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 Below you find answers to the most frequently asked support questions
on SimaPro.
If you cannot find an answer to your question, contact PRé Consultants or your
local partner and we will help
you out.
Installation
Registration
Activation
Software features
Finding data
Impact assessment methods
Results
Import/export
Error messages
Service contracts
Licensing
Other questions
Please contact PRé Consultants or your
local partner and we will help
you out.
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What are the technical requirements for SimaPro?
Technical requirements for SimaPro are described
here in detail.
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Does SimaPro support license management
systems?
No. Due to the large variety of license management systems we cannot
support these. Please contact us to find
the best way to install SimaPro.
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Where can I download the latest
SimaPro installation file?
The latest SimaPro installation file can be downloaded
here.
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Does SimaPro run on a Macintosh or Linux machine?
If you use a Windows emulator and have sufficient memory, SimaPro should
work on Macintosh and Linux systems. We do not guarantee full functionality.
We also give no technical support related to non-Windows systems.
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Does SimaPro run on a Citrix application server?
Yes.
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How many installations do you allow?
For each user license, one installation is allowed. We use software activation
to prevent illegal installations.
The SimaPro Faculty license allows all students and staff of your
department or faculty to install a single user version of SimaPro, provided
it is used for educational use only. For the SimaPro Classroom client-server
version, the client can be installed as often as needed.
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What copy protection system do you use?
We do not use expensive copy protection keys or dongles, that get lost
or stolen. Instead, we use an advanced software activation.
You can activate SimaPro via internet automatically, via a browser or
via e-mail. In this process no personal details are collected.
For more information see the FAQ on activation.
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Where should I install the multi user client?
It is possible to install clients on each workstation. However, this
means you also have to install the updates on all the individual
workstations.
Therefore we recommend installing the client on a network server, and
to make a shortcut from each workstation to the executable. This will
minimally affect the performance of the software under normal network
conditions.
How to do
this installation is described in detail in our
installation manual,
also found on the
installation CD-ROM.
Please note that activation of the software for each of the workstations
is still needed even though the software is installed on a server.
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Can I work from multiple locations with
a multi user version?
Due to large amount of data that are transported between the SimaPro client
and database server, even high speed internet gives unsatisfactory performance.
The solution is to use a terminal server or an application server such
as Citrix. Basically these run the client on a local server, and only
send the screen information to you, and as such increases the speed. Another option is to use
Windows Remote desktop.
Please check with your IT department if and how these options are available
within your organization.
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Is the multi user version a floating license?
For professional versions:
Professional multi user versions are not floating. The client installation
is copy protected with activation. Further, the maximum numbers of users
is determined by the SimaPro database server.
If you need to move a SimaPro client from one computer to another, follow
these instructions.
For educational versions:
The Classroom license is a floating license, i.e. the maximum numbers of
users is determined by the SimaPro database server. You can install the
client as often as you want (we recommend however to
install the client
on a server so that maintenance is simplified).
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Can I install my database on different location?
During the installation of SimaPro you can select a different location for
the database. This can be on a local or server drive.
If you have already installed the database, you can move it to another location.
SimaPro must be closed when you do this. A SimaPro 7.1 or 7.2 database consists of
77 numbered files with an *.NX1 extension, which need to be moved together.
The SimaPro database is installed by default in C:\Documents and Settings\All
Users\Documents\SimaPro\Database.
The first time you start SimaPro again, it will show a message that the
database is not found. Browse to the new database location, which will be
remembered by SimaPro.
If you use a multi user version you can also move databases. However, the
new location must be specified in the SimaPro database server. See the
installation
manual for details.
If you make automatic backups, make sure your backup software is updated
with the new location.
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Re-installation on a new PC
Re-installation on a new PC requires a few steps:
1) De-installation of the software
De-installation of SimaPro 7.1 or 7.2 on the old computer is needed to free up
a software activation. You must be connected to the internet while you uninstall.
You de-install via Start, Settings, Control Panel, Add or Remove programs.
During this process the SimaPro database(s) are not removed. We
recommend however that you make backup.
Please note that SimaPro Classroom and Faculty licenses, as well as the
SimaPro database server, do not need to be de-activated.
After de-installation you can install SimaPro on the new computer. Make
sure you use latest installation file, so that your software and databases
are up to date.
With the software, a new Professional or Starter database is also installed.
You can choose to continue your work in this new and “clean” database. If
you want to continue your work in your “old” database, you can delete or
rename the installed database and continue with step 2, moving the database.
2) Moving the database
The easiest way to move a SimaPro database to make a SimaPro backup of the
database. You can do this in SimaPro via File, Database management, Back-up.
Transfer the back-up file to the new computer and restore the database.
If you choose to move the database manually or via a zip file, this information
is important:
The SimaPro database is installed by default in C:\Documents and
Settings\All Users\Documents\SimaPro\Database. SimaPro must be closed
when you move or zip the database. A SimaPro database consists of 77
numbered files with
an *.NX1 extension, which need to be moved together.
