PdMA® PRODUCT SUPPORT MANUAL

TECHNOTE 2301-S10
ISSUED - To ensure application accessibility, the default
installati on location has been set to C:\PdMA
January 2023 Corporation.

SUBJECT - Databases attached to MCEGold 3.1.2 SP6 must be

from MCEGold 3.0.3 SP2 or later and once updated
with MCEGold 3.1.2 SP6 will not be compatible with
Release of MCEGold ® 3.1.2 SP6 Stand Alone for
older versions of MCEGold.
Windows 10.
- Please make sure you allow sufficient time to update
DESCRIPTION your database. Depending on the size of your database,
updates may take an hour or longer.
MCEGold 3.1.2 SP6 Stand Alone is an upgrade from
MCEGold 3.1.2 SP5. This upgrade includes updated - Assets opened with MCEGold 3.1.2 SP6 will not be
Comm Check application reports to support updated compatible with older versions of MCEGold.
tester diagnostics, addition of popup warning message
when attempting to attach a database file from an older - If during installation you receive a message telling you
SQL server version, modified the Add Asset window, “SQL Server System CLR Types requires the .Net
and various bug fixes. Framework”, contact tech support for assistance.

NOTES - If you have any questions, please contact PdMA

Technical Support (813-621-6463 ext. 251).
- MCEGold 3.1.2 SP6 is only compatible with Windows
10 and M-Series testers.
Minimum Requirements
- Windows 7 users - DO NOT TRY TO UPDATE to
MCEGold 3.1.2 SP6. Windows 7 compatibility ended Computer Dell Latitude 5420 Laptop*
with MCEGold 3.1.2 SP2. If you do try to update, Processor 11th Generation Intel Core i5-
MCEGold will become inoperable. 1135G7 (4 Core, 8M cache,
base 2.4 GHz, up to 4.2 GHz)
- Upgrading from a version prior to MCEGold 3.1.2 Resolution 14” FHD (1920x1080)
requires a new license key. Contact PdMA (813-621-
Operating System Microsoft ® Windows 10 (64
6463 ext. 251) for a new license key.
bit)
- MCEGold Word Add-in is NOT compatible with Memory 8.0+ G RAM
MS Word 2010. Templates created with any version Ports/Drives (1) USB Port in Rear or Side
older than MS Word 2007 may not be functional and
Hard Disk 256 GB SSD (30G Available)
may cause conflicts with the MCEGold software.
* Original Windows 10 model shipped with PdMA testers. It is not
compatible with Windows 7. Using any other computer manufacturer
- MCEGold 3.1.2 SP6 requires that Word Add-in be in conjunction with the PdMA software may result in erratic computer
uninstalled prior to MCEGold 3.1.2 SP6 installation behavior; not limited to but including:
or upgrade. • Power Management Issues
• Lock-up
• Communication Port Malfunction
- MCEGold 3.1.2 SP6 requires that all SQL versions • Driver Incompatibility
older than 2017 be uninstalled prior to MCEGold 3.1.2 • Display Errors
SP6 installation or upgrade. • SQL Database Incompatibility
• Network Synchronization Issues

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PREPARE FOR MCEGOLD If only Microsoft SQL Server 2017 exists on your
computer do not uninstall it and proceed to the section
3.1.2 SP6 INSTALLATION Uninstall Word Add-in.
There are several components that begin with Microsoft
NOTE: If you have MCEGold 3.1.2 or later follow the SQL Server 20XX, they should all be removed starting
instructions in Upgrading From MCEGold 3.1.2 or with Microsoft SQL 2008 EXCEPT Microsoft SQL
Later on page 4. Server 2017.

If you have any version prior to MCEGold 3.1.2 a full 1. Select Start, Settings, Apps.
uninstall is required before installing version 3.1.2 SP6.
See Upgrading From a Version Prior to MCEGold 2. Scroll down to locate Microsoft SQL Server 2008
3.1.2. from the list.

Upgrading From a Version 3. Highlight it and click Uninstall.

Prior to MCEGold 3.1.2 4. Follow the on-screen prompts.

