Managing Updates and Multiple Versions Reference

Install updates and manage multiple ProView DS versions on the same computer.

Reference → Installation → Folders | Licensing | Updates | SecureGateway | Web Server 

ProView DS uses a simple file-based installation model that allows multiple versions to coexist on the same computer. Updates replace the current installation by default, but you can maintain multiple versions by copying installation folders.

Version Numbering

  • Major versions: 10.0, 11.0
  • Updates: 10.1, 10.2 (replace the existing 10.x installation)
  • Service packs: 10.1.1, 10.1.2
  • Build Number: 10.1.1.1000


Build Number

The Build Number is an internal DevOps control, it is number changes nearly on DAILY basis to track internal development tasks. 

It is value doesn't;t have any special meaning for the users, neither reflects the volume of changes, neither updates published. 


Installing Updates

Standard Update Process:

  1. Download the update installer
  2. Run the installer - automatically replaces current version
  3. Existing solutions continue working
  4. All shortcuts update to new version

Managing Multiple Versions

To Keep Multiple Versions:

  1. Before installing update, copy entire ProView DS folder:
    • Default: C:\Program Files\Dynics\ProView DS\
    • Copy to: C:\Program Files\Dynics\ProView DS_10.0\
  2. Install the update (replaces original folder)
  3. Access different versions:
    • New version: Use standard shortcuts
    • Old version: Run ProView DS.exe from copied folder

Note: Each folder is completely self-contained - all assemblies, libraries, and executables needed to run that version.

Important: Shared Files

<info box> **Critical Consideration: Machine Settings**

Multiple versions share one set of global files located in: C:\Users\Public\Documents\ProView DS\MachineSettings\

These include:

  • Solution templates
  • Machine-specific settings
  • License configuration
  • Recent solution lists

Recommendation:

  • Install the latest version normally (runs installer)
  • Keep older versions as copied folders
  • Be aware that new solution templates apply to the most recently installed version </info box>

Creating Solutions with Older Versions

For older version solutions:

  1. Navigate to older version folder
  2. Locate template in: \Templates\BlankSolution.dbsln
  3. Copy template to your project location
  4. Open with older version's ProView DS.exe
  5. Solution uses that version's runtime

Note: Cannot use Solution Center's "New Solution" for older versions - must manually copy templates.

Version Compatibility Matrix

Open 10.0 solution in 10.1FullAutomatic upgrade prompt
Open 10.1 solution in 10.0LimitedMay lose new features
Run different versions simultaneouslyYesDifferent folders required
Share solutions between versionsCautionTest thoroughly

Best Practices

  • Production Systems: Maintain single version for stability
  • Development Systems: Multiple versions acceptable
  • Testing: Always test solutions after version changes
  • Backup: Archive older version folders before updates

Troubleshooting Multiple Versions

Wrong version launchesShortcut points to updated pathUse direct ProView DS.exe
Template not foundShared MachineSettingsCopy template manually
License conflictsShared license fileVerify license supports all versions
Solution won't openVersion incompatibilityUse matching version