Installing VisNetic MailFlow
Author: Kevin Fortune
Version: All Supported Versions
Need help with your installation?
If additional assistance is needed, our support team can assist you live with the purchase of a
Installation Support Contract
.
Overview
This guide walks you through installing VisNetic MailFlow on a Windows Server environment, including system requirements, preparation steps, and the installation wizard procedure.
System Requirements
- Windows Server 2012 R2, 2016, 2019, or 2022
- Microsoft SQL Server 2012–2022 (Express or Standard)
- IIS with ASP.NET enabled
- 4 GB RAM minimum (8 GB recommended)
- At least 20 GB free disk space
- Static IP recommended for remote access
1. Prepare the SQL Server
- Install SQL Server (Express is sufficient for most installations).
- Create a SQL login for MailFlow, or plan to use Windows Authentication.
- Ensure TCP/IP is enabled in SQL Server Configuration Manager.
- Ensure SQL Server Browser service is running (if using named instances).
2. Install IIS Prerequisites
Install the required IIS components from Server Manager:
- Web Server (IIS)
- ASP.NET 4.5 / 4.8
- .NET Extensibility
- ISAPI Extensions & ISAPI Filters
- Static Content
- Windows Authentication (optional but recommended)
3. Begin the MailFlow Installation
- Run the MailFlow installer as Administrator.
- Accept the license agreement.
- Select the installation directory (default recommended).
- When prompted for the SQL database:
- Enter your SQL Server name
- Choose SQL or Windows Authentication
- Allow the installer to create the database if it doesn’t exist
- The installer will configure IIS automatically.
- Allow the installer to perform any necessary database updates.
4. Complete Initial Configuration
After installation:
- Browse to the MailFlow web interface.
- Log in using the default Admin user (Admin / admin unless changed).
- Change the Admin password immediately.
- Configure MailFlow Servers under:
Administration → MailFlow Servers → Servers
5. Set Up Message Sources & Destinations
- Go to Administration → Message Handling
- Add POP3, IMAP, or ESMTP Sources
- Set your Destinations (Agents, Groups, Rules, etc.)
6. Verify Services
Ensure the following are running:
- VisNetic MailFlow Engine (Windows Service)
- IIS Application Pool for MailFlow
7. Optional Configuration
- Configure SSL on the MailFlow site
- Enable Archiving & Backups
- Customize Agent Permissions
- Configure SMTP relay for outgoing messages
Need Assistance?
If you require live installation or migration assistance, Deerfield offers full support services.
We can walk you through configuration, SQL setup, or a complete multi-server deployment.
← Back to MailFlow Articles
