What is n8n?
n8n is an extendable workflow automation tool. With a fair-code distribution model, n8n will always have visible source code, be available to self-host, and allow you to add your own custom functions, logic and apps. n8n's node-based approach makes it highly versatile, enabling you to connect anything to everything. -https://github.com/n8n-io/n8n
Installing n8n
- Log into the Windows device
- Download NodeJS Download
- Install NodeJS > During the install, make sure to check the Tools for Native Modules option
- At the Native Modules prompt, press any key to begin the installation process
NOTE: This process takes quite a while to install, be patient. Proceed once the PowerShell window closes - Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\LogFiles\WMI
- Right click on RtBackup > Properties > Security tab > Click Advanced
- Click the Change option next to the Owner field > Type administrators > Click OK
- Check the Replace all child objects box > Click OK
- Click Yes to confirm
- Click OK on all open dialog windows
- Launch PowerShell as an administrator
- Run the following commands in the PowerShell window
# install n8n
npm install n8n --location=global
# test run n8n
npx n8n - If n8n errors out with a permissions issue, back in File Explorer, navigate to C:\Windows\System32\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache
- Right click on Content.IE5 > Properties > Security tab > Click Edit...
- Select the Everyone entry > Click Remove
- Click OK on all open dialog windows
- Click on the Start Button > Type task > Launch Task Scheduler
- Right click the Task Scheduler Library folder in the left pane > Create Basic Task...
- Set the name to n8n and optionally set a Description > Click Next
- For the Trigger, select When the computer starts > Click Next
- For the Action, select Start a program > Click Next
- Complete the form fields as follows:
Program/script: "%ProgramFiles%\nodejs\npx.cmd"
Add arguments: n8n - Click Next
- Check the Open the Properties dialog checkbox > Click Finish
- In the Properties dialog, select Run whether user is logged on or not
- Check the Run with highest privileges box > Click OK to create the scheduled task
- Right click the n8n task > Run
- Open a web browser and navigate to http://DNSorIP:5678
- Complete the form with an email, first name, last name and password > Click next
- Complete the questionnaire > Click continue
- Click Get started
- Welcome to n8n
By default, the n8n database and configuration file live in the user's profile .n8n folder (ie %userprofile%\.n8n). To utilize a database other than SQLite, setup the database and authentication, then create a .bat file like the example below and call the .bat file as the action of the scheduled task.
SET DB_TYPE=mysqldb
SET DB_MYSQLDB_DATABASE=n8n
SET DB_MYSQLDB_HOST=localhost
SET DB_MYSQLDB_USER=n8n_rw
SET DB_MYSQLDB_PASSWORD=n8n_N8N!
SET GENERIC_TIMEZONE=America/New_York
"%programfiles%\nodejs\npx.cmd" n8n