# OPC Data server properties (General tab)

The General tab of the Data Server dialog box lets you specify general information for a new data server or change information about an existing server. It also shows server status.

## To specify the general properties of a data server

1. In the Explorer window, right-click the data server icon and then select Properties from the Context menu.
2. In the General tab, specify the OPC server name (Programmatic ID), host computer name (if the server is remote), your name for the server and, optionally, a description. Click the Browse button to select from the list of available servers.
3. Click Apply to save the information.

## Options

- Name

  Type a name for the data server. This will appear in the Explorer window. The name of the data server cannot include hyphens (-).

- Description

  Type a description for the data server. For example, use this box to describe the server's location, or to identify a contact person in case of failure.

- Computer hosting the server
  - Server will be hosted on local computer

    Click this button if the server will be running on the same machine as the application. For applications running on a PanelView Plus 7, PanelView Plus 6, PanelView Plus, or PanelView Plus CE terminal, the server must be on the local computer.

  - Server will be hosted on remote computer

    Type the name of the computer that is hosting the OPC server, or click the Browse button to navigate to a computer and select it.

- OPC Server name (ProgID)

  Type the name of the OPC server or its ProgID, or click the browser button to navigate to the server and select it. The list displays the servers installed on the development computer.

  If you want to use RSLinx Classic as the OPC server, and RSLinx Classic is installed on the same computer as FactoryTalk View Machine Edition Station, click RSLinx OPC Server.

  If RSLinx Classic is not installed on the same computer as FactoryTalk View Machine Edition Station, click RSLinx Remote OPC Server.

## See also

Add a data server to an application

HMI server properties

Data server properties (Advanced tab)