Upgrading from a version prior to MCEGold 3.1.2
requires a new license key. Contact PdMA (813-621- 5. Click Finish when the “Uninstall Complete”
6463 ext. 251) for a new license key. message is received. Do not close the window.

Backup 6. After uninstalling Microsoft SQL 2008, repeat from

step 2, uninstalling all components that begin with
Before beginning the MCEGold uninstall, copy the
Microsoft SQL Server 20XX. Reminder do not
Emaxprb.xml file only (not the folder) and the User
uninstall Microsoft SQL Server 2017 (or later)!
Defined Report Templates to a safe location and make
note of the location.
7. Locate and uninstall all Microsoft System CLR
Types for SQL Server prior to CLR type version
The default location for the files is listed below,
2017.
however you may have chosen a different location
during the original installation.
8. Repeat step 6 until all older CLR Types have been
removed.
Emaxprb.xml
C:\PdMA Corporation\MCEGold\Emax
9. Do not close window.
User Defined Detailed Report Templates (copy
10. Continue to Uninstall Word Add-in.
only .xml files)
C:\PdMA
Corporation\MCEGold\Report\Templates\UserDefi Uninstall Word Add-in
nedTemplates\Batch Note: If you have MCEGold Word Add-in installed, you
need to uninstall it before upgrading to MCEGold 3.1.2
User Defined Word Templates (copy only Word SP6. If it is not installed, proceed to Uninstall
files such as .doc, .docx, .dot, etc.) MCEGold.
C:\PdMA
Corporation\MCEGold\Report\Templates\WordTe 1. Select Start. Settings, Apps.
mplates\UserDefined
2. Scroll down to locate MCEGold Word Add-in.
Uninstall Older Versions of SQL Server
3. Highlight it and click Uninstall.
If any version of Microsoft SQL Server prior to
Microsoft SQL Server 2017 (such as 2005, 2008, 2012,
4. Follow the on-screen prompts.
2014, 2016, etc.) exists on your computer, proceed with
the Uninstall Older Versions of SQL Server section
5. Click Finish when the “Uninstall Complete”
followed by the Uninstall Word Add-in and Uninstall
message is received.
MCEGold sections below.

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6. Do not close the window. 2. Insert the MCEGold 3.1.2 SP6 USB flash drive into
the USB port. Select Run, setup.exe from the
7. Continue to Uninstall MCEGold. AutoPlay window. If the installation does not begin
automatically, run setup.exe from the USB flash
Uninstall MCEGold drive.
Note: If you have MCEGold icons pinned to your
Taskbar, it is necessary to unpin them before beginning 3. The License Agreement window opens. Read the
the uninstall. Right click on the icon and select “Unpin PdMA license and select the “I Accept” option
from taskbar”. button. The Next button becomes visible. Click
Next.
1. Select Start, Settings, Apps.
Note: If you do not accept the terms, the Next
2. Scroll down to locate MCEGold Version X.X.X. button is not visible, you can only click Cancel,
which closes the software without installing it.
3. Highlight it and click Uninstall

4. Follow the on-screen prompts.

5. Click Finish when the “Uninstall Complete”

message is received.

6. Do not close the window.

7. If present locate the PdMA MCEMAX Tester

(Driver Removal) file. Highlight it and click
Uninstall and follow the on-screen prompts. If it is
not present proceed to Step 7. 4. In the License Key window enter your Company
Name and License Key exactly as provided by
8. Click Finish when the “Uninstall Complete” PdMA. You may copy and paste the license key
message is received. using the paste button.
5. When the license has been verified a green check
9. Locate the C:\PdMA Corporation folder and delete appears. The Next button appears. Click Next.
it. The subfolders will be deleted also. After the
installation of MCEGold 3.1.2 SP6 the new folder 6. In the Installation Path window, accept the default
location will be C:\PdMA Corporation\.... shown in the text box (recommended) for the
location to install the MCEGold program folder or
10. Click Finish when the “Uninstall Complete” use the browse (...) button to select an alternate
message is received. location, make a note of it for your future use, and
click Next. Note: It is not suggested to use an
11. Reboot the computer. alternate location because that can cause conflict
and Windows rights problems.
12. Continue to MCEGold 3.1.2 SP6 Installation.
7. When prompted, click Install Components. Some
MCEGOLD 3.1.2 SP6 components may require additional prompts.

