# Rockwell Studio/RSLogix 5000

## Agent Requirements

Below are the Agent system requirements to configure a Copia Agent for the backup of Rockwell Logix Designer projects:

* You will need a licensed copy of Rockwell Studio 5000 Logix Designer or RSLogix 5000 (see [supported versions](https://docs.copia.io/docs/overview/supported-vendors-and-device-types)) that is capable of backing up the entire Project from a Device, which typically equates to *Service Edition*, *Standard Edition*, or higher. Refer to the Rockwell documentation to ensure that the version installed is adequate for this purpose, based on your local usage requirements.
  * If there are many versions of a Project that will be managed by the Agent, each version should be installed.
  * NOTE: A Professional or Service Edition license is required if using FactoryTalk Linx. See [#factorytalk-linx-configuration](#factorytalk-linx-configuration "mention") for more information. (*including the **.NET 8 (x86) runtime**, which is normally installed alongside Studio 5000, but this should be confirmed*)
* In addition, any additional vendor software must be licensed and installed on PC running the Copia Agent. (i.e. EDS files, Add-on's etc.) 
* Copia recommends starting RSLinx as a service from the RSLinx Classic Launch Control Panel:\
  ![](https://3704730939-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F4lSQNVI3DZ15V7kjkMCA%2Fuploads%2Fy7xbTXFGCXWMLXdnYDEo%2FScreenshot%202023-03-21%20at%206.36.07%20PM.png?alt=media\&token=d9a602ef-6218-4ac6-9f6b-bcd1ec28888b)
* The Agent should be tested to confirm that it can backup the PLC using the vendor software.
  * Please refer to the Rockwell documentation regarding port requirements for communication requirements for RSLinx Classic.
* Studio 5000 must be configured to use the appropriate communication software for the devices the Agent will back up.  You can set this by opening Studio 5000 Logix Designer or RSLogix 5000 on the Agent machine, and (without any project open) choose the correct version, based on the menu options shown.

<figure><img src="https://3704730939-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F4lSQNVI3DZ15V7kjkMCA%2Fuploads%2FOxWQAcf4D1MdjJe9Imim%2FLinxSelection1.png?alt=media&#x26;token=badb232d-e11a-4e87-a3aa-d0ac7684e110" alt=""><figcaption><p>Screenshot showing how to select the communication software in Studio 5000</p></figcaption></figure>

## New Project Configuration

To configure a project for Rockwell Logix Designer, you will need to already have a repository created with the Rockwell `.acd` file.

Click either of the *Add a Project* buttons in the Projects tab.

<figure><img src="https://3704730939-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F4lSQNVI3DZ15V7kjkMCA%2Fuploads%2Fne2KmUwhbSS6N4IXtece%2FWebApp_Projects_FANUC_AddProject.png?alt=media&#x26;token=80e5f56f-c026-4621-b3db-5a09d59b4576" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The *Add a new project* configuration dialog will appear which allows you to fully configure the project, devices and job for the project.

{% hint style="info" %}
Any items highlighted with an asterisk are required.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://3704730939-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F4lSQNVI3DZ15V7kjkMCA%2Fuploads%2FcwaXoFHfSdW3yPKP7gF1%2Fnew_project_flow_a.png?alt=media&#x26;token=600d35fd-b785-4180-826b-1d53f4d0b972" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

This is a multi-step process with each section explained in detail.  At any time, you can edit the prior section of this workflow.

{% hint style="info" %}
The project can be edited after creation.  Devices and Jobs can also be edited or created directly, using the Devices or Jobs tab.  The steps for creation are similar to the steps provided below for those sections.
{% endhint %}

### Define the Project

To get started, we will first select the *Project Type* from the list provided, and then select an *Agent*.  If you have not already created an Agent, you can create and assign an Agent at a later time.  See more about this in the [Agents ](https://docs.copia.io/docs/devicelink/sitesandagents/agents)section of the documentation.

When complete, press *Save and Continue*.

<figure><img src="https://3704730939-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F4lSQNVI3DZ15V7kjkMCA%2Fuploads%2F6fl0FiPWADUJKiDzYWC2%2Frs5k_ips_1.png?alt=media&#x26;token=68fc79ea-d2ff-4123-933c-7b5cbf2b1d8d" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

You will now select the Project Path, which is the location (Repository/Branch) where the project file is stored.

{% hint style="info" %}
You can edit the previous steps at any time.
{% endhint %}

You will only be allowed to select the appropriate filetype or folder that is allowed for the Project Type.  In some cases, a project is required to perform a backup, in other cases, the backup can create the initial backup into an empty project folder.

Once selected, press *Save and Continue* to proceed.

