Abyss Web Server Logo


Abyss Web Server is a compact web server that supports a huge number of features, most notably automated provisioning and renewal of free certificates from Let's Encrypt® (ACME v2), IPv6, on-the-fly HTTP compression, native ASP.NET, HTTP/HTTPS/WebSocket reverse proxying, custom error pages, password protection, IP address control, anti-leeching, bandwidth throttling, and log rotation. It's basically like IIS but easier and more secure to use.


Abyss Web Server Console (Control Panel)


Abyss Web Server can be run as a Windows service using FireDaemon Pro. This allows you to start and run the monitor automatically when Windows boots and before login. FireDaemon Pro also allows you to start multiple instances of the application, monitoring them and automatically restarting those instances in the event they crash. FireDaemon Fusion can also be used to manage your Abyss Web Server service, plus other Windows services via your web browser.


Abyss Web Server Monitor Setup Under FireDaemon Pro

Please follow the steps below to set up a Abyss Web Server monitor as a Windows service with FireDaemon Pro


Step 1: Download and Install Abyss Web Server

  1. If you're using the X1 freeware version, download from here and install it.
  2. If you're using the X2 paid version, download from from here and install it.
For the purposes of this HOWTO, we will be using the X2 version.


Note: After installation you will be presented with the following window, select "Manual Startup":
Abyss Web Server Startup Configuration


Step 2: Configure Abyss Web Server

Abyss Web Server configuration is done through a webpage. So before configuring the service, first start C:\Abyss Web Server\abyssws.exe normally and configure all the settings. If using the X2 version you will first need to enter your license information.


Step 3: Set Up Abyss Web Server as a FireDaemon Pro Service

Download and install FireDaemon Pro. Double click the FireDaemon Pro icon on your desktop, then click on the New (i.e. +) button in the toolbar (or type Ctrl + N) to create a new service. Enter the information into the fields as you see below. Adjust the path names to suit your installation. Note the required parameters.


FireDaemon Pro Abyss Web Server Dedicated Server Service Program Tab


Parameters: None. Leave this field blank.


Next, click on the FireDaemon Pro Settings tab:


FireDaemon Pro Abyss Web Server service settings


Enter appropriate values in the fields on the Settings tab as follows:

  • (Required) Job Type: Set to "Global Job" or else when the service stops, 2 processes will be orphaned.
  • (Optional) Logon Account: Enter the Windows account under which the application is to be run, e.g. the current user account.
  • Password / Confirm Password:  Enter the logon account's password twice.
  • (Optional) Interact with Desktop: If this setting is enabled (default), the application's output messages can be seen in the console window on Windows Session 0. To switch to Session 0, it may be necessary to install FireDaemon Zero and ZeroInput. Alternatively, this setting may be disabled, in which case the application's messages will be hidden.
  • (Optional) Priority: To allocate more CPU time to the application, select a higher scheduling priority in this field.
  • (Optional) CPU Bindings: To run the application on a specific CPU, specify the appropriate CPU in this field.


Next, click in the Lifecycle tab. Set Shutdown By to Forceful Termination.


FireDaemon Pro Abyss Web Server lifecycle settings


Lastly, click the Save and Close (ie. the tick) button on the toolbar. If the service's Startup Type is set to Automatic or Automatic (Delayed-Start), it will start immediately.



If the service's Interact with Desktop setting is enabled, the Abyss Web Server status can also be verified by switching to Windows Session 0 to view the Abyss Web Server's messages.


Abyss Web Server messages window