IMPORTANT - MUST READ - MEPworx install/running issue

by Simon Brown

Recently we all had a Windows update which can affect the running of the MEPworx software. We seem to be getting a disproportionately high number of support calls on this issue, which is essentially an IT issue and not necessarily an MEPworx software issue.

The problem occurs when you try to run the software in that it tries to load the install routine as opposed to opening the software. This happens with ANY SOFTWARE where you may have more than one version and it will be looking at the last software you installed, which, in all likelihood, is the MEPworx as we released it recently prior to one of the Microsoft Windows updates. We  have experienced the same issues with other software products so the issue isn’t exclusive to MEPworx, so should be treated as an IT issue not an MEPworx specific issue, although we are happy to help, but if you read this blog, then you have the solution.

The reason behind this is the Windows software and the Installshield software installer look at the multiple registries usually of the older version which then activates the install routine instead of opening up the software when the MEPworx icon is selected and asks for the MEPworx 2026 MSI file.

Solution

The best way to circumvent this problem is to uninstall the older MEPworx 2024 or 2025 version of the software, then reinstall/repair/modify the latest MEPworx version so the latest registry is identified, and the software can be run.

Don’t worry by uninstalling the older version as the projects will be updated to suit the latest running version, which is an exercise you should be doing anyway, as at some point if you skip too many versions you may find you cant run the projects depending on the severity of the code changes to the software between versions.

Once you’ve re installed the software, the problem goes away. However, if you have other software installed from other vendors with multiple versions you may get the same issues with that product also if the vendor uses install shield as the installation software.

If you have an IT department they could run the registry entries, look for the old “Cadline” folder, locate the MEPworx and delete the registry there. You may or may not have admin rights to do this.

Note that the new 2026 version of the MEPworx software is contained in the “Arkance folder” to reflect the company change of name.