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The October 2009 version of ZEMAX was the first to be available in 32 and 64 bit versions, and to support Windows 7. It also introduced a new project-based way to define the locations of the datafiles ZEMAX uses, so that one project's CAD objects, coating files etc. could be kept separately from those used by other projects. As a consequence, there were some changes introduced to the installation methods ZEMAX uses, which will affect you if you are upgrading to the current release from any version prior to October 2009.

First, as a consequence of providing 32 and 64-bit versions, parallel port and older (purple) USB keys are no longer supported. As of the October 2009 release, only the current black USB key will work with ZEMAX. If you have current support and are still using an older key, we will replace the key free of charge, see here for full details. You will not be able to run the current release with a purple USB or parallel-port key.
 
IMPORTANT: ZEMAX now stores all program data by default in the user's Documents/ZEMAX folder which is created on first use. Once ZEMAX is installed you can use File...Preferences...Folders to define your own locations instead of using the defaults, of course.

IMPORTANT: Program Files/ZEMAX is now used exclusively for program executables and dlls. This provides compatibility with current best practices in computer data security. Any user data stored in /program files/ZEMAX must be moved to the corresponding new location in documents/ZEMAX as described below.

The vast majority of files remain in the same folder as previously, except the folder is now defaulted to Documents/ZEMAX instead of /program files/ZEMAX. The exceptions are only those files that did not have their own folder, and were previously just stored in the root /zemax folder:

• Tolerance script files (.tsc) and saved tolerance editor settings (.tol) are now stored in  Documents/ZEMAX/Tolerance.
• Merit function files (.mf) are stored in Documents/ZEMAX/Merit Functions.
• Configuration files (.cfg) and saved tolerancer tool settings (.top) are stored in Documents/ZEMAX/Configs. The file ZEMAX.cfg, which contains all the settings saved under File...Preferences should not be copied over, as it contains references to the older folder structures. Preferences should be reset manually.
• Other files (.not, .bsdf, .txt, .upl, .rg4, .rg6) are stored in Documents/ZEMAX/Miscellaneous.

To upgrade from a version prior to October 2009:

1. Back up all your ZEMAX data. You should do this before any upgrade, but particularly in this case as the target installation folders are changing. 
2. Uninstall ZEMAX, and delete the program files/ZEMAX folder. Make sure you have backed up your data first!
3. Run the installer for the current release. 
4. Run ZEMAX once installation is complete, to create the Documents/ZEMAX folder structure.
5. {Optional} Click on File...Preferences...Folders to move any data folders to different locations, if desired.
6. Restore your backed-up data files to their new locations.