This was something that I was meaning to do a long time ago – installing my own local SAP Portal, so I can deploy and test my applications whenever I want, without having to go through the NWDI server. I finally had the time and resources to do it, so let me share this experience with you. Even though the steps are pretty comprehensive and straightforward, things might get messy if you fail some requirements or initial preparation tasks. I highly recommend the reading of the installation information in https://websmp201.sap-ag.de/nw04installation. You should also take a deeper look into the Master Guide and the Technical Infrastructure Guide.
Assuming that you have the necessary hardware requirements to install a local SAP Portal, there are also some prerequisites that you must comply to be able to finish it successfully:
- You must have the Developer Workplace source files (typically it will contain a sub-directory named IM_WINDOWS_I386, in case you intend to install it in a Windows based PC as I did);
- You must have all the necessary files for the Netweaver 2004s SR2 Kernel for Windows. You can get these files in http://service.sap.com/swdc. Note that your OSS User must have privileges to be able to download them;
- You also need a full version of the Max DB database 7.6.xx. You can also use SQL Server as your database;
- I recommend that you have a separate copy of the Netweaver Developer Studio (NWDS) on the same stack level on which you intend to upgrade your Developer Workplace and the ESS/MSS Business Packages (in case you install them);
- You must install the Java Software Development Kit 1.4.2_xx (I installed 1.4.2_09). After installing, do not forget to disable automatic updates right upon installation. There are known issues with versions 1.5.x.
- A local instance ID must be obtained from your basis team. For this purpose, the instance ID referenced in this post is N21.
Installing the Netweaver Developer Workplace
1. Start by installing the Java Software Development Kit 1.4.2_xx (I installed 1.4.2_09). Typically, Java will be installed in a new directory called, e.g., c:\j2sdk1.4.2_09;
2. Create a new system variable called JAVA_HOME and set it’s value as c:\j2sdk1.4.2_09\bin;
3. You should create a new administrator user for your local PC, called [Instance Number]adm. In this case, N21ADM;
4. I had some issues with the anti-virus, so I disabled it during the installation;
5. If you use a VPN to connect to your ERP backend system, be sure to connect to it so that you have a valid IP address during the process;
6. Run file sapinst.exe, which should be located in the developer workplace installation directory – ..\IM_WINDOWS_I386;
7. Follow the steps described on the following screenshots:
8. You must specify a Police Archive, which can be downloaded from the locations below
9. Specify the instance ID and the installation drive
10. Define a master password. This will be the portal user “Administrator” password, as well as the Visual Administrator password
11. Define a password for the windows account users. This will be the windows user “[InstanceID]adm” password
12. Define the Database parameters. In this case, it’s the same ID as defined for the Instance ID (N21)
13. Enter the locations of the necessary software packages. First the RDMS MaxDB
14. Next the UC Kernel, for the Netweaver 2004s SR2
15. For the time being, select “No SLD destination”. The SLD configuration will be done later.
16. Select the location for the Netweaver Developer Studio (NWDS) installation
17. Hit Start
18. If no errors occur, hopefully your installation will end with lots of green checks 
and a message of success confirming it. you can now check if your local Portal is working.
19. To test your local Portal, first you must start the J2EE engine. You should have the SAP Management Console (MMC) icon on your desktop
20. Start your instance and verify that all processes are running – all green
21. Access the Portal on http://localhost:50000/irj/portal
22. Logon using user “Administrator” and the same password you’ve defined in step 10. You should be able to login and view the Portal running.
So I have my local SAP Portal running! What’s next?
Right now you have an almost standalone local SAP Portal. In order to use it properly, you still have several configurations to perform. Here are some of the most important
2. Configure the System Landscape Directory (SLD)
3. Configure the Single Sign-On
4. Create the necessary Java Connectors (JCO)
5. Deploy any existing custom applications (Web Dynpro)
6. Install the ESS and MSS Business Packages
After you performed these steps, you will be able to run ESS and MSS applications on your local Portal, provided that the user credentials are valid and that you’re connected to the backend system when you run it.
