Installation Problems
This page is for those having issues getting the software installed and working in Demo Mode. If you already have the software working in demo mode, but are having problems activating/registering the software, click here.
How the Installation Works
When you install the software, the installation program attempts to not only add the program files to your hard drive, but also to add and start a Windows service to determine the properties of the installation and PM FASTrack® license validity. This service "checks registration" to determine whether you have already registered the software or if you are running in Demo Mode. This registration check does not access the internet.
Troubleshooting Step 1: Verify Your Installation Environment
This is important! The software often will not work if these minimums are not met. We cannot offer additional support if these conditions aren't met.
Hardware:
- CD ROM drive (or drive that reads CDs) for CD version
- 600 MHz Intel Pentium III processor or equivalent
- 128 MB RAM (250 MB recommended)
- 100 MB available disk space
Environment:
- Administrator privileges
- Clarification: You will need administrator privileges on the account you plan on using to access the sofware on your computer. These privileges are necessary to correctly install the Windows service which verifies validity of the software. In testing, "power user" privileges were sufficient. Also in testing, after successful installation, the software worked with the privileges later removed. This normally is not an issue with home computers unless the computer has multiple users with different access rights.
- How to determine whether your account has sufficient installation rights
- Work-around for restricted computer environments
- Windows 2000 or Windows XP
- Clarification: The sofware does NOT run in a Windows 9x or ME environment. It will also not run in Windows XP using the Windows 9x compatibility mode. There is no alternative version for other operating systems at this time.
- Clarification: The sofware does NOT run in a Windows 9x or ME environment. It will also not run in Windows XP using the Windows 9x compatibility mode. There is no alternative version for other operating systems at this time.
- Internet connection for product registration and question database updates
- Clarification: It is possible to activate/register the software without an internet connection, though it is more difficult. In fact, for certain installation issues, manual registration is the standard work-around. For normal day-to-day software usage, internet access is not required. However, to take advantage of the question database updates, you will need internet access.
Troubleshooting Step 2: Reviewing Most Common Installation Errors
The following are the most common installation errors we encounter.
- Stuck in Demo Mode —(24-question tests continue after full product installation, activation)
- Software Stops During "Checking for Registration" BEFORE Entering Serial Number
If none of these seems to describe your problem, or if you've tried one or more of the above solutions and are still experiencing problems, please complete a General Support Form.