Siemens Primary Setup Tool (PST) V4.2 is a specialized utility used to assign network parameters—such as IP addresses, subnet masks, and default gateways—to SIMATIC NET industrial Ethernet components. While it remains a staple for legacy systems, Siemens has officially transitioned its support to modern successors like 1. Key Features and Purpose
The tool is primarily designed for the initial commissioning of network devices that do not yet have an IP address. IP Assignment
: Sets the IP address and device name for SIMATIC NET network components, Ethernet CPs, and gateways. Protocol Support
(Discovery Control Protocol) to locate devices on the network and (Data Link Control) for specific module communications. Device Compatibility
: Supports SCALANCE switches, CP343-1, CP443-1, and various IE/PB links. 2. Technical Specifications & Requirements
Version 4.2 HF1 introduced compatibility for modern 64-bit environments, though users often report interface issues on newer Windows 10 builds. Siemens SiePortal Operating Systems Supported (V4.2 HF1)
: Windows 7 Professional/Ultimate SP1, Windows 8.1 Professional.
: Windows 10 Pro (up to version 1607), Windows 8.1 Professional, Windows 7 SP1, and Windows Server 2012 R2. Interface Dependency
: Requires a correctly configured "Set PG/PC Interface" in the Windows Control Panel to recognize network cards. Siemens SiePortal 3. Download and Installation Guide PST was traditionally a free utility often provided on the software disk of SCALANCE units. Siemens SiePortal Locate the File : While legacy links exist on the Siemens Industry Online Support (SIOS)
portal, version 4.2 is frequently bundled with larger SIMATIC software packages. Extraction : The tool is typically downloaded as a ZIP file. : Unpack the ZIP and execute siemens primary setup tool 4.2 download
. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation. DLC Protocol
: If the program displays a "DLC protocol not installed" error, you must manually add it via your Windows Network Connection properties from the "DLC Protocol" sub-directory in the PST installation folder. 4. Modern Alternatives
Siemens now recommends newer tools for these tasks due to improved compatibility with modern Windows versions:
Primary setup tool 4.2 - Trying to set the IP address ... - SiePortal
The Siemens Primary Setup Tool (PST) V4.2 is now considered a legacy software
and is largely no longer available for official download as it has been replaced by more modern network management tools. Siemens SiePortal Status & Successors
Siemens has officially discontinued the PST in favor of more robust alternatives. If you are looking for a reliable way to configure IP addresses and names for Siemens devices, you should use these official successors: SINEC PNI (Primary Initialization Network)
: The direct official successor to PST, used for the primary initialization of network components. PRONETA Basic
: A widely recommended, free tool for quick commissioning and diagnostics of PROFINET systems. SIMATIC Automation Tool Siemens Primary Setup Tool (PST) V4
: A premium tool for mass maintenance and setup of SIMATIC controllers and HMI. Siemens SiePortal Solid Review: PST V4.2
While it was once a staple for Siemens engineers, the review of PST V4.2 in a modern context is mixed:
Primary setup tool 4.2 - Trying to set the IP address ... - SiePortal
Version 4.2 is a significant release that supports newer hardware and offers stability improvements over older versions (like v3.x or v4.1). Key features include:
Q: Is PST 4.2 free? A: Yes, Siemens provides PST 4.2 completely free of charge. No license key or dongle is required.
Q: Can PST 4.2 configure Siemens drives? A: Yes, it can assign IPs and names to SINAMICS drives, but for parameterization you need STARTER or SINAMICS Startdrive.
Q: Does PST 4.2 work on Windows 11? A: It is not officially supported, but many users report success after enabling compatibility mode for Windows 8/7.
Q: Can I use PST 4.2 simultaneously with TIA Portal online access? A: It is not recommended, as both may try to lock the network interface. Close TIA Portal before using PST.
Disclaimer: Siemens, SIMATIC, SCALANCE, SINAMICS, and TIA Portal are registered trademarks of Siemens AG. This article is an independent guide and is not officially endorsed by Siemens. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: Is PST 4
You can download PST (including older versions if available) from Siemens Industry Online Support.
Steps:
https://support.industry.siemens.comDirect entry ID (useful for search):
Once you have completed the Siemens Primary Setup Tool 4.2 download, installation is straightforward:
.exe file and select "Run as administrator" to avoid registry issues.C:\Program Files (x86)\Siemens\PST\)).After installation, you will find PST 4.2 under Start Menu > Siemens Automation > Primary Setup Tool.
Critical Warning: You should only download Siemens software from official sources. Third-party websites offering a "cracked" or "standalone" PST 4.2 download may contain malware, viruses, or outdated versions that can damage your PLC hardware.
The official download source is the Siemens Industry Online Support (SIOS) website.
You might wonder: If I have TIA Portal, do I need PST 4.2?
| Feature | PST 4.2 | TIA Portal (V17+) | PRONETA | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Installation Size | ~50 MB | 20+ GB | ~200 MB | | License Cost | Free | Paid (€1k+) | Free | | Bulk IP Assignment | Yes (CSV import) | Limited | Yes (Advanced) | | Device Diagnostics | Basic (Ping/Web) | Full hardware view | Excellent (Topology) | | Legacy Device Support | Excellent | Poor (requires HSPs) | Moderate |
Verdict: Keep PST 4.2 on your USB stick for emergency field work. Use TIA Portal for complex projects and PRONETA for rapid network testing.