How to Install The Design Assistant¶
This is the guide on how to install The Lode Data Design Assistant.
This document was written to guide the user through the installation of version 10.50 of The Design Assistant. The guide can be used to install most of our previous versions as well as future versions.
This guide will be updated to reflect only significant changes in future releases of the program.
Requirements¶
The Lode Data Design Assistant does not require a vast amount of computing power. Thus budget or entry level PCs will be able to run the program, however; for the best user experience meet the minimum recommendations below.
- Windows 10 (64 bit)
- 4 GB RAM
- 128 GB SDD drive
- Intel i5 CPU or higher
- USB Hardware Lock/Key
Step 1 - Download Files¶
Download the program installation files.
When you purchase or upgrade your Design Assistant program Lode Data will provide you with a download link.
Save the ZIP file to a folder on your desktop.
Step 2 - Unzip Files¶
Unzip the installation files to a folder on your desktop. There should be one file in the zip archive called Design Assistant <version> x64.exe
.
Installation Names
There are other versions and installation packages available. The name of the EXE
file may vary slightly depending on the version you are installing. The general naming convention is <Product Name> <version> <os architecture>.exe
.
Step 3 - Select Setup¶
Having Admin privileges may be required to install the program. Please consult your IT department for assistance.
Left Click
on theDesign Assistant <version> x64.exe
file to select it-
Right Click
and selectRun as administrator
-
Select
YES
to allow the program to run with admin privileges
Step 4 - Select Install¶
Select on Install
. This will install the software dependencies listed.
1-wire Key Drivers
During installation you may be prompted to install 1-Wire
drivers. If you have older versions or have ever installed these drivers then you may not see the prompt.
These must be installed in order for the USB key to be recognized by your computer.
Step 5 - Agree to License Terms¶
Select to agree to the license terms and conditions. This will install the program dependencies for the Microsoft C++ 2015-2019 redistributables x64.
Existing Redistributables
It is possible you already have the Microsoft C++ 2015-2019 redistributables installed. If so you will have a different prompt and can select Close
and then Yes
to cancel and continue with the installation.
Step 6 - Select Install¶
Select on the install button.
Step 7 - Close Install¶
Select on the close button. This will complete the installation of the Microsoft C++ 2015-2019 redistributables x64.
Step 8 - Design Assistant Installation Wizard¶
Select Next
to continue with the Design Assistant Installation Wizard.
Select Defaults
From here forward you can select the default options by selecting Next
.
Unless you want to change the location of the program installation or the default location of files.
Step 9 - Lode Data License Agreement¶
Read the Lode Data License Agreement and select Yes
to agree to the terms of use.
Step 10 - What's New¶
Read what's new in the program. This list highlights bug fixes and new features that have been added for your specific version.
Select Next
.
Step 11 - Select Features¶
Select the features you'd like to install with the program.
Options:
Default Help Files
Sample Files
Default Help Files¶
Selected by default.
These are files that can be access from the program by selecting HELP
from the pulldown menu. These are replaced by online documentation.
Sample Files¶
Unchecked by default.
This option will install our sample files. Consider installing these if you are new to the program and plan to go through the manual tutorials.
Change Default
The default location of the sample files is in the user's %APPDATA%
directory. You may want to change the directory. The files should be installed in a directory where the user has proper read/write permissions.
Step 12 - Destination Folder¶
C:\Program Files\Lode Data Corporation
Default location where the program is installed. You do not need to change this setting in 99.9% of cases.
Select Next
Step 13 - Review Current Settings¶
Review the current settings and selections you have made before proceeding with the installation.
Select Next
.
Step 14 - Installation Wizard Complete¶
Select Finish
to complete the installation.
Step 15 - Attach USB Hardware Lock/Key¶
Attach the USB device that Lode Data Corporation provided you. This is a blue USB device. The device must be attached to a USB port directly on your computer. Using a hub or any other 3rd party device may cause the device to malfunction.
USB FAQ
For more information on your USB Key, please visit our USB Keys FAQ.
Lode Data Corporation also offers a keyless network version. This license is reserved for customers with 20+ licensing.
Step 16 - Launch Program¶
You should now have the Design Assistant icon on your desktop or start menu. Double click on the program to open and begin working with the program.