This Tutorial explains the DesignSpark PCB upgrade / re-install process and is also useful for first-time DSPCB installations
New DesignSpark PCB versions come with separate installer and DO NOT install on top of the previously installed revision. Installing new version in the same destination folders is possible but will result in two versions sharing some files which can have potential consequences. It is therefore recommended follow these instructions to avoid any problems!
This tutorial is based on upgrade from Version 4.0 to Version 4.1 but is applicable to any future versions. It is also applicable if you are re-installing the software at the same revision for any reason. If you are installing DSPCB for the very first time simply follow these instructions skipping point 1. and going straight to point 2.
1. Back up your files and uninstall the current DSPCB installation. Click here to read on how to do that and which files are important to back up.
2. Download the latest version of DesignSpark PCB from the DesignSpark PCB Home Page
3. Double click the DesignSparkPCB_v[X.Y].exe to start the installation process. You might need Admin rights to install this software – contact your system administrator if any issues. If you have a Firewall or an Anti-virus software it might try to prevent the installation. In this case stop the installer, temporarily DISABLE the Firewall/Anti-virus and RESTART the installation.
***DesignSpark PCB is SAFE TO INSTALL, providing you have downloaded the executable from our DesignSpark PCB Home Page***
4. Follow the installer until you reach the first screen asking for installation path. Use the ‘Browse’ button to choose the installation directory, we recommend that you use the default path and ensure that the folder indicates the DSPCB version you are installing:
5. The same needs repeating for the next screen which asks for selection of the default Library folder location:
6. The next screen shows the summary of installation folders. Make sure that the installation paths are as intended. If not, you can click 'Back' and amend them:
7. Clicking 'Next' will complete the installation. DesignSpark PCB can be launched with the Desktop icon or from the Windows 'Start' menu. Upon first launch you will be asked if you want to set up automatic update checking. We recommend to click YES and keep the default selection 'Once a day as I start the program' to ensure you are notified of the new versions available (they include new features/enhancements and bug fixes and we release them typically 2-3 times a year). Note: this is a one way server check and we do not collect your personal data with this update checker
8. Next you will be asked for activation. Choose 'No' if you wish only to play with the software to evaluate if it is suitable for your needs. The not-activated installation is fully functional and the only thing that is disabled is the 'Save' function, meaning you can't save the results of your work. You will be asked to activate the next time you start the software.If you decide to activate right away or in any subsequent use, please click here to learn about the FREE activation process.
9. On 'Splash screen advertisement': Every time you start DesignSpark PCB you will be presented with what we call a splash screen advert. This is currently the only advertising space in the software and you may close it to make it go away. It will not appear until you start the software again. While we do not require you to click on the splash screen, we would appreciate if you do that whenever the advertisement changes. We are trying to place interesting products behind the advert, by clicking on it you will be typically taken to a specific page on RS Components website where you can find out about some interesting offers, new products, competitions, etc. Our users clicking on splash screen helps us to raise funding from our suppliers which in turn helps us delivering more features to DesignSpark PCB - we would appreciate your contribution if you like our software.
If you have any suggestions on how to improve this tutorial please drop us a comment below