INSTALLATION 8. When the installation of components is complete

the Next button appears. Click Next.
1. If installing on a tester, disconnect the USB cable
from the tester computer. 9. A progress bar shows the progress of copying files
to your computer.

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PdMA® PRODUCT SUPPORT MANUAL

10. When the installation is complete you must reboot 12. Remove the MCEGold 3.1.2 SP6 USB flash drive
your system. Select the Reboot Now option and from the computer.
click Close.
13. If installing on a tester, re-connect the USB cable to
the tester computer.

Upgrading From MCEGold

3.1.2 or Later
Backup
Before beginning the MCEGold installation, copy the
Emaxprb.xml file only (not the folder) and the User
Defined Report Templates to a safe location and make
note of the location.
11. After rebooting, locate and copy the backup
Emaxprb.xml file and the User Defined Report
The default location for the files is listed below,
Templates back into the appropriate locations.
however you may have chosen a different location
during the original installation.
The default location for the files is listed below,
however you may have chosen a different location
Emaxprb.xml
during the original installation.
C:\PdMA Corporation\MCEGold\Emax
Emaxprb.xml
User Defined Detailed Report Templates (copy
C:\PdMA Corporation\MCEGold\Emax
only .xml files)
C:\PdMA
User Defined Detailed Report Templates (copy
Corporation\MCEGold\Report\Templates\UserDefi
only .xml files)
nedTemplates\Batch
C:\PdMA
Corporation\MCEGold\Report\Templates\UserDefi
User Defined Word Templates (copy only Word
nedTemplates\Batch
files such as .doc, .docx, .dot, etc.)
C:\PdMA
User Defined Word Templates (copy only Word
Corporation\MCEGold\Report\Templates\WordTe
files such as .doc, .docx, .dot, etc.)
mplates\UserDefined
C:\PdMA
Corporation\MCEGold\Report\Templates\WordTe
mplates\UserDefined
Uninstall Older Versions of SQL Server
If any version of Microsoft SQL Server prior to
If you see a message like the one shown below, Microsoft SQL Server 2017 (such as 2005, 2008, 2012,
select “Skip these files”. Note that the number of 2014, 2016, etc.) exists on your computer, proceed with
items may be different than shown in this example. the Uninstall Older Versions of SQL Server section
followed by the Uninstall MCEGold section below.

If only Microsoft SQL Server 2017 exists on your

computer do not uninstall it and proceed to the section
Uninstall Word Add-in.

There are several components that begin with Microsoft

SQL Server 20XX, they should all be removed starting
with Microsoft SQL 2008 EXCEPT Microsoft SQL
Server 2017.

1. Select Start, Settings, Apps.

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PdMA® PRODUCT SUPPORT MANUAL

2. Scroll down and locate Microsoft SQL Server 2008 MCEGold 3.1.2 SP6 Installation.
from the list. NOTE: Some on-screen prompts and messages during
the installation process are controlled by the Windows
3. Highlight it and click Uninstall. operating system and are out of PdMA’s control. Every
effort has been made to include their possible
4. Follow the on-screen prompts. appearance and the action you should take. However, if
you are unsure please contact our technical support
5. Click Finish when the “Uninstall Complete” department for help at 813-621-6463 ext. 251.
message is received. Do not close the window.
1. If installing on a tester, disconnect the USB cable
6. After uninstalling Microsoft SQL 2008, repeat from from the tester computer.
step 2, uninstalling all components that begin with
Microsoft SQL Server 20XX. Reminder do not 2. Insert the MCEGold 3.1.2 SP6 USB flash drive into
uninstall Microsoft SQL Server 2017 (or later)! Do the USB port. Select Run, setup.exe from the
not close the window. AutoPlay window. If the installation does not begin
automatically, run setup.exe from the USB flash
7. Locate and uninstall all Microsoft System CLR drive.
Types for SQL Server prior to CLR type version
2017. 3. If you see the User Account Control screen, click
Yes.
8. Repeat from step 6 until all older CLR Types have
been removed.

9. Click Finish when the “Uninstall Complete”

message is received.

10. Close the Apps window when all components have

been uninstalled.

11. Reboot the computer.

Uninstall Word Add-in

Note: If you have MCEGold Word Add-in installed, you
need to uninstall it before upgrading to MCEGold 3.1.2
SP6. If it is not installed, proceed to MCEGold 3.1.2 4. If there is an existing MCEGold version installed
SP6 Installation. on your computer, you will see the MCEGold
Update screen. Click Update.
1. Select Start, Settings, Apps.

2. Scroll down to locate MCEGold Word Add-in.

3. Highlight it and click Uninstall.

4. Follow the on-screen prompts.

5. Click Finish when the “Uninstall Complete”

message is received.

6. Reboot the computer.

7. Continue to MCEGold 3.1.2 SP6 Installation.

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NOTE: If you have a version prior to MCEGold 3.1.2 8. Locate and copy the backup Emaxprb.xml file and
you will receive the error message shown below. Do the User Defined Report Templates back into the
NOT proceed. Contact technical support. appropriate locations.

The default location for the files is listed below,

however you may have chosen a different location
during the original installation.

Emaxprb.xml
C:\PdMA Corporation\MCEGold\Emax

User Defined Detailed Report Templates (copy

5. The status update window displays. only .xml files)
C:\PdMA
Corporation\MCEGold\Report\Templates\UserDefi
nedTemplates\Batch

User Defined Word Templates (copy only Word

files such as .doc, .docx, .dot, etc.)
C:\PdMA
Corporation\MCEGold\Report\Templates\WordTe
mplates\UserDefined

6. When the update is complete, click Finish. If you see a message like the one shown below,
select “Skip these files”. Note that the number of
items may be different than shown in this example.

7. If the Program Compatibility Assistant screen

displays, select This program installed correctly.

9. Remove the MCEGold 3.1.2 SP6 USB flash drive

from the computer.

10. If installing on a tester, re-connect the USB cable to

the tester computer.

11. Continue to the Database Setup section.

DATABASE SETUP
Note: This procedure is for connecting to an existing
database that is to be upgraded to MCEGold 3.1.2 SP6.
To connect to an existing database, please follow the
instructions below.

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PdMA® PRODUCT SUPPORT MANUAL

1. Ensure you have properly backed up the database 5. If the database attached properly you will see the
you are converting. following window. Click OK.

2. Open the Utility program and click the Database

button.

6. The MCEGold Utility Database Window opens.

Click Exit.

3. Click Attach DB as shown in the screen below.

START MCEGOLD
1. Start MCEGold.

2. If the database window is empty, select a database

using the Search button (...) located on the right
side of the Site textbox. This opens your computer
4. Navigate to the database location on your computer navigator window which allows you to search for a
and select the desired database. database. When the database has been selected,
click Open.
If you receive the following message: “The
database you selected was created with an older 3. Verify login parameters on the right side of the
SQL version”, the database needs to be upgraded to window are correct and click OK.
SQL 2017. Stop! Click No. Do NOT proceed!
Contact Technical Support. NOTE: If no databases are available, click Cancel
to exit out of MCEGold, and contact PdMA
Technical Support at 813-621-6463 ext. 251.

If you receive the following message: “The

database you selected was created with an older
SQL version”, the database needs to be upgraded to
SQL 2017. Stop! Click No. Do NOT proceed!
Contact Technical Support.

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PdMA® PRODUCT SUPPORT MANUAL

If you receive the following “Incompatible Database

Version” message when trying to start MCEGold, you
are attempting to run MCEGold with a database that is
older than MCEGold 3.1.2. You will be prompted to
update the database. If you have properly backed up
your existing database, click Yes to run the update. If
you have not backed up your existing database, click
No, backup the database, and then perform the Database
Setup procedure.

NOTE: Please make sure you allow sufficient time

If you receive the following “The local database is to update your database.
not supported by this update” message, the attached
database is too old for conversion and needs to be
updated to MCEGold 3.0.3 SP2 or later prior to
updating to MCEGold 3.1.2 SP6. Contact your
system administrator.

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