Working as an Information Systems Consultant for over 10 years now, I've found that working with SAP brought me added value on how to deal and manage IT and Information Systems Projects. More than a hobby, this blog is aimed to propagate SAP knowledge exchange and help other SAP technology or functional Consultants finding any piece of useful information. Please participate with your comments and opinions, it will help enrich the SAP community. Thanks!
Nicola
Hi Guru,
I have doing all the point in this guide, but now I want to update the license of my Netweaver Developer Workplace.
How can I do it?
Thanks a lot.
Nicola
webmaster
Hi Nicola,
I’ve updated this same post, in point number 1 – Get your license key. Please get back to me in case you have more questions.
Thanks, best regards.
Antonio Caldas
Leonardo
Hi people,
i have a question!!!!
How i install the directory NWDS in the number 13… because, i tryed install… but in this screen show this problem…
tks
leo
webmaster
Hi Leonardo,
Step number 13 refers to the necessary software packages. First the RDMS MaxDB and next the UC Kernel, for the Netweaver 2004s SR2. These 2 packages should be available in your NWDW installation source files. You referred to NWDS in your comment, are you having trouble installing the Developer Studio?
Thanks
Antonio Caldas
Leonardo
Hi Antonio,
so… the rdbms is my new instalation of MaxDB? I have a maxdb installed in my computer, but this is installation for my Minisap abap 7.0… can i refer to my MaxDB installation or i have start a new installation of MaxDB????
tk too much…
leo
webmaster
Hi Leonardo,
I’ve never done it that way and I’m not sure that when selecting the software package (image 13), the installation program will detect your previous installation of MaxDB. You can always backup your existing database and try to install NWDW and see what happens on this step. Nevertheless, try looking into the following SAP links:
> SAP NetWeaver Developer Studio Standalone Installation Guide
> Developer Workplace for SAP NetWeaver 7.0 SR3 Installation Guide
> SAP Official Page – Installation Guides
Bye, good luck!
Antonio Caldas
BASIS
Hi mate,
I am trying to install NWDW on my system and after giving the sid and master password, it is throwinf an error . The error from log file is
“ Path component contains reserved character (‘:’) : Connection to node for database ( no dbname) : ”
What might be the root cause for this and can anyone help me out in this case??
pradeep
Hi,
We are trying to install the NW 7.0 EHP1 SR1 Developer Workplace in my windows machine.I have installed the MAXDB 7.8.01 build 14, when i am in “create database instance phase” it is throwing error.
Using custom value info for property SAPINST_MESSAGE_CONSOLE_THRESHOLD.
Regards,
Pradeep J
webmaster
Dear Pradeep,
Before I could successfully install the NWDS in my Windows machine I also had a few problems. However, I never encountered that specific error. I recommend that you submit your question to the SDN forums, Maybe someone can share any findings with you.
Good luck and thank you for visiting SAPLAB.org.
Regards
Antonio Caldas
Emilio
Hi Antonio
Your post is really good… I have been looking for a way to get a local SAP portal in orden to test some ESS and MSS. An option was install the SAP netweaver 7 java trial version, but it is not longer available (at less, I could not find it).
So I am going to try to install NWDW as you said in the post. If I just test some ESS/MSS application, Do I have to do all these steps?.. is there some easiest way?.
Best regards
webmaster
Dear Emilio,
At the time I tested this local installation, unfortunately, there is no short-cut and no easier way to do it. It is time consuming and you really need to work on potential errors that turn up – having a good machine with lots of RAM helps.
Moreover, in order to test ESS and MSS please remember that you’ll need to connect your local portal to an ERP instance (configure systems, SLD, JCOs, etc).
Good luck!
Antonio
Sanjay
Thanks a lot for the screen by screen details