Keeping older versions of SmartSDR...

EA4GLI · July 2016

I read different opinions on the need or benefit of uninstalling previous versions of SmartSDR.
Well... in my case, I have had no need to uninstall any previous version.

I use a Windows 7 64Bit Intel Core I7 laptop with 8GB of RAM
This is what the FlexRadio Systems folder looks like in my system:

I was probably lucky (I have almost certainly jinx myself now)... but I haven't had issues with any upgrades and downgrade with neither Flex 6300, 6700 and Maestro.

Everytime I upgrade I:

save my SmartSDR profiles.
Close SmartSDR, SmartSDR CAT and DAX
Turn off the radio
Install new version of SmartSDR
Remove the old SmartSDR version direct links from the desktop.
Start SmartSDR, CAT and DAX
Start Radio...
...and good to go.

Just letting you all know. It is always smooth sailing.

WA2SQQ · July 2016

Mine almost has as many. Time for some house cleaning, so this weekend I'll be doing a complete uninstall, and reinstall only the latest version. I think, as long as each new version is installed in a separate folder it's OK

Ken - NM9P · July 2016

Recently I have gotten in the habit of uninstalling previous versions of SSDR and rebooting before an upgrade. But I keep the installation files in my Download>Flex6500>Installers fold in case I need them again. I also export all my profiles before a new upgrade, too. (If I remember)

Other than that, your procedure is pretty close to what I do, except I always reboot the computer after installing the new SSDR before I start it up, and I always do a Cold Boot of the rig after the upgrade, just to make sure everything is starting off straight.

I think the last I heard from FRS on this board is that you can keep the old versions installed, or remove them if you wish. I just think it is much more "clean" to have only one version installed at the same time. Although I have occasionally kept a current release and an Alpha release active at the same time. More often than not, however, I have only gotten confused when I did it that way.

Ken - NM9P

K4MT · July 2016

After many years of doing PC support I have learned its always best to install clean. I always totally remove the old versions using the Flex removal instructions and install clean. I have never had any strange problems, although people who never uninstall old versions seem to not have any problems either. I just like to keep things tidy.

I also use ccleaner to remove old registry entries after removing an old version and before installing new one. I have found the uninstall leaves some bogus registry entries.

Jay Nation · July 2016

Salvador

Nothing really wrong with having more choices.
As long as your careful about which choice you choose.
I used to do it that way, worked fine, until I forgot about being careful, got in a hurry, got ****.
Then I tried the other approach (Full, Clean, upgrades re-installs).
Right now I've got 1.7.30 and 1.8.4 installed. Mostly because I'm lazy, and too **** to stick to a plan that works.

I usually never have any trouble upgrading SmartSDR (except for trouble I cause).
But I'm quite capable of mistakes.

Not sure if I know the procedure to uninstall 1.7.30 without breaking 1.8.4 and forcing a re-install.
But I'm pretty sure, I'm going try that mistake real soon.
Failure becomes a way of life early on. You just have to allow for it.
I'm getting pretty good at it.
YMMV!

73, Jay - NO5J

Al K0VM · July 2016

The biggest hazard to keeping the old version(s) installed is that the icons (links) for the old version remain on the desktop which can lead to confusion about downgrading the radio when the old icon is accidently selected.
I typically keep several versions installed on thePC but I do delete the old icons. If I wish to run an older version, I can run it from the windows start menu ( and do the downgrade) ..
AL, K0VM
( alpha testers see lots of versions)

Mike va3mw · July 2016

Just delete the old ones. You can always re-install them. No big deal. Just watch your desktop Icons.

I do what Al does with all the Alpha versions we get.

Mike va3mw

EA4GLI · July 2016

I am not really presenting my approach as the way to go... I just thought that I would point out my experience.
I didn't realized I had all of them on this PC until today when I was providing some remote tech. support to a colleague that was "blaming" his problems with having previous versions of SmartSDR. It ended up being user error... misconfiguration of CAT. I took the screenshot to show to him that I doubt having the previous version was an issue.

I thought it was "funny" and worth sharing here. Anything pre 1.5 doesn't make a lot of sense to keep anyway because of the changes in CAT and DAX.

I am going to "clean up".... See me mess up my spotless record now!! LOL

Al K0VM · July 2016

Jay,
To uninstall 1.7.30 without breaking 1.8.4, just do the 1.7.30 uninstall but make sure you answer correctly when it asks about uninstalling the DAX/CAT drivers. (Don't unistall the drivers.)

AL, K0VM

Jay Nation · July 2016

Al
Thanks!
That worked, Kinda like I expected it to.
This is what I like about the Community.
The quality of the help available.

73, Jay - NO5J

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