Problem

After a Windows update, your Niagara station fails to start. The daemon shows "Starting" but never transitions to "Running", or crashes immediately.

Common Causes

1. Java path changed - Windows updates can modify PATH environment variables
2. Service dependencies - Windows may have changed service startup order
3. Port conflicts - Another application grabbed the Fox port during reboot
4. File permissions - Windows Defender or updates modified folder permissions

Solution

Step 1: Check Java Path

echo %JAVA_HOME%
java -version

If Java is not found, reinstall or repair your Niagara installation.

Step 2: Verify Service Dependencies

1. Open Services (services.msc)
2. Find "Niagara Daemon"
3. Right-click > Properties > Dependencies
4. Ensure all dependencies are running

Step 3: Check for Port Conflicts

netstat -ano | findstr :1911
netstat -ano | findstr :4911

If another process is using these ports, stop it or change your station ports.

Step 4: Reset File Permissions

Run as Administrator:

icacls "C:\Niagara\Niagara-4.x" /reset /T /C

Prevention

• Schedule Windows updates during maintenance windows
• Document your Java and Niagara paths before updates
• Consider using Niagara's built-in backup before system changes