If you use a multi user version, the new location must be specified in the
SimaPro database server. See the
installation manual for details.
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My registration code does not work
- Check that you have entered the code correctly. The registration
name is case sensitive, the registration code is not. The registration
code consists of 4 blocks of 4 letter or digits (for example A1B2 C3D5
E6F7 G8H9).
- Check that you use the latest installation code. When you renew your
service contract you receive a new code that allows you to install the
latest version and updates that are released during your service contract.
If you use an old code you will not be able to install newer versions
or updates.
- Check that you install the correct SimaPro version, a registration
code for a single user version does not work on a multi user version
and vice versa.
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I renewed my service contract and received a
new code, do I need to enter it?
When you renew your service contract or upgrade to a different version,
you receive a new code that allows you to install the latest version and
future updates. To allow updates of the software and databases you need
to enter the new registration code.
This is especially important for the multi user version. Enter the new registration
code in each of the SimaPro clients at the same time to avoid problems.
To save you time, we recommend to install one SimaPro client on the server
and make a shortcut to it from each workstation. This way you only have
enter a code for one SimaPro client to update all users. Similarly you only
have to update one client if a software update is available.
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What is activation?
Activation is a modern protection method against illegal use of software.
It limits the amount of installations, by counting the installations for
each license via a central server.
To distinguish between the computers you install the software on, some
information on the hardware components in your computer is collected. This
is transformed into a so called machine-id and send to the SimaPro activation
server. The server returns an activation code which allows SimaPro to run.
The activation code is unique for each PC – SimaPro combination and cannot
be used on other computers.
Please note that in the activation process of SimaPro no personal data are
collected.
SimaPro must be activated after installation, and each time when a new registration
code is entered (for example with service contract renewal or upgrading
to a different version).
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How can I activate?
Upon starting SimaPro after installation or after entering a new registration
code you will be asked to activate. To activate you need an internet connection.
Automatic activation is recommended as it is the easiest and quickest. SimaPro
makes a direct connection to our activation server, you do not need to anything.
If you encounter problems, for example due to proxy servers, you can choose
the manual activation. Here you request an activation code via a web browser
or via e-mail. The activation code that you receive must be entered manually.
Note that when you choose for manual activation, the computer configuration
(network, portable drives etc.) must be the same on the moment you generate
the activation request and the moment you enter the activation code.
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I cannot activate
If you encounter problems with automatic activation, for example due
to the use of proxy servers in your network, choose the manual activation.
Here you request an activation code via a web browser or via e-mail.
The activation code returned must be entered manually in the format “ XXXX”.
If you are sure the activation code is in the right format, please check:
1) If the activation code is for this computer. Each activation code is
unique for each PC – SimaPro combination and cannot be used on other computers.
2) If your PC is in the same situation (network, portable drives, docking
situation etc.) as on the moment you generated the activation request
If you still cannot activate, please contact us.
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How can I de-activate?
See above. Note de-activation is not available in SimaPro 6.
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I cannot deactivate and need a new activation.
Please contact us, describing the reason why you need a new activation.
Include your registration name and contact details.
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Feature x-y-z is not available in my version?
SimaPro comes in different versions for professional and educational use,
each with its own features. Our Tutorial is based on the features available
in the Analyst and PhD versions.
In addition, in a multi user version some features are only available for
the SimaPro Manager. These are:
- Creating users and user types
- Deleting sessions
- Backup and restore
- Pack and check databases
- Editing libraries
- Importing SimaPro databases
- Move data to library
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I want to copy data from a library to
my project
To copy a single process, product stage or method from a library to your
project, select the item and use the Copy button on the right side of the
window. The copied item will open in Edit mode, so that you can rename it
to avoid confusion.
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I want to copy data from another project
to my project
Click the “Show data of all projects” button in the toolbar. The data of
all projects you have the rights to are now shown. Press the CTRL key and
select the processes you want to copy to your projects. You can even select
data from different categories (but hold down the CTRL key).
Next, go to Edit in the menu and select the option “Copy tree”. SimaPro
will copy the selected data, including the underlying (upstream) process
that are in the project. This is needed as data in projects cannot link
to each other, but only to libraries.
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How do I make a new library?
To create a new library, you first have to create a new project. To upgrade
this project to library status go to Edit in the menu bar and select the
“Move to library” option.
You can also upgrade an existing project including all data to library status.
However, as libraries are independent the data in a library cannot link
to data in other libraries. The solution for this problem is to make sure
that all data you use in a project link to only one library, and then move
the project data to that library instead of a new library.
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I want to edit data in libraries
We do not recommend editing data in libraries, as these may be
overwritten with database imports or updates. Instead, copy the data to
your project using the Copy button.
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Can I save the Monte Carlo sampling
data?
The Monte Carlo sampling data are stored in the computers memory and cannot
be saved.
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I found an error in a translation
Please let us know via support@pre.nl. Include a screenshot of the SimaPro window so that
we know where we should make the correction.
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I am looking for data of….
Finding data that are useful for LCA sometimes looks