Creating An RKF

RKF stands for RCON Key File. This is something we at Tatakai Software dreamed up to give you the Server Admin the ability to allow your fellow Clan Members admin access to your server but in a controlled, restricted manor.

This guide explains more about the RKF and how you can implement it's features into your Clan's structure. We also run through a typical rollout example to cement your understanding even further.

The Basics

The RKF is an encrypted file the Server Admin creates using the tool named the "RKF Creator". When you install ServerScan this tool is also installed and a shortcut is added to the start menu system. The created RKF is then distributed to your fellow Clan Members who install it into their ServerScan installation directory. On launching ServerScan they will be presented with the below window which allows them to load the RKF you created along with all the settings it holds.



The RKF file holds all your server information. This includes but is not limited to your servers IP, Port and RCON Password along with any permissions / restrictions you have decided to select. You can see the full break down of all the RKF Variables that the RKF Creator allows you to set by viewing the RKF Variables page. You can also restrict / permit any command using the Command Blocker feature. You can protect your RKF using a simple password or by authenticating the user through your website using htaccess control.

The beauty of his system is you can give all your Clan Members admin access to your server with the knowledge that they are unable to see the RCON Password (it's encrypted remember) and are restricted to only the commands you allow.

The Tatakai Clan use this system extensively along with many other Clans. We run 4 servers. For each server we have created an RKF. Once all the RKF's have been created we zipped them all up and distributed the zipfile to our Clan Members. All they had to do was install ServerScan and then extract the zipfile to their ServerScan installation folder. It really is that simple!

It enables us to deal with problems on our server in a far more timely fashion. For example, if a player is cheating on our server our Members can remove said player quickly. There is no need to contact a Server Admin to do this. If no Server Admin's are available what would you do? This makes for a happier more popular server in the long run. They can also change the gametype / map to suit their needs. After all they contribute to the cost of running the server so why shouldn't they use it how they want to!

Hopefully your starting to understand the concept behind the RKF file and how it could work for your Clan.

Creating the RKF, a Step by Step Guide

Before starting this guide make sure you have installed the latest ServerScan.

• Load the RKF Creator application - Navigate to the Tatakai Software menu under your Windows start button and click the shortcut "RKF Creator"
• The RKF Creator About screen loads, click on "Ok" to close this window. The RKF Creators main window opens
• First of all lets enter the servers hostname / IP Address, Port and RCON Password. Example here
• The next step is to select what users of this RKF can do on your server. The variables are fairly self explanatory. You can see a full rundown of each variable on the RKF Variables page
• RKF Security - To protect your server should an RKF fall into the wrong hands a security system has been built into the RKF system. This can be found in the RKF Creator main window. To enable the RKF Security system simply tick the box labeled "Enable RKF Security". You have several options here, all of which are explained on the RKF Security page
• Server Enabled Mode - This should be disabled on the RKF's you send to your Clan. You would enable this option on an RKF you are creating for the copy of ServerScan that's it going to be running 24/7 monitoring your server
• Enforcement System - A full rundown of the Enforcement System can be found on the Enforcement page
• Give your RKF a name, something along the lines of "servername port" is normally best. Don't add a file extension, the RKF Creator software will do this for you
• Command Blocker - The Command Blocker is a very powerful feature. It allows you to either block certain commands or allow them. See the Command Blocker page for a full rundown of its use
• Now that you have entered all your info and set-up the permissions / restrictions accordingly please click on the "Create RKF" button. It's a good idea to leave the RKF Creator application open just incase you want to make any changes to your newly created RKF. You cannot load your RKF settings into the RKF Creator application so you would have to start again if you wanted to change any setting. By leaving the app open you can simply alter the setting and click "Create RKF" again. The RKF will then be overwritten with your changed settings
• A file will now be created within your ServerScan installation directory named as you entered above with an extension of .rkf
• To test your new RKF load ServerScan. The RKF File Selector window will appear. Select your new RKF and click "Load"
• If you enabled the RKF Security feature you will be prompted at this stage to verify your identity
• ServerScan will load but this time it will take all it's settings from the RKF you just loaded
• Test your RKF, if your happy continue on. If your not jump back 5 steps
• Now you have your tested RKF the next job is to distribute it to your fellow Clan Members. How you do this is upto you
• If you have more than one server then you will need more RKF's of course. Under these circumstances it would be a good idea to zip them all up together just to make it easier for your Clan Members
• Once your Clan Members have the zipfile containing your RKF(s) get them to extract / copy the file to their local ServerScan installation folder. This normally being "c:\program files\Tatakai ServerScan"
• That's it, you can now enjoy the benefits this system brings :o)