# Validator Node Installation Instructions

{% hint style="info" %}
**Good to know: The overall process of installing a validator node is identical on both the Volta test network and the main Energy Web Chain. The only difference is the installation script used in Step 2 -  be sure that you use the correct installation script for the intended network!** 
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
We recommend using the Nethermind Validator Installation Script, as the OpenEthereum Client is no longer in development and has been deprecated. You can find the validator installation scripts here:

1. Volta:<https://github.com/energywebfoundation/ewc-validator-node-install-scripts/tree/master/volta-affiliate/nethermind>

2. EWC:\
   <https://github.com/energywebfoundation/ewc-validator-node-install-scripts/tree/master/ewc-affiliate/nethermind>
   {% endhint %}

3. Install the operating system and prepare the host machine according to the requirements (Step 1 in the previous checklist).&#x20;

4. Select the correct Client installation script matching the desired network and installed OS on the energyweb github:
   * For the VOLTA TEST NETWORK:  <https://github.com/energywebfoundation/ewc-validator-node-install-scripts/tree/master/volta-affiliate>, or copy the recommended client directory ([Nethermind](https://github.com/energywebfoundation/ewc-validator-node-install-scripts/tree/master/volta-affiliate/nethermind)) from the **volta-affiliate** directory to the host
   * For the main **ENERGY WEB CHAIN**: <https://github.com/energywebfoundation/ewc-validator-node-install-scripts/tree/master/ewc-affiliate>, or copy the recommended client directory ([Nethermind](https://github.com/energywebfoundation/ewc-validator-node-install-scripts/tree/master/ewc-affiliate/nethermind)) from the **ewc-affiliate** directory to the host

5. Make sure the latest system updates are installed by running :
   * For Debian and Ubuntu:

     ```
     sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get dist-upgrade
     ```

     For CentOS:

     ```
     sudo yum update
     ```

6. Make the script executable with&#x20;

   ```
   chmod +x ./install-*.sh
   ```

7. Run the script (NOTE: *please do not use the* `--auto` *parameter which can be used to take default for node-name and generate a random key*).

8. If the installation was successful, it should generate a .txt file (named **install-summary.txt**) that lists the **node address**, **IP address**, and **influxDB** **username/password**. You will need to provide these details via a form in the next step to successfully add your validator node to the [validator system contract](https://energyweb.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/EWF/pages/702119975/Validator+set+contracts).&#x20;
   * If you encounter issues with the installation or the **install-summary.txt** file is not generated:
     1. First review any [open issues on Github](https://github.com/energywebfoundation/ewc-validator-node-install-scripts/issues) to see if there is a known issue.
     2. If the issue is not already known, submit a question in the #validators or #technical\_questions channels in the [EWF Member Slack space](https://ewf-affiliates.slack.com) to troubleshoot.

9. Submit node installation details using the appropriate form below:
   1. For the VOLTA TEST NETWORK, enter details [here](https://share.hsforms.com/1t9po2Du9TgabWS28TQWx1A37vj2).&#x20;
   2. For the main **ENERGY WEB CHAIN,** enter details [here](https://share.hsforms.com/1UAF_LAH1RMeYCN-pUY5pnQ37vj2).&#x20;

10. After submitting the installation summary via the form, you will receive a confirmation email with next steps and links to helpful resources. &#x20;


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.energyweb.org/ewc-validator-documentation/guides/installing-a-validator-node/validator-node-installation-instructions.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.