For Version 0.68 (the lastest release) please follow this link for instructions for installing from an archive (.7z or .rar):

Installing SimPE without an Installer (IE installing from a .rar archive) (click here) 

Installing SimPE without an Installer (IE installing from a .7z archive) (click here) 

Occassionally we will have to release a new version without an installer if someone to write the installer is not available and we want to get a release to you ASAP, especially when it is supporting a new EP or SP.  Its very simple to do, but for those of you who have never installed from an archive - the directions are there in detail for you - and remember installing from an archived file still needs a new directory!  The links above are to detailed instructions for installing from archives and the directions below are for using an installer.  An installer (setup.exe) will be made as soon as possible and then you should follow the directions below).

Always do a New Directory/Clean install for this new full release (0.68.1) 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/Clean Clean 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  does mean that you will loose templates and any plugins not included with the simPE archive. Instructions for how to handle this you will find following the installation and troubleshooting steps below.  You will also need to reset your settings in SimPE preferences

Installation for XP Systems

1. Download and save the SimPE Installer to a working directory on your computer (not to your desktop).
2. Make sure you have Admin access to install programs on your computer
3. Double click the installer and follow the installer steps until asked where to install SimPE
4. When asked if you want to install SimPE to the default directory (C:\Program Files\SimPE) Change the name of the directory to a new name.  You can choose any directory name you want to use but we suggest you use C:\Program Files\SimPE_versionnumber  (ie C:\Program Files\SimPE_66) to avoid confusion
5. Install any templates and plugins you commonly use as they will not be available in this install even if you installed them in the old one.
6. Run SimPE by clicking the shortcut on your desktop or quick bar.
7. Go to Preferences and set your simPE settings such as advanced mode, auto backups on or off, path to your DDS Tools installation, etc. 

Installation for VISTA Systems

1. Download and save the SimPE Installer to a working directory on your computer (not to your desktop).
2. Make sure you have Full Admin access to install programs on your computer
3. Right Click on the installer and click on Run As Administrator 
4. Follow the installer steps until asked where to install SimPE
5. When asked if you want to install SimPE to the default directory (C:\Program Files\SimPE) Change the name of the directory to a new name.  You can choose any directory name you want to use but we suggest you use C:\Program Files\SimPE_versionnumber  (ie C:\Program Files\SimPE_66) to avoid confusion
6. Click yes when asked to allow the directory to be created
7. When the installation is complete locate SimPE.exe in the new directory and right click on it. Click on the Compatability Tab and click the box next to Run As Adminstrator at the bottom so that it is checked.
8. Install any templates and plugins you commonly use as they will not be available in this install even if you installed them in the old one. (see special directions below) 
9. Run SimPE by clicking the shortcut on your desktop or quick bar.
10. Go to Preferences and set your simPE settings such as advanced mode, auto backups on or off, path to your DDS Tools installation, etc. 

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 this 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.