Issue with Calibre Server - Windows

[jawadams]

I would like my calibre server to run in the background, but, no matter what options I choose in the command line (including --daemonize) the command prompt window just stays open.

Is there a way on Windows to make it so the command prompt window won't stay up?

thanks!

[kovidgoyal]

--daemonize only works on unix. You dont have to run the server ina command prompt, you can run it by typing in the command line int he run box directly.

[jawadams]

Thanks for the reply!

I tried just running it directly (no switches) and it still does the same thing.

I have Windows Xp x64 edition if that makes any difference.

By the way I really love the program!

[kovidgoyal]

I'm not windows expert, but I'm sure someone who is will be along to help you in a bit.

[chaley]

On win7 (and possibly older versions)
start /b calibre-server (options follow)
will start the server with no cmd window at all. Other options can start it in a minimized cmd window

Edit: XP 64 has the start command, and it supports the /B switch

[Manichean]

Have it start as a planned task after system startup. Alternatively, create the calibre-server as a service.

[Starson17]

Originally Posted by jawadams

Is there a way on Windows to make it so the command prompt window won't stay up?

There are programs to hide open windows of running programs. I use HideIt. It can be configured to recognize window titles and autohide them.

There are programs that allow other programs to be run as a service. I haven't used them.

If you're willing to just minimize on start, there are tricks to do that, too.

[jawadams]

Originally Posted by chaley

On win7 (and possibly older versions)
start /b calibre-server (options follow)
will start the server with no cmd window at all. Other options can start it in a minimized cmd window

Edit: XP 64 has the start command, and it supports the /B switch

Hmm I tried this and it seemingly works (no errors) but the server doesn't start.

Originally Posted by Starson17

There are programs to hide open windows of running programs. I use HideIt. It can be configured to recognize window titles and autohide them.

There are programs that allow other programs to be run as a service. I haven't used them.

If you're willing to just minimize on start, there are tricks to do that, too.

Yeah I know how to have it minimize it but I really just want it in the background.

Originally Posted by Manichean

Have it start as a planned task after system startup. Alternatively, create the calibre-server as a service.

I am trying to create the service, this is what I type at the command prompt:

sc create CalibreServer binPath="C:\Program Files (x86)\Calibre2\calibre-server.exe"

Doesn't seem to work. It just shows me a list of options because I assume my syntax is incorrect. Any ideas?


EDIT: Managed to create the service using this syntax:
sc create CalibreServ binPath= "C:\Program Files (x86)\Calibre2\calibre-server.exe"

The only thing I was missing was a space.

But when I try to start the service it says "Error 1053: The Service did not respond to the start or control request in a timely manner"

[kovidgoyal]

why dont you just use

calibre --minimize-to-tray

and in the the calibre preferences set the content server to start at calibre startup and enable the system tray icon

[chaley]

Originally Posted by jawadams

Hmm I tried this and it seemingly works (no errors) but the server doesn't start.

Works fine for me.

Try running it from a new command box without the /B so another window opens and you can see what the errors are. My guess is that you have a port conflict, which happens if another instance of the server is running.

[Manichean]

Originally Posted by jawadams

EDIT: Managed to create the service using this syntax:
sc create CalibreServ binPath= "C:\Program Files (x86)\Calibre2\calibre-server.exe"

The only thing I was missing was a space.

But when I try to start the service it says "Error 1053: The Service did not respond to the start or control request in a timely manner"

I haven't actually tried it, that link is just the result of a quick googling. Note that Python programs take some time to start up (at least, they do for me), maybe Windows believes there's a timeout. I don't, off the bat, know how to fix that, if it is the cause.

[jawadams]

Originally Posted by kovidgoyal

why dont you just use

calibre --minimize-to-tray

and in the the calibre preferences set the content server to start at calibre startup and enable the system tray icon

This put me on the right track. It wouldn't work for me so I did this:

In Calibre I went to Look and Feel and enabled the tray.

Enabled automatic startup of Server.

Made shortcut to calibre.exe --start-in-tray in my startup folder.

It does a quick splash then is in the tray. That works for me!

Thanks!

[Manichean]

The splash screen can be disabled as well in the preferences, if you prefer a "silent" start.

[zzmijarevic]

Originally Posted by jawadams

I am trying to create the service, this is what I type at the command prompt:

sc create CalibreServ binPath= "C:\Program Files (x86)\Calibre2\calibre-server.exe"
...

But when I try to start the service it says "Error 1053: The Service did not respond to the start or control request in a timely manner"

I have started a new thread related to this post:
www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=116256

[ShawnInCarlsbad]

I have written a very simple .NET program for windows that starts up 2 calibre-server.exe processes for a couple of libraries and hides the command windows for the processes. Nothing to it if you can compile c# code. The path to the application is stored in processPath and the port number and library path is passed to the method StartProcess. Just edit to your application path, library path and port number you want to start with.

--- c# code ---
using System.Diagnostics;

namespace StartBookServer
{
    class Program
    {
        static string processPath = "C:\\Program Files\\Calibre2\\calibre-server.exe";

        static void Main(string[] args)
        {
            StartProcess(processPath, "-p 8080 --with-library \"D:\\Fiction\"");
            StartProcess(processPath, "-p 8081 --with-library \"D:\\Non-Fiction\"");
        }

        // run the process and hide the command window shutting down this app's command window (the '/c' added before the arguments apparently)
        private static void StartProcess(string processPath, string processArguments)
        {
            ProcessStartInfo si = new ProcessStartInfo(processPath);
            si.RedirectStandardInput = true;
            si.RedirectStandardOutput = true;
            si.UseShellExecute = false;
            si.Arguments = string.Format("/c {0}", processArguments);
            si.WindowStyle = ProcessWindowStyle.Hidden;
            si.CreateNoWindow = true;
            Process p = Process.Start(si);
        }
    }
}