Plant Base Installation
The Plant Base program was originally developed for Microsoft Windows, installation is described here.
For the Mac or Linux editions please refer to the Mac OS page or the Linux page or alternatively instructions supplied in the downloads.
Installation is simple using the traditional Windows Setup procedure and is the best method for most users.
- Download the latest version or insert the setup CD if you have one.
- Run the downloaded installer setup file (if using a CD, a menu will normally be shown or the setup.exe can be run directly from the CD).
- Follow the installer steps - it will guide you through a few questions such as location of files. In most case you can simply accept the defaults.
- Plant Base is ready for use once the installer has finished copying the files (will take a few minutes as some are quite large).
The installer follows Microsoft's guidelines for applications. Software and data files default to appropriate disk locations, but you can over-ride these with your own choices if you wish.
An alternative manual installation method is possible, suitable for more advanced users. Please contact us if required.
Plant Base 2 has very few system dependencies and may optionally be run as a portable application. There are no special external run-time libraries and minimal use of the Windows Registry.
The program is available as 32-bit or 64-bit. It is generally best to choose the one that matches the operating system, although the 32-bit program will happily run on Windows 64-bit systems.
Updating from a previous version?
If you are updating Plant Base from a previous version and have Plant Lists or amended plant records, please read the Help file or this guide for instructions.
If you have a 32-bit existing installation and wish to update to 64-bit (assuming the operating system is 64-bit) then we strongly recommend uninstalling and then doing a full clean reinstall. If you have plant lists or other database changes, ensure you first have a secure backup of your database files (IMPORTANT!).
To move Plant Lists or amended data from version 1.6.1 to a new release, use the converter program. Note that the installation for the converter is part of the previous Plant Base version 1.x.x and shares its dependencies.
Plant Base 2 may be installed alongside Plant Base 1.x x on the same system.
Registration
First-time installs provide a 20 day free trial period.
The installation is made permanent by applying a license registration code (as below). Reinstallation is not needed.
The registration code will normally be sent by e-mail on purchase of the product.
If no code is entered, the program will run for the limited time period only.
Each code is specific to a customer and is generated using the customer's name as a key. This name appears on the program splash screen and About box. The name can be changed by applying a replacement code, which we are happy to supply free of charge.
To enter the registration code:
Select "Register Plant Base" from the Help menu in the main program.
If the trial period has already expired then the registration window will be shown automatically.
Enter the 40 character code in the box and click the Register button. If possible, use Copy&Paste, as the code needs to be exactly as supplied in your email (but can be typed if you are careful).
You will not need to apply it again when new versions are installed, unless the previous one had been completely uninstalled.
