UFT Installation & Configuration Guide

A Comprehensive Guide to Installing and Setting Up UFT: Initial Configuration for Beginners

Unified Functional Testing (UFT) is a powerful automation tool designed to streamline software testing processes across various applications and platforms. Proper installation and initial configuration are crucial steps that ensure the tool functions optimally and meets your specific testing requirements. This guide will walk you through every step of the process, from verifying system requirements to configuring add-ins, helping you establish a solid foundation for your automation testing journey.

Introduction to UFT

Unified Functional Testing (UFT), formerly known as QuickTest Professional (QTP), is an automated functional testing solution developed by Micro Focus. It provides a comprehensive testing environment for creating, maintaining, and executing automated tests across various applications and technologies. UFT uses a keyword-driven approach combined with scripting capabilities, making it accessible to both technical and non-technical testers.

The strength of UFT lies in its ability to support multiple technologies and platforms, including web, mobile, desktop, and API testing. Its object-oriented approach allows testers to create reusable components, enhancing test maintainability and reducing the overall effort required for test creation. By properly installing and configuring UFT, you can leverage its full potential to create robust, maintainable, and efficient automated tests.

System Requirements for UFT Installation

Before embarking on the installation journey, it's essential to verify that your system meets the necessary requirements to ensure a smooth UFT installation. UFT, being a comprehensive testing tool, has specific hardware and software prerequisites that must be satisfied to avoid compatibility issues and performance bottlenecks.

Hardware Requirements

The minimum hardware requirements for UFT include:

• Processor: A multi-core processor with at least 2.5 GHz speed (quad-core recommended for better performance)
• RAM: 4GB minimum (8GB or more recommended, especially for complex test scenarios)
• Hard Disk Space: Approximately 10GB free space for installation (additional space required for test repositories and logs)
• Display: Minimum screen resolution of 1024x768 with 16-bit color depth

Software Requirements

Your operating system should be a supported version of Windows, such as:

• Windows 10 (64-bit)
• Windows Server 2016/2019/2022
• Windows 11 (64-bit)

Additionally, ensure that you have administrative privileges on your machine, as these are required for the installation process.

Framework and Browser Requirements

It's also important to consider the .NET Framework version required by your specific UFT release, typically .NET 4.7.2 or higher. Browser compatibility is another critical aspect; you'll need to install supported versions of browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge depending on your testing needs.

Additional Requirements

If you plan to integrate UFT with other tools or test specific applications, additional components may be required:

• For mobile testing: UFT Mobile or compatible mobile device emulators
• For SAP testing: SAP GUI and necessary SAP components
• For .NET applications: Visual Studio (specific versions depending on UFT release)
• For Java applications: JDK (specific versions depending on UFT release)

Pre-installation Checklist

Before proceeding with the installation, it's advisable to:

• Close all unnecessary applications to free up system resources
• Disable antivirus temporarily to prevent potential installation conflicts
• Check for any system updates that might affect the installation
• Ensure you have a stable internet connection if downloading components
• Back up your system to prevent data loss in case of installation failures
• Verify that your system clock and date settings are correct
• Ensure no other Micro Focus products are running during installation

Taking these preparatory steps can significantly reduce installation challenges and set a solid foundation for your UFT environment.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

The installation process for UFT is straightforward when followed methodically. Begin by downloading the installation package from the official Micro Focus website or your organization's software repository. Once downloaded, locate the Setup.exe file in your downloads folder and double-click to initiate the installation wizard.

Launching the Installation Wizard

The installation wizard will guide you through the entire process with clear prompts and options. The first screen typically presents the Welcome message and prompts you to select the installation language. Choose your preferred language and click Next to proceed.

License Agreement

The next screen will display the license agreement; carefully review the terms and conditions, then select "I accept the terms in the license agreement" to continue. It's important to review the license agreement, especially if you're installing in an enterprise environment, as it may contain restrictions on usage and distribution.

Product Serial Number

You'll then be prompted to enter the product serial number. Ensure you have this information readily available, as it's essential for activating your license. The serial number is typically provided by your organization's IT department or through your Micro Focus licensing portal.