<figure><img src="https://3704730939-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F4lSQNVI3DZ15V7kjkMCA%2Fuploads%2FqekPLlJZ6RGcOsijxRFJ%2Frs5k_pp_1.png?alt=media&#x26;token=466f7d4c-51d9-4daa-9245-12a6f7337c66" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The Project Details section allows you to set the Project name and add a description if desired.

<figure><img src="https://3704730939-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F4lSQNVI3DZ15V7kjkMCA%2Fuploads%2F8onKNNXBpAbuIk0uECeq%2Frs5k_pd_1.png?alt=media&#x26;token=bb9a527d-7fdb-455d-8490-55c585a73e14" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Define the Device(s)

The Device Setup section is for defining the device information (PLC, network, authentication, etc.) that is in your Project.  If you have pre-created devices, you can add existing devices, otherwise you can *Add a Device* as shown.&#x20;

We support systems configured with *RSLinx Classic* and *FactoryTalk Linx.* It is recommended that you configure the device in Copia setup to match the communication software setup in Studio 5000 Logix Designer IDE.

Fill in all required fields and any additional fields that are applicable.  For the "Device Name" field, it is suggested to use the same name as the Project.

DeviceLink requires configuration of the Communication Path in **both** the agent and the web application.&#x20;

{% hint style="warning" %}
This on-agent configuration has to be performed for **every** device you wish to back up. You will need to use the Linx software to browse down to each device.
{% endhint %}

## RSLinx Classic Configuration

First, you **must** use the RSLinx Classic utility on the agent to browse down to the slot associated with each device you wish to back up.

This can be done via the "Who Active" dialog inside Studio 5000 (pictured below) or the RSLinx Classic application.

<figure><img src="https://3704730939-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F4lSQNVI3DZ15V7kjkMCA%2Fuploads%2FvdpOuI9BNElSY0FwtLv6%2FWho%20Active.png?alt=media&#x26;token=abb0ef62-3313-4a5e-8d86-42fea693bcbc" alt=""><figcaption><p>The "Who Active" dialog box can be found under the "Communications" menu.</p></figcaption></figure>

Once you browse down to the device in the Linx browser, you should be able to view the full device Communication Path.&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://3704730939-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F4lSQNVI3DZ15V7kjkMCA%2Fuploads%2Fc9m63kDPfPA5LX8mgQON%2FComm%20Path%20V2.png?alt=media&#x26;token=d07034e3-1c92-48b2-9def-6ea6738272ee" alt=""><figcaption><p>In this example, the full communication path would be <code>{Redacted_Driver_Name}/10.23.37.6/PointBus/0</code></p></figcaption></figure>

This path must be entered in the **Communication Path** field in the web application. You must use the fully qualified communication path including the communication bus (e.g. Backplane, PointBus, CompactBus, etc.). This is typically in the form of: `drivername\ipaddress\commbus\slotno`. Note that the name of the communication bus is case-sensitive. For example:

* `AB-ETHIP-1\192.168.1.21\Backplane\0`
* `AB-ETHIP-1\192.168.1.21\CompactBus\0`
* `AB-ETHIP-1\192.168.1.21\PointBus\0`

{% hint style="warning" %}
RSLinx Classic cannot back up devices when the communication path routes through a parent device\
\
Unsupported example:\
`PLC_1\192.168.1.1\Backplane\2\A\192.168.1.3\CompactBus\0`

If your device is networked in this type of configuration, you have two options:

1. **Adjust the network layout and communication path** so that the RSLinx Classic path does not route through a parent device,\
   **or**
2. **Switch the device configuration to FactoryTalk Linx**, which can support routed communication paths and is not subject to this RSLinx limitation.
   {% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
After successfully backing up all of the devices linked to a given agent, Copia recommends copying your RSLinx configuration. This way, if RSLinx gets corrupted, you can restore the configuration without manually re-browsing to each device. Your RSLinx configuration is created via the "RSLinx Classic Backup and Restore Utility" installed along with RSLinx. You can manually upload this configuration file to your Copia repository to keep it in the Cloud.
{% endhint %}

## Ensuring Correct Communication Software

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** In the latest Agent versions this setting is applied automatically. The Agent updates the configuration file based on the communication software selected in the web UI.\
However it’s still a good idea to double check the setting in Studio 5000 especially when troubleshooting or verifying backup connectivity.
{% endhint %}

Studio 5000 must be configured to use RSLinx as the communication software for the devices the Agent will back up.  You can set this by opening Studio 5000 Logix Designer on the Agent machine (without any project open).&#x20;

To confirm the correct communication software:

* Open Studio 5000&#x20;
* Navigate to Communications → Select Communication Software → RSLinx

This ensures the Agent can detect the PLC communication path and perform backups successfully.

