manually a Task for running the import (i.e. via
Start →Programs → Accessories → System Tools → Scheduled Tasks.
The executed task needs to run in the folder [EWA_HOME]\wis_case_online_importer.
The executed command is: bin\run_mimport.bat <path> <language>
<path>: Specifies the path (folder) where the import files are located.
<language>: Language code to import to database. the following language codes are supported:
| Language Code | Language |
|---|---|
| d | German |
| e | English |
| f | French |
| i | Italian |
| ndl | Dutch |
| s | Spanish |
Example Call: bin\run_mimport.bat C:\LauncherCache\Common\Daily-update_WISnetDocuments_DE d
Notes:
- If you want to import multiple languages, you need to run the script for each of the languages.
- You cannot call the script with arguments in Windows Scheduled Tasks. Therefore the best is to write your own small script which calls the importer for you. Then simply make this script part of your scheduled tasks.
Sample Windows script importing the German and English documentation updates which you may use as a template for own scripts - simply store it anywhere on your disk and make this a scheduled task. The parameters you have to change according to your local installation have been highlighted. Basically you have to configure the correct EWA net installation folder and the directory where your update packages for the daily updates have been stored.
@echo off
cd "C:\Program Files\EWA net\wis_case_online_importer"
bin\run_mimport.bat "C:\LauncherCache\Common\Daily-update_WISnetDocuments_DE" d bin\run_mimport.bat "C:\LauncherCache\Common\Daily-update_WISnetDocuments_EN" e
To wipe out all existing database files for both WIS net and EPC net it is possible to run the EWA Administration tool in a special mode. This mode will remove all installed instances of WIS net / EPC net databases and their metadata.
To clean all databases and all metadata of installed databases run the program and go to the screen of the corresponding application. Hold down the "Ctrl" key which pressing on the "Delete" button of the screen. You need to confirm the question and then all files will be removed.
This chapter is mainly intended for System Integrators who want to make use of the batch mode of the Admin Tool to allow further customizing of the installation update process, one may want to make use of the command line features of the EWA Admin Tool.
Note:
EWA Admin Tool has been developed for the “local” environment where all software components will be installed on one single server. In a distributed environment like the “central” not all of the features described here will work.
To get an overview of the available options, just issue the following command on a command line:
“C:\Program Files\EWA net\ewa_admin\EWAAdmin” /?
Picture 18: Help to get Usage Hints for EWA Administration Tool
This overview will not capture all options. Further options will be available here in the documentation
Admin Tool allows starting and shutting down the Transbase databases individually without the need of knowledge about the special characteristics behind it. There are currently 3 databases that can be controlled:
The command line is quite easy. You specify which database you want to operate on and which operation you would like to perform: shutdown or boot. The command line for this is:
EWAAdmin.exe [/core | /wis | /epc] [/boot | /shutdown]
Description:
|
Parameter |
Description |
|---|---|
| /core |
Operate on the EWA user management database |
| /wis |
Operate on the WIS net database |
| /epc |
Operate on the EPC net database |
| /boot |
Boot the specified database |
| /shutdown |
Shutdown the database. This will also invalidate any open connection without reconfirmation. |
Example call:
EWAAdmin /wis /shutdown
will shutdown the WIS net database.
Note:
When shutting down databases in most cases it may also make sense to shutdown the application server, too. After doing your maintenance be sure to boot the application server again.
There is no command line in EWAAdmin.exe as this can easily be achieved by issuing the command lines
net stop “EWA net Server”
to stop the application server or
net start “EWA net Server”
to start the application server again. This command must be issued on the server machine where the EWA net application server is running of course.
If you want to start an update without the user being forced to start Admin Tool and click some buttons you can easily start the update process from the command line. Simply select the application part you would like to operate on (WIS net or EPC net). Admin Tool will then automatically start the update process for the regarding application.
The command line looks like this:
EWAAdmin.exe [/wis | /epc] [/license licensebits] [/force] [/source Path] [/target Drive]* [/exclude Drive]* [/nofork] [/noswupdate] [/unattended] [/v]
Description:
|
Parameter |
Description |
|---|---|
| /epc |
Update EPC net |
| /wis |
Update WIS net |
| /license |
Optional: Note: You cannot provide a crypted StartKey here |
| /force |
Optional: |
| /source Path | Optional: Defines the source path from where to find and copy the database files. Te source parameter can be specified multiple times if multiple source directories are required. Besides the specified source paths the program always searched all available drives for the needed files if the file can not be found in the defined source path. |
| /target Drive |
Optional: |
|
/nospacecheck | Optional: Flag to specify whether the free space check on the target drive should be omitted. If specified, the program will not check for sufficient free space on target drive. |
| /nobuffertune | Optional: Flags the instance to skip Windows buffering optimizations. In rare cases the file copy speed breaks down during the update process to a few KB/s instead of several MB/s. Initially the program has been optimized to allow fast copy performance without impact of running server. If the file copy of the database media is very slow, this command line option can try to skip the optimizations. Do not use this option if the program is copying in a reasonable speed. |
| /exclude Drive |
Optional: You can repeat this option to specify multiple drives |
| /nofork | Optional: In a normal call the program copies itself to %TEMP% and executes there. If the process should be watched, this parameter can be used to prohibit the copy of the application to %TEMP%. Note: When using this option the integrated software update will fail. In this case please call the software update manually! |
| /noswupdate | Optional: Enforces the program to skip consistency checks and does not run software update during database update.
Note: When using this option you have the possibility to skip a software update when installing new database content. Nevertheless is it highly recommended that you always update the software together with the database update. If you decide to de-couple the software and database installation processes this is fine - but do not forget to update the software, too. |
| /unattended | Optional: Suppresses confirmation dialogs and allows batch execution of the program |
| /v | Optional: Enables debug logging for troubleshooting (verbose mode) |
Note:
When specifying parameters containing special characters like "-" or "/" please quote those parameters.
Example:
Use
EWAAdmin.exe /source "C:\EWA-net"
instead of
EWAAdmin.exe /source C:\EWA-net
The latter one will fail as the commandline parser will think there is another parameter hidden on the commandline.
You can remove any installed databases from the system by the command line, too.
The command line looks like this:
EWAAdmin.exe [/clean | /cleanwis | /cleanepc]
Description:
|
Parameter |
Description |
|---|---|
| /clean |
Removes all (EPC net AND WIS net) databases |
| /cleanwis |
Removes the WIS net database(s) |
| /cleanepc |
Removes the EPC net database(s) |
When using the update database options in the Administration tool a process is executed which handles the database update. The following steps are processed during a database update:
If the update can proceed using a integrated update (when no major software changes are required) the application server will be down between Step 13 and Step 23. This downtime will be usually around 5 minutes. If the update check in step 4 detects that a longer downtime is required, the application will be unavailable from step 4 until step 23.
If the EWA Administration tool is not working, please use the following steps to determine why the application is not working: