> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.storware.eu/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.storware.eu/deployment/first-steps-after-installation/initial-configuration.md).

# First Login and Initial Configuration

## Overview

After completing installation and Node configuration, log in to the Storware Backup & Recovery web interface. The configuration wizard guides you through adding backup sources, configuring backup destinations, and creating your first backup SLA.

## First steps

### 1. Log In to the Web Interface

Open a web browser and enter the Server address:

```
https://<SERVER_ADDRESS>:8181
```

If HTTPS access through port `443` has been configured, use:

```
https://<SERVER_ADDRESS>
```

Replace `<SERVER_ADDRESS>` with the hostname or IP address of your Storware Backup & Recovery Server. When using a configured TLS certificate, use the hostname matching that certificate.

Log in with the default credentials:

| Field    | Value      |
| -------- | ---------- |
| Username | `admin`    |
| Password | `vPr0tect` |

The password contains the digit **zero**, not the letter **O**. Change the default password after logging in.

### 2. Start the Configuration Wizard

The configuration wizard opens automatically after the first login.

You can also open it later from the main dashboard by clicking **Configuration wizard** on the right.

#### Welcome and User Preferences

On the welcome page, review the available Nodes and select your preferred interface language and time zone.

> **Important:** The default `admin` account uses **UTC**. Set the correct time zone for each user to ensure that times displayed in the interface match their location.

#### Add a Backup Source

Select the type of environment you want to protect and provide its connection details.

For example, when adding **Citrix Hypervisor / XCP-ng**, provide the host address, authentication credentials, and the Node configuration used to access the environment. Complete the remaining settings for the selected backup strategy.

For Citrix Hypervisor / XCP-ng pools, add every host, including the pool master.

Inventory synchronization starts automatically after the source is added. Allow it to complete so that discovered resources are available for selection when configuring protection.

Repeat this step to add additional sources or different types of virtualization providers.

#### Add a Backup Destination

Select the backup destination type and configure where backups will be stored.

For an **XFS synthetic filesystem** destination:

1. Select **File System (Synthetic)**.
2. Enter a name for the destination.
3. Select **XFS** as the storage backend.
4. Enter the prepared backup storage path, such as `/vprotect_data/backup`.
5. Select the appropriate Node configuration.
6. Confirm that the storage is mounted and accessible to the `vprotect` account.
7. Review and save the settings.

Selecting XFS in the wizard does not create or format the underlying filesystem. Prepare the storage before adding the destination.

Repeat this step if you need additional backup destinations.

> **ISO deployments:** A backup destination is already configured on the secondary disk provided during deployment. You can use that destination and skip creating another one.

#### Create a Backup SLA

A backup SLA defines which resources are protected, where their backups are stored, and when backups run.

To configure protection for virtual machines:

1. Select an SLA for **Virtual Environments**.
2. Enter a name for the backup policy.
3. Select the VMs to protect.
4. Select a backup destination.
5. Configure retention for that destination.
6. Review and adjust the backup schedules.
7. Verify the configuration and click **Finish**.

Retention is configured separately for each destination assigned to the policy. When both version-count and age limits are configured, a backup becomes eligible for removal when either limit is exceeded.

The wizard provides two predefined schedules:

* A weekly full backup.
* A daily incremental backup.

Adjust these schedules to your requirements and the capabilities of the selected backup strategy. Add further schedules if needed.

### 3. Review Internal Database Backup

The Storware Backup & Recovery database contains configuration and backup information required to recover the environment and manage restores. Verify its protection before relying on scheduled backups.

By default, internal database backup uses a daily schedule and the first backup destination defined in the system.

Review the selected destination and schedule, and confirm that database backups complete successfully. Monitor their status using the indicator on the **Internal DB backup** button in the upper-right corner of the interface.

### 4. Create Individual Administrator Accounts

Use **Access Management** to create individual accounts for administrators and assign the appropriate permissions.

Individual accounts make administrative activity traceable and avoid sharing the default account.

### 5. Verify Your First Backup

Run an initial backup for a selected resource and confirm that it completes successfully. Then perform a test restore to verify that the backup can be recovered.

Repeat the configuration process as needed to protect additional virtual environments, applications, and storage providers.