Spectrus and Percepta: Upgrade to Latest Supported Version

Spectrus and Percepta related desktop software can be upgraded using one of three methods:

• Web Updater: Updates an existing installation by downloading newer files from the Update server. This option is available only for Release 2022 or newer. For earlier releases, perform a full reinstall.

• Software Updater (USETUP.EXE): Updates an existing installation using a newly downloaded installation package. It replaces existing program files with newer versions without performing a full reinstall.

• Full reinstall (SETUP.EXE): Installs the new version after the previous version has been uninstalled.

The desktop upgrade procedure is similar in Broadcast Mode and License Server (LS) Mode, but the licensing preparation and reinstallation steps differ.

Solution

Prepare for the upgrade

Before using any upgrade method:

1. Confirm upgrade eligibility. Ensure that your maintenance or subscription covers the version you want to install. Prepare any new registration or renewal keys according to the instructions supplied with your license.

2. Coordinate with IT. If your installation is centrally managed, ask your IT department to perform the upgrade or provide you elevated permissions.

3. Back up your data and customizations. Move any user files stored inside the installation folder to a safe location before update or uninstall. Preserve custom scripts, macros, report templates, and database connection information. An Export Configuration tool is available from Support on request.

4. Close all ACD/Labs applications, including ACD/Host and any background ACD/Labs processes. Open programs can prevent files from being updated.

Licensing preparation

Choose an upgrade method

Option A — Upgrade using Web Updater

Use this method for an existing Release 2022 or newer installation that can connect to the Update server. For earlier releases, perform a full reinstall.

1. Close all ACD/Labs applications.

2. Open Start → All Programs → ACDLabs → Licensing → Register (Run as administrator).
3.  Click New and paste your Web Update Key (use the key with the latest expiration date). Close the Register window.

4. Launch the ACD/Labs Web Updater utility (UPDATER.EXE) installed with your software.

5. Follow the updater prompts to check for and install available updates.

6. Allow the update to complete, and restart the computer if prompted.

7. Reopen the required applications and confirm that the version/build has changed as expected.

If Web Updater cannot connect to the update server, use USETUP.EXE method or perform a full reinstall instead.

For LS mode upgrades: This procedure updates the end user’s desktop software only. Any required License Server upgrade must be performed separately by the License Server administrator before upgrading the desktop software.

Option B — Upgrade using USETUP.EXE

Use this method for an existing Release 2022 or newer installation when Web Updater is unavailable or when IT prefers to update from a local (centralized) package.

1. Obtain a current installation package for your licensed products through the internal software update request process.

2. Download the archived package and extract all contents into a separate folder.

3. Close all running ACD/Labs applications.

4. Run USETUP.EXE from the extracted package.

5. Follow the supplied update guide and updater prompts to update the existing installation.

6. Complete any requested restart, then reopen and test the applications.

USETUP.EXE updates the existing installation without requiring you to uninstall it first.

Option C — Upgrade by performing a full reinstall

This option is recommended for new computers, license transfers, or upgrades from significantly older versions. Deactivation, installing and Activation processes need to be performed with elevated or admin permissions. 

1. Obtain the latest installation package (usually zip archive) available for your license, together with its installation guide and license delivery instructions.

2. Extract the new installation package from the archive completely, keeping all files in one folder.

3. Back up your data and customizations.

4. Prepare the license:

   • Broadcast Mode: Check the License ID and deactivate the existing local license before removal.

   • LS Mode: Record the server address and port. Do not deactivate the shared server license.

5. Uninstall the previous desktop version using the ACD/Labs uninstaller or via Control Panel tools.

6. Restart the computer if prompted.

7. Run SETUP.EXE from the extracted package. 

8. Select the registration mode specified in your license delivery email:

   • Broadcast Mode: Enter all required registration and web update keys and complete activation as instructed.

   • License Server Mode: Select License Server Mode and follow the supplied client connection instructions, using the recorded server details.

9. Complete installation and verify that the required applications launch successfully.

Important: If the delivery email confirms that the package already contains the latest version, deselect “Update ACD/Labs software” during installation, as instructed. 

If the upgrade fails:

• Files are in use: Close all ACD/Labs applications and background processes, especially ACD/Host, then retry.

• Web Updater cannot connect: Use a current package with USETUP.EXE or perform a full reinstall.

• A clean reinstall still fails: Registry Cleanup is required after the old version is uninstalled to remove all leftover files that may conflict with the new version. Contact Support for help or request a Technical Note.