It is important to note that Probe for EPMA can be easily updated using the Help | Update Probe for EPMA menu. This update will retain all your original instrument configuration files and standard compositions.
Typically, for almost any situation, the easiest method to update PFE is to simply download the CalcZAF.msi and ProbeForEPMA.msi installers and run them both by double-clicking each (in either order) and following the instructions. Your existing configuration files, standard, setup and user databases will *not* be overwritten.
For a complete list of Probe for EPMA files that are *not* over written by the msi installations, please see below.
However, sometimes it is desirable when updating Probe for EPMA from a much older version, you may want to uninstall your existing Probe for EPMA (and CalcZAF) installation using the Add/Remove Programs applet in the Window Control panel, delete the old application folder (you did make a backup, right?) and then run both the CalcZAF.msi and ProbeForEPMA.msi installers to get a complete new installation.
To retain your customized instrument configuration files, you should follow the instructions here:
Instructions for re-installing Probe for EPMA (and to preserve your existing instrument configuration files)
1. Backup your Probe for EPMA application folder (e.g., copy the old Probe for EPMA app folder to the desktop, usually C:\Probe Software\Probe for EPMA)
2. Uninstall the Probe for EPMA and CalcZAF installations from the Add/Remove Programs applet in the Windows Control Panel. You may delete the existing Probe for EPMA application folder to get a "clean" re-installation though it is not absolutely necessary (but only if you made a proper backup of your original Probe for EPMA folder!).
3. Then reinstall using our new CalcZAF and ProbeForEPMA msi installers. You will need to run both installers.
4. You can download these installers from our secure ftp servers or from our web site:
http://www.probesoftware.com/Update.htm Contact Probe Software for the login and password for the ProbeForEPMA.msi file, the CalcZAF.msi does not require a password.
5. Then copy back your original config files from your backup folder to the new Probe for EPMA app data folder (usually C:\ProgramData\Probe Software\Probe for EPMA): probewin.ini, scalers.dat, motors.dat, standard.mdb, crystals.dat, elements.dat, detectors.dat and the emp*.dat data files for empirical calibrations.
6. Also copy back any files specific to your instrument: *.cal, *.wmf, window.ini, xline.dll, setup*.mdb, user.mdb, standard.mdb, position.mdb and the usermac.dat if present (probably actinide investigators only).
A complete list of files *not* overwritten are here:
probewin.ini
scalers.dat
motors.dat
crystals.dat
elements.dat
detectors.dat
epmapf.dat
empfac.dat
empmac.dat
emppha.dat
standard.mdb
setup.mdb
setup2.mdb
setup3.mdb
user.mdb
7. Be sure to keep Probe for EPMA applications properly updated using the Help | Update Probe for EPMA menu regularly.
Please contact your microprobe specialist or Probe Software for more information.
However, it should noted (in bold red) that if all you want to do is update your Probe for EPMA software and you already have v. 11.x or higher, simply use the Help | Update Probe for EPMA menu in Probe for EPMA to quickly and easily update your software!