How do I get a free update for my PastPerfect program?

  • Updated

Applies to: Version 5.0
For Version 4.0, please click here to download PDF instructions.

The fastest way to update your PastPerfect program is to download the latest update from our Software Updates page: http://www.museumsoftware.com/softwareupdates.html. If you have a slow internet connection or cannot download the update from our website, please email support@museumsoftware.com or call 1-800-562-6080 and we will be happy to send you the update on CD.

Sections in this Article:

Before running the update

  1. If you are on a network, make sure PastPerfect is closed on all workstations.
  2. From one workstation or stand-alone computer, make a backup of your PastPerfect data to hard drive by following these steps:
    1. Click the “Hard Drive Backup” button on the Main Menu of PastPerfect.
    2. Click the “Backup Data to Hard Drive” button.
    3. Click the “OK” button when the backup is complete.
    4. Click “Exit” to return to the Main Menu.
  3. After the backup completes, perform a reindex by following these steps:
    1. Click the “Reindex” button on the Main Menu of PastPerfect.
    2. Check Rebuild Catalogs in addition to the files already checked.
    3. Click the “Start Reindex Now” button.
    4. Click the “Exit” button when the reindex is complete.
    5. Click “Exit” to return to the Main Menu.
  4. Make a second backup of your PastPerfect data to hard drive by following these steps:
    1. Click the “Hard Drive Backup” button on the Main Menu of PastPerfect.
    2. Click the “Backup Data to Hard Drive” button.
    3. Click the “OK” button when the backup is complete.
    4. Close completely out of PastPerfect.
  5.  

NOTE: If you experience errors during the backup or reindex, do not continue and immediately contact support by calling 1-800-562-6080.

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Downloading the update

  1. Visit the Software Updates page on our website: http://www.museumsoftware.com/softwareupdates.html.
  2. Click on the link for “PastPerfect 5.0 Update”.
  3. Fill out the form with your information and then click “Submit.
  4. On the next screen, click the green “Download” button.
    1. If asked “Do you want to Run or Save this File?” click “Save”.
    2. If asked where you wish to save the file, select your Desktop.

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Installing the update
Please note, if you are at G1 or lower and use PastPerfect on a network, the latest update must be installed at each workstation.
 

  1. When the file has finished downloading, double-click on the pp5update.exe file.
    • If you receive a warning that the publisher cannot be verified, click “Run”.
  2. Click “Next”.
  3. Choose the local folder where your PastPerfect program is installed (not the network folder where your data is stored). Usually, this is the default c:\pp5.
  4. Click “Next”.
  5. The first part of the update will begin and you will see a progress bar on the screen. When this completes, click “Finish”.
  6. The second part of the update will begin and you will see another progress bar.
    • NOTE: If you experience errors during either part of the update, do not continue and immediately contact support by calling 1-800-562-6080.
  7. You will receive a message that the update process completed successfully and the message will indicate if you need to perform a reindex.
  8. Click “OK” and then open your PastPerfect program from your desktop shortcut.
    • If you need to reindex:
      1. click on “Reindex” from the Main Menu.
      2. Check all files.
      3. Click “Start Reindex Now”.
      4. Once the reindex completes, you may begin working in the program. If you are on a network, others may begin working in the program also.
  9. If you are on a network with multiple workstations and are updating from G1 or lower, the latest update must be installed on each computer that accesses PastPerfect. The backup and reindexes only need to be performed on the first workstation where the update is installed. You do not need to backup or reindex with each subsequent installation.
  10. If you are on a network with multiple workstations and are updating from G2 or higher, you do not need to install the update at each additional workstation. PastPerfect should automatically update itself the first time it is launched on those computers.

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