\
Example shown below:

<figure><img src="https://3704730939-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F4lSQNVI3DZ15V7kjkMCA%2Fuploads%2FRDnRc4v4W8dkesKTfOxM%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=8133cbe9-a702-4b4d-a8a5-0d07a8156488" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Web UI

If you have configured your agent to use RSLinx Classic, you will enter the full communication path here. Select "RSLinx Classic" communication software radio button and finally press *Save Device* when complete.

<figure><img src="https://3704730939-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F4lSQNVI3DZ15V7kjkMCA%2Fuploads%2FT5NdsV9EqVEl5RTFcqqV%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=8171ee07-aa64-4380-ac79-53e6e90df94a" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Define the Job(s)

Creating Jobs is similar for all vendor types, and is described in the [Creating Jobs](https://docs.copia.io/docs/devicelink/jobs/creating-jobs) section.  It is recommended to review that section while completing a job configuration, and press Save to save the job.  You can create more than one job for a device if desired. &#x20;

### Submit the Configuration

Once complete, press "Submit Project Setup" at the bottom of the form to create the Project, Device(s) and Job(s).

<figure><img src="https://3704730939-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F4lSQNVI3DZ15V7kjkMCA%2Fuploads%2FqL7GD560PYQjZZKCfq52%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=a5d67753-4b00-441b-bd63-9c525baf8fc2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## FactoryTalk Linx Configuration <a href="#factorytalk-linx-configuration" id="factorytalk-linx-configuration"></a>

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Important**: The Logix Designer SDK is **not installed automatically** with Studio 5000. To enable FactoryTalk Linx backup support, you must install Studio 5000 using the **Customize** option and explicitly select the **Logix Designer SDK** component.
{% endhint %}

Device Agent supports backing up PLC projects configured to use FactoryTalk Linx as the communication software. The Agent utilizes Rockwell’s Logix Designer SDK; therefore, **Studio 5000 Logix Designer v31 or newer with a valid Professional or Service Edition license is required.** The Logix Designer SDK entitlement **must** be visible in FactoryTalk Activation Manager. If the SDK is not installed or the SDK entitlement is not present, FactoryTalk Linx–based backups will fail.&#x20;

### **Installing the Logix Designer SDK**

{% hint style="warning" %}
Users should install the latest version of the Logix Designer SDK, which is currently version **V2.01.00**. This can be found bundled with newer versions of the Studio 5000 installer, or as a standalone download from the [Rockwell Compatibility & Downloads Center](https://compatibility.rockwellautomation.com/pages/newsearch.aspx?c=117\&q=Logix%20Designer%20SDK).
{% endhint %}

If the SDK is missing, or if you need to add it to an existing Studio 5000 installation follow these steps:

1. **Launch the installer:**\
   Run `setup.exe` from your Studio 5000 installation media or downloaded installer.
2. **Choose “Customize”:**\
   When the installer opens, select Customize instead of Install Now.
3. **Navigate components:**\
   Proceed through the initial screens (user information, license agreement, etc.).
4. **Select Optional Tools / Features:**\
   Continue until you reach the page allowing selection of optional features.
5. **Enable the SDK:**\
   Check the box for **Logix Designer SDK** (or similar wording).

<figure><img src="https://3704730939-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F4lSQNVI3DZ15V7kjkMCA%2Fuploads%2Fr9uApuJhFTMsHXMkswTm%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=e9ab8c12-6849-4913-9b5e-7241978a4666" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

1. **Complete the installation:**\
   Click **Next** and finish the setup. A reboot may be required.

#### **Verify That the SDK Is Installed**

On the Agent system:

1. Open **Services.msc**
2. Locate the service **LDSDKService**
3. Confirm that the service is present and its status is **Running**

If the service is **missing**, the SDK was not installed and you must re-run the installer using the steps above.

{% hint style="info" %}
Also, please ensure that *the **.NET 8 (x86) runtime**, which is normally installed alongside Studio 5000, was installed, as well.  If not, see this* [*link*](#missing-.net-backup-error) *to add it.*
{% endhint %}

#### **Browsing the Device in FactoryTalk Linx Network Browser**

After verifying SDK installation, open the **FactoryTalk Linx Network Browser** on the Agent system and browse to the device you want to back up, as shown in the example below:

<figure><img src="https://3704730939-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F4lSQNVI3DZ15V7kjkMCA%2Fuploads%2FuP3vqpfYsD5enuZqacs4%2Fftlinx_browser_new.png?alt=media&#x26;token=820f0206-da3a-4b47-b356-55acff4e373a" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

This path must be entered in the **Communication Path** field in the web application. Some examples can be found below:

* `AB_ETH-1\10.41.2.208`
* `AB_ETH-1\10.41.2.208\A2\10.41.4.209`
* `AB_ETH-1\10.41.2.208\A2\10.41.4.209\PointBus\0`

#### Ensuring Correct Communication Software

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** This setting is applied automatically in the latest Agent versions. The Agent updates the configuration file based on the communication software selected in the Copia Web App. However, we still recommend double checking the setting in Studio 5000, especially when troubleshooting or verifying backup connectivity.
{% endhint %}

Studio 5000 must be configured to use FactoryTalk Linx as the communication software for the devices the Agent will back up.  You can set this by opening Studio 5000 Logix Designer on the Agent machine (without any project open).&#x20;

To confirm the correct communication software:

* Open Studio 5000&#x20;
* Navigate to Communications → Select Communication Software → FactoryTalk Linx

This ensures the Agent can detect the PLC communication path and perform backups successfully.