Installation Destination

After entering the serial number, you'll reach the installation destination folder screen. By default, UFT will install in the C:\Program Files\OpenText directory, but you can choose a different location if needed. Consider installing on a drive with sufficient free space, especially if you plan to store test repositories locally.

Installation Type Selection

The installation wizard will then display the installation type options. You can typically choose between:

• Complete: Installs all features and components
• Custom: Allows you to select specific components to install
• Typical: Installs the most common components recommended for most users

For initial installations, the Complete option is generally recommended to ensure all necessary components are installed. However, if you have limited disk space, the Typical option provides a good balance between functionality and resource usage.

Component Selection (Custom Installation)

If you select the Custom installation type, you'll be presented with a list of components that can be installed. These may include:

• UFT Core Components
• UFT Add-ins (Web, Visual Studio, SAP, etc.)
• UFT Mobile
• UFT API Testing
• Documentation
• Sample Tests

Carefully consider which components you need based on your testing requirements. Unchecking unnecessary components can save disk space and reduce installation time.

Installation Summary

After selecting your installation type and components (if applicable), the wizard will show a summary screen displaying all the components to be installed. Review this information carefully, then click Install to begin the installation process.

Installation Progress

During installation, you'll see a progress bar indicating the status of the installation. This process may take several minutes to complete, depending on your system specifications and the selected installation type. You may see multiple progress bars as different components are installed.

Post-Installation Restart

Once the installation is finished, you'll be prompted to restart your computer. It's crucial to complete this restart step as it ensures all system configurations are properly updated before using UFT. Save any open work before proceeding with the restart.

Verification of Installation

After restarting your computer, verify that UFT has been successfully installed by launching the application. You can typically find UFT in your Start menu under "OpenText" or "Micro Focus" folders. The first launch may take longer than subsequent launches as it performs initial setup tasks.

Post-Installation Configuration

After successfully installing UFT, several post-installation configurations are necessary to optimize the tool's performance and align it with your testing requirements. The first step involves launching UFT for the first time, which may take longer than subsequent launches as it performs initial setup tasks.

Initial Settings Configuration

Upon launching UFT, you'll be presented with the initial settings configuration. This is where you can set your preferences for the development environment. You can configure options such as:

• Default programming language (VBScript or JavaScript)
• Editor font and color scheme
• Automatic save settings
• Default timeout values for test objects

To access these settings, navigate to Tools > Options > General tab. Here you can customize various aspects of the UFT interface and behavior to suit your preferences.

Test Settings Configuration

The next important configuration is setting up the default test settings. Navigate to Tools > Test Settings to access these options. Here you can configure the run-time settings for your tests, including:

• Synchronization settings
• Object identification properties
• Checkpoint behaviors
• Run error handling options
• Recovery scenarios

These settings will serve as defaults for all new tests you create, though they can be overridden at the test level.

Object Repository Settings

You should also configure the object repository settings. UFT allows you to create local or shared object repositories, and you can specify which type you prefer as the default. This configuration will determine how UFT manages test objects for your automation scripts.

To configure object repository settings, navigate to Tools > Options > Object Identification tab. Here you can set default properties for object recognition, such as mandatory and assistive properties, ordinal identifier settings, and smart identification settings.

Add-in Manager Configuration

Consider setting up the add-in manager to load the required add-ins automatically when UFT launches. This can save time during test creation by ensuring all necessary components are available from the start. You can access the add-in manager through Tools > Add-in Manager.

Interface Customization

Finally, it's beneficial to customize the UFT interface according to your workflow preferences. You can arrange toolbars, dock panels, and customize keyboard shortcuts to create an environment that maximizes your productivity. To customize the interface, right-click on toolbars or panels to access customization options.

Environment Variables Configuration

For advanced users, configuring environment variables can be beneficial. Environment variables allow you to store values that can be used across tests, such as URLs, credentials, or configuration settings. To set environment variables, navigate to Test > Settings > Environment tab.

