Installation

Okay, let’s get started! Before you can use Spectra, you must install it on each computer you plan to use it on. The installation process will copy files and create settings based on your particular needs. To do this, follow these instructions:

STEP 1: Read Installation Instructions

Please read this entire chapter FIRST! Having a basic understanding of the Spectra installation process before getting started can save time.

STEP 2: Spectra System Requirements

Make sure that the system on which you’re installing the program meets the minimum system requirements to properly run Spectra:

The Windows user must have local administrative rights on each computer Spectra is being installed on. It is also a good idea to install with the User Account Control (UAC) turned on in Windows 7 and Vista.

STEP 3: Download Installer

You can download the installer from the Downloads page on our website. Look in the Current Version section of the page for the most current installer.

Click Save to download the installer to your computer. If you save the file to a network shared folder, you can use it on more than one computer. Note: This step is simply getting the installer from our website to your computer. You can still use your current version of Spectra while the installer is being downloaded. There will be no changes to your current program until you actually run the installer (step 5 below). Depending on the speed of your Internet connection, the download could take a while. If you are upgrading an existing version of Spectra, continue with the next step while the installer is being downloaded.

STEP 4: (Upgrades only) Back up Your Data Files... 

ATTENTION! Backing up Database Files If you are upgrading from an older version of StudioPlus Spectra, it is important for you to back up your database files BEFORE installing the new version! Open your StudioPlus Spectra folder (in Windows), click to open the Utilities folder, and the click Database Utility.     From the Database Utility, click Backup Data Files.

...and Uninstall Existing Version

If you have a previous version of Spectra installed on your computer, follow the steps below to remove it:

1. Click the Windows Start button and open the Control Panel.

2. Open Add/Remove Programs if you are using Windows XP, or Programs and Features on Windows 7 or Vista.  

3. Highlight Spectra and click the Add/Remove or Uninstall button.

4. If you’re asked if you want to remove shared components, choose "Yes." 

5. If you get a message indicating a certain file was not found, continue anyway.

STEP 5: Install Spectra

We recommend you close all applications before beginning the installation process.

1. Use Windows to find the installation file you downloaded in step 3. If you're not sure where it was saved, search for a file that begins with "SPInstall." The full name will incorporate the version number and release. For example, one of the file names of the version 2013 installer is "SPInstall130103.exe."  

2. Accept the License Agreement to continue.

3. During installation, follow the online prompts of the Setup Wizard. Unless you're an experienced computer user, it’s our recommendation that you accept the default program file location. Most setups should choose the "all users" option, ensuring that Spectra will work for anyone that logs into Windows on this computer.

4. You will be notified when the installation is complete. Click OK to complete the installation process.

STEP 6: Start Spectra and Enter Licensing Information

1. Choose your installation option.

WHAT TYPE OF INSTALLATION SHOULD I CHOOSE? -  To use the FREE single-user Express version, choose the first option. -  To try out Spectra by evaluating more than one edition (Express, Standard, and Professional), choose the Free 30-Day Evaluation option. -  If you have already purchased a Spectra software license, choose Paid Product and then make one of the following selections: If you plan to run Spectra on just this one computer, choose the Single User option. It's easy to add users later and you can then use the Database Utility to move your data to a shared location. If you already have a network set up and a shared folder prepared for the first computer, use the Network - First Workstation choice. If this is a computer you are adding to your network that should use the already shared data files, use the Network - Workstation Add-On selection.

2. If you chose one of the network options, you will be prompted to direct the installation to the shared folder. If this is the first station install, navigate to the shared folder where you want the database to reside. If this is an additional workstation, you also need to navigate to the shared location and then choose the database that is already in use. When setting up additional workstations, the database will already contain the company and user information, so the installation procedure will skip the next couple of steps.

3. The next page is where you put in all your company information. In the Company Name section, type in your studio name and other company information. Note: All the fields can be changed later EXCEPT the Company Name field. Make sure to type in your studio name exactly as you want it to appear throughout Spectra, including reports, invoices, etc.!  The program will not let you continue until all fields are completed (except the 2nd line of the address). 

ATTENTION! The Company Name CANNOT be changed! Make sure it is spelled and punctuated correctly – this is how it will appear on your invoices, etc.

4. Next you'll be prompted to provide the user’s full name and initials (unless you are using the network add-on option).   

5. For the "Free Express" and "30-Day Trial" choices, the next page will prepare you to activate your product. If you're installing a paid product and chose "Paid Single" or "Network - First Workstation," you will be prompted to enter your product code(s) and you will be registered automatically.  

6. The final page asks whether you want to launch the Internet Update Utility. This utility will automatically search our website for the latest service release of Spectra. If you have an Internet connection on this computer, you can launch the Internet Update Utility now. Otherwise, just click Finish to complete your installation. For more information on the Internet Update Utility, see the "Internet Update" topic in the "Database Utility" chapter.  

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