\
Example shown below:

<figure><img src="https://3704730939-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F4lSQNVI3DZ15V7kjkMCA%2Fuploads%2F8ZnvXDorKfuwDxeOXknX%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=3c7d0e1c-defd-4bfd-926c-72a6f1f4d43d" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Web UI

Configure the project as given in the [project setup](#new-project-configuration) above. When configuring the Device, enter the appropriate Communication Path and select FactoryTalk Linx from the radio button as seen in the image below:

<figure><img src="https://3704730939-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F4lSQNVI3DZ15V7kjkMCA%2Fuploads%2FFDCb47TpZm4MpdkDknKJ%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=c9694f78-1cd8-4f09-8517-299a36aa0fa8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Proceed with the Job Setup as see below:

<figure><img src="https://3704730939-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F4lSQNVI3DZ15V7kjkMCA%2Fuploads%2FwiMWP3t7RV6AduA57sXh%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=c7c22a2b-9d0c-409e-90c8-b13ee52dc6af" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Don't forget to enable/disable the [Watch ](https://docs.copia.io/docs/projects-and-devices#watching-a-project)button based on your preferences for project [Notifications](https://docs.copia.io/docs/devicelink/administration/notifications).
{% endhint %}

## Troubleshooting FactoryTalk Linx Backup Errors

#### **Resolving FactoryTalk Linx “No Valid License” Backup Error**

When performing backups using FactoryTalk Linx, Studio 5000 Logix Designer must be licensed for use with the Logix Designer SDK. **Both Professional Edition and Service Edition licenses are supported** for FactoryTalk Linx–based backups.

In many environments, Rockwell automatically provides a temporary 7-day trial license. This trial license does **not** appear in FactoryTalk Activation Manager, which can make diagnosing backup failures confusing.

You may **still** encounter the following error even with a valid license:\
`no valid license`

Rockwell has identified this as a licensing entitlement issue within the Logix Designer SDK. According to the official Rockwell knowledge base article (ID: [BF29224](https://support.rockwellautomation.com/app/answers/answer_view/a_id/1139072))\
\
**Resolution:**

* Ensure the license is activated using entitlement version **35.00.01**, which is required for the Logix Designer SDK to function.
* If the license is already activated under a different entitlement version, re-host the license and reactivate it, selecting entitlement 35.00.01 during activation.
* Confirm that a supported Studio 5000 license (**Professional or Service Edition**) is active and that a corresponding **Logix Designer SDK license entitlement** is visible in FactoryTalk Activation Manager.

#### Verify Logix Designer SDK License Entitlement within FactoryTalk Activation Manager

Ensure that the **Logix Designer SDK license entitlement** is present and active in FactoryTalk Activation Manager. The SDK entitlement is **automatically included and activated** when activating a **Studio 5000 Professional or Service Edition license** and does **not require a separate purchase**. If the Studio 5000 Professional or Service Edition license is present but the Logix Designer SDK entitlement is missing, FactoryTalk Linx based backups will fail.&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://3704730939-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F4lSQNVI3DZ15V7kjkMCA%2Fuploads%2F4T2GFG14IW7PKOa6mcmJ%2FScreenshot%202026-02-06%20103623.png?alt=media&#x26;token=f6d56e5c-25e1-42ac-bb60-ba150e1f38a5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Missing .NET Backup Error&#x20;

FactoryTalk Linx backups require the **.NET 8 (x86) runtime**, which is normally installed alongside Studio 5000. However, we have observed cases where this dependency was **not installed**, resulting in backup failures.

A missing .NET runtime produces error output similar to:

`You must install .NET to run this application.`
\
`Architecture: x86`

**Resolution:**

If you encounter this message:

* Install the required **.NET 8 x86 Runtime** as administrator using the link provided in the error output:\
  [**https://aka.ms/dotnet-core-applaunch?missing\_runtime=true\&arch=x86\&rid=win-x86\&os=win10\&apphost\_version=8.0.6**](https://aka.ms/dotnet-core-applaunch?missing_runtime=true\&arch=x86\&rid=win-x86\&os=win10\&apphost_version=8.0.6)
* After installation, retry the backup .

This dependency is essential for the FTLinxCLI used by the Device Agent during FactoryTalk Linx SDK backups.