Recovery Scenarios Setup

Recovery scenarios help handle unexpected events during test execution. You can configure recovery scenarios to manage events such as object not found, application crash, or unexpected dialog boxes. To set up recovery scenarios, navigate to Test > Recovery Scenario Manager.

Setting Up UFT Add-ins

Add-ins extend UFT's functionality by providing support for specific technologies, applications, and environments. Proper configuration of these add-ins is essential for ensuring that UFT can interact with your applications under test effectively.

Accessing the Add-in Manager

To access the add-in manager, launch UFT and navigate to Tools > Add-in Manager. Here you'll see a list of available add-ins, with checkboxes indicating which ones are currently selected. For initial setup, it's recommended to select all add-ins that align with your testing needs.

Common Add-ins and Their Purposes

Common add-ins include:

• Web: For web application testing across different browsers
• Visual Studio: For .NET applications
• SAP: For SAP testing
• Oracle: For Oracle applications
• Java: For Java applications
• Mobile: For mobile application testing
• API: For API testing
• Citrix: For virtualized applications

Selecting and Loading Add-ins

After selecting the required add-ins, click OK to apply the changes. UFT will then load the selected add-ins, which may take a few minutes depending on the number and complexity of the add-ins. During this process, you may see windows indicating that add-ins are being initialized.

Add-in Best Practices

• Only select add-ins that you actually need to reduce startup time and resource usage
• Update add-ins regularly to ensure compatibility with the latest technologies
• Test functionality after adding new add-ins to ensure everything works as expected
• Document which add-ins are required for each test suite to streamline setup for team members

Managing Add-in Conflicts

Sometimes, multiple add-ins may conflict with each other. If you experience issues after adding an add-in, try disabling it to see if the problem resolves. Common conflicts occur between different web browser add-ins or between mobile and web add-ins.

Add-in Updates and Maintenance

Regularly check for add-in updates through the Micro Focus website or through UFT's built-in update mechanism. Updated add-ins often include support for newer technologies, bug fixes, and performance improvements.

Basic UFT Scripting Examples

After completing the installation and configuration, you may want to explore UFT's scripting capabilities. Here are some basic examples to get you started:

Example 1: Web Application Login Test

' This script demonstrates a basic login test for a web application
SystemUtil.Run "chrome.exe", "https://example.com/login"

' Set descriptive programming for web elements
Browser("Browser").Page("Page").WebEdit("username").Set "testuser"
Browser("Browser").Page("Page").WebEdit("password").Set "securepassword123"
Browser("Browser").Page("Page").WebButton("Login").Click

' Verify successful login
Browser("Browser").Page("Page").WebElement("welcome_message").Check CheckPoint("welcome_message")

' Close the browser
Browser("Browser").Close

Example 2: Data-Driven Test Using Excel

' This script demonstrates data-driven testing using Excel
' Set the Excel file path
Set ExcelApp = CreateObject("Excel.Application")
ExcelApp.Workbooks.Open "C:\TestData\LoginData.xlsx"
Sheet = ExcelApp.ActiveSheet

' Get the number of rows with data
RowCount = Sheet.UsedRange.Rows.Count

' Loop through each row of data
For i = 2 To RowCount
    ' Read data from Excel
    Username = Sheet.Cells(i, 1).Value
    Password = Sheet.Cells(i, 2).Value
    ExpectedResult = Sheet.Cells(i, 3).Value
    
    ' Launch the application
    SystemUtil.Run "chrome.exe", "https://example.com/login"
    
    ' Enter login credentials
    Browser("Browser").Page("Page").WebEdit("username").Set Username
    Browser("Browser").Page("Page").WebEdit("password").Set Password
    Browser("Browser").Page("Page").WebButton("Login").Click
    
    ' Verify the result
    If ExpectedResult = "Success" Then
        Browser("Browser").Page("Page").WebElement("welcome_message").Check CheckPoint("welcome_message")
    Else
        Browser("Browser").Page("Page").WebElement("error_message").Check CheckPoint("error_message")
    End If
    
