Create and run system tests

This task describes how to create and run a system test that instructs ALM to provide system information for a machine, capture a desktop image, or restart a machine.

System tests overview

You can run a system test to retrieve a machine's system information, view a captured desktop image of a test run on a machine, or restart a machine. For example, you can run a system cleanup test that restarts the machine on which an automated test failed. You can also create a system test to retrieve information about a machine's resource usage before or after a test run.

You create a system test by adding a system test to a test subject folder, defining the test, and adding the test to a test set.

Note: To run a system test, you must install the following tool add-ins on the machine where the test is to be run:

  • ALM System Test Remote Agent Add-in

  • ALM Connectivity Add-in

For details on ALM add-ins, see Tools, add-ins and extensions.

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Create and configure a system test

Create a system test and select the operations a system test should perform.

To create and configure a system test:

  1. See Create tests. to create a test and make sure the Type field is set to SYSTEM-TEST,

  2. In the Test Script tab of the system test, select the operations the system test should perform.

    Option

    Description
    Collect system information

    Instructs ALM to collect information such as CPU, memory, and processes running on the machine when the test is run.
    Capture desktop image

    Instructs ALM to add an attachment displaying a snapshot of the machine's desktop when the test is run.
    Restart the computer

    Instructs ALM to restart the machine when the test is run.

    Note:  

    • To use the Restart the computer option, you must enable auto login on your machine. Choose Start > Programs > ALM System Test Agent > System Test Agent (configuration). The Auto Restart Settings dialog box opens. By default, User Name and Domain are read-only. Type your password.
    • To select a different user name, reopen the Auto Restart Settings dialog box. User Name and Domain are no longer read-only. Modify the values.

  3. Click Save to save the system test settings.

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Run system tests

When running a system test, the following steps can be created:

  • SysInfo. Collection of system information

  • Snapshot. Capture of desktop image

  • Reboot Start and Reboot Finish. Machine restart

You can view details for each of these steps after your system test has finished running. You can also view the system information that has been retrieved—such as CPU, memory, and processes running on the machine—and an image of the machine executing the system test.

For details on running tests, see Run tests in ALM.

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