The Latest version of SimPE (0.68) was released as an archived file - a .rar.  Follow these instructions for unarchiving the .rar into a new directory for SimPE. 

As often as possible we will try and release SimPE with an installer; however, if the developers that write the installer are not available and we need to get a release to you to support a new EP aor SP, we will release an archived version.  For people familar with .rar its a simple matter of:

• creating a new directory,
• unarchiving the files into the new directory,
• creating a shortcut
• reinstall plugins and templates
• reset your simPE settings
• (setting permissions correctly on Vista) and
• off you go. 

The detailed version here is for people who have not worked with archived versions in the past.

Always do a New Directory/Clean install for any new full release or if having trouble after installing a new QA release.  Adding to or installing over previous installations usually work fine for QA tests but to avoid issues with a NEW RELEASE and what version or part version you might have already installed can cause conflicts that make it hard for us to help you fix when we do not know what files you might have installed over.  SAVE yourself extra work and many bugreports by creating a new directory and doing a clean install before following the directions for installing.  We can't tell you how important it is to be installing a new release as a clean install, its that important and a habit one should get into doing.  This also will save you time if you encounter an issue in the new release that prevents you from using it the old version is available. 

New Directory install simply means that you Create a new SimPE directory preferably with a new name such as C:\Program Files\SimPE_versionnumber (IE. C:\Program Files\SimPE_66) and then follow the steps below to install from an archive.

Note:  A New Directory and/or a  clean install does mean that you will loose templates and any plugins not included with the simPE archive.  You will also need to check your simPE settings such as ident and the path to your DDS tools install. Instructions for how to handle this you will find following the installation and troubleshooting steps below.

A. Installing SimPE from an Archive (ie .rar or .zip) on XP Systems:

1. Make sure you have a program that will extract from a .rar archive installed.
2. Make sure that is not open or running on your computer (always check processs to make sure it has been completely shut down - if it is still on the process list click on it and then click on 'end process')
3. Download the SimPE version in .rar format from the download page on the SimPE site.
4. Save the archive to a working directory (an empty directory anywhere on your computer that you make for this purpose - do not download to your desktop)
5. In Windows Explorer find the file you just downloaded, right click on it and choose to extract to.. and either locate the new directory you already made for your SimPE directory (usually C:\Program Files\SimPE_versionname) in the directory list that pops up in the archiving program or type the new directory name (IE. C:\Program Files\SimPE_66) into the space for it in the unarchiver and let the program create the new directory.
6. If the extraction is successful you can then locate the simPE.exe in your new directory, right click on it and create a shortcut to move to your desktop.
7. Install any plugins/templates that you normally use to the location of your new install (see below)
8. Check your simPE settings such as indent, DDS tools path and other preferences.
9. Double click on the new shortcut to run SimPE

B. Installing SimPE from an Archive (ie .rar or .zip) on VISTA Systems:

1. Make sure you have a program that will extract from a .rar archive installed.
2. Make sure you have admin access on the computer you are installing to
3. Make sure that SimPE is not open or running on your computer (always check processs to make sure it has been complete shut down - if it is still on the process list click on it and then click on end process)
4. Download the SimPE version in .rar format from the download page on the SimPE site.
5. Save the archive to a working directory (an empty directory anywhere on your computer that you make for this purpose - do not download to your desktop)
6. If you have not created a new directory for SimPE, do so now.  Name it something like C:\Program Files\SimPE_version
7. In Windows Explorer find the file you just downloaded, right click on it and choose to extract to.. and locate your new SimPE directory (usually C:\Program Files\SimPE_versionnumber (IE. C:\Program Files\SimPE_66)) in the directory list that pops up in the archiving program.
8. When asked to allow these file changes click Allow and Yes on any further permission popups
9. If the extraction is successful right click on SimPE.exe and choose Properties, and then the Compatability Tab.  Then check "Run As Administrator" near the bottom of that window.
10. Right click on SimPE.exe again and create a shortcut to move to your desktop or quickbar.
11. Install any plugins or templates that you commonly use (see below)
12. Check your simPE settings such as indent, DDS tools path and other preferences.
13. You can then run the simPE.exe

For Templates and Plugins you commonly use - AFTER A New Diectory or CLEAN INSTALL 

When you have done a clean install you will have lost your Photo Studio Templates, the Base Careers for the Career editor and some plugins like Theo's editors.  You will need to reinstall them or unarchive them and copy them to the correct directory in your clean install.  The Photo Studio and Career Bases are downloaded from the simPE download page and thero's plugins from his site (see link in the main Forum Index).  You will need to install these anytime you do a clean install so it is a good way to make sure that you are using the most updated plugins and templates.  Go to Preferences and set your simPE settings such as advanced mode, auto backups on or off, path to your DDS Tools installation, etc. Make sure you run SimPE one time before installing PhotoStudio templates so the registry has changed to your new simPE location and the installer works correctly. 

ALWAYS do a clean install with a new directory/directory name when you are installing any new release before reporting bugs or other problems.  More then 80% of the issues reported after a new release is installed are do to installing SimPE over an older version.  Doing this also means you have the old version available if you encounter a problem that keeps you from using the new release.

Note:  After you run this new install of SimPE.exe for the first time (from the new directory) the registry will be changed to point to your new install.  So after that first run if you double click on a .package or other simPE file extension, run an plugin installer that needs to know the path to the newest install etc, the registry will point to the correct - new installation.  REMEMBER this in case, for some reason, you run the simPE.exe from an old install - the registry will then change and point to the old install, and you will need to run the simpe.exe in the new install to point it back.