    ' Close the browser
    Browser("Browser").Close
Next

' Close Excel
ExcelApp.Workbooks.Close
ExcelApp.Quit
Set ExcelApp = Nothing

Example 3: Using Functions for Reusable Code

' This script demonstrates the use of functions for code reusability
' Function to login to the application
Function LoginToApplication(username, password)
    SystemUtil.Run "chrome.exe", "https://example.com/login"
    Browser("Browser").Page("Page").WebEdit("username").Set username
    Browser("Browser").Page("Page").WebEdit("password").Set password
    Browser("Browser").Page("Page").WebButton("Login").Click
    Browser("Browser").Page("Page").Sync
End Function

' Function to logout from the application
Function LogoutFromApplication()
    Browser("Browser").Page("Page").Link("Logout").Click
    Browser("Browser").Page("Page").Sync
End Function

' Main test execution
Call LoginToApplication("testuser", "securepassword123")

' Perform some actions after login
Browser("Browser").Page("Page").Link("Profile").Click
Browser("Browser").Page("Page").WebButton("Save").Click

' Logout from the application
Call LogoutFromApplication

' Close the browser
Browser("Browser").Close

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

Even with careful preparation, you may encounter issues during UFT installation. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

Installation Fails to Start

If the installer fails to launch:

• Try running the Setup.exe file as an administrator
• Disable your antivirus software temporarily
• Ensure the installation file is not corrupted (try re-downloading)
• Check if you have sufficient disk space
• Verify that no other installation processes are running

License Activation Issues

If you encounter problems with license activation:

• Verify that your serial number is correct
• Check your internet connection if using network licensing
• Ensure the licensing server is accessible (for network licenses)
• Try activating offline if online activation fails
• Contact your Micro Focus representative if issues persist

Add-in Loading Problems

If add-ins fail to load properly:

• Try loading one add-in at a time to identify the problematic one
• Ensure the add-in is compatible with your UFT version
• Check if required dependencies are installed
• Try repairing the add-in installation
• Consider reinstalling the problematic add-in

Performance Issues

If UFT runs slowly after installation:

• Close unnecessary applications to free up resources
• Adjust UFT's performance settings in Tools > Options > Run tab
• Consider upgrading your hardware if possible
• Limit the number of add-ins loaded
• Regularly clean up temporary files and logs

Best Practices for UFT Configuration

To maximize the effectiveness of your UFT installation, follow these best practices:

Organize Your Test Assets

• Create a well-structured folder hierarchy for tests, object repositories, and resources
• Use naming conventions that are consistent and descriptive
• Separate environment-specific configurations from test logic
• Implement version control for your test assets

Optimize Object Recognition

• Use meaningful names for objects in object repositories
• Leverage the object spy to identify the most stable properties
• Implement regular maintenance of object repositories
• Consider using shared object repositories for common objects

Implement Effective Error Handling

• Create robust error handling mechanisms for

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the system requirements for UFT installation?
  UFT requires a multi-core processor with at least 2.5 GHz, 4GB RAM minimum (8GB recommended), 10GB free disk space, and Windows 10/11 or Windows Server 2016/2019/2022. Administrative privileges are required for installation.
• How do I configure UFT after installation?
  After installation, configure initial settings through Tools > Options, set up test settings, configure object repository settings, and manage add-ins through the Add-in Manager. These settings optimize UFT's performance for your testing needs.
• What are common add-ins used with UFT?
  Common add-ins include Web for web testing, Visual Studio for .NET applications, SAP for SAP testing, Java for Java applications, and Mobile for mobile testing. Only select add-ins relevant to your testing needs to optimize performance.
• How do I troubleshoot UFT installation issues?
  If installation fails, try running Setup.exe as administrator, disable antivirus temporarily, verify sufficient disk space, and check for corrupted installation files. For license issues, verify your serial number and check internet connectivity.
• What are best practices for UFT configuration?
  Organize test assets with a structured folder hierarchy, use meaningful object names, implement robust error handling, and maintain object repositories regularly. These practices enhance test maintainability and efficiency.