PI Nexus+ / Installation and Administration
8. Verify Runtime Identities
After installation and database setup, verify that Windows is actually running PI Nexus+ under the intended service account. This is important because the installer can complete with fallback identities if Windows rejects the supplied service account. The application may open with a fallback identity, but SQL, PI, AF, or PI Vision access can fail until the correct identity is assigned.
Overview
After installation and database setup, verify that Windows is actually running PI Nexus+ under the intended service account. This is important because the installer can complete with fallback identities if Windows rejects the supplied service account. The application may open with a fallback identity, but SQL, PI, AF, or PI Vision access can fail until the correct identity is assigned.
8.1 Verify IIS App Pool Identity
The IIS app pool identity is the Windows account used by the PI Nexus+ web application. This account handles user requests, admin configuration, discovery calls, license installation, and web-application access to SQL Server.
Steps:
- Open IIS Manager.
- Open Application Pools.
- Select
PINexusAppPool. - Open Advanced Settings.
- Confirm
Identityis the intended PI Nexus+ service account. - If it is
ApplicationPoolIdentity, change it now to the PI Nexus+ service account. - Enter the password.
- Recycle or start the app pool.

The app pool should use:
| Setting | Value | Why |
|---|---|---|
| .NET CLR version | No Managed Code | ASP.NET Core runs out-of-process/in-process through the hosting module, not as a classic .NET Framework app |
| Pipeline mode | Integrated | Required for the IIS pipeline used by the site |
| Load User Profile | True | Allows the service account profile and related Windows/PI client context to load correctly |
A good result for this section is that the app pool starts and stays running under the intended service account.
8.2 Verify Scanner Service Identity
The scanner service identity is the Windows account used by background scans. This account needs SQL access and PI System read access because it performs PI Point, AF, and PI Vision inventory scans.
Steps:
- Open Windows Services.
- Find
PI Nexus+ Scanner. - Open Properties.
- Go to Log On.
- Confirm the service uses the intended PI Nexus+ service account.
- If it is
LocalSystem, change it now to the PI Nexus+ service account. - Enter the password.
- Start the service.

The service account must have Log on as a service. If the service does not start, check the Windows Event Log and the PI Nexus+ scanner logs.
A good result for this section is that PI Nexus+ Scanner starts and stays running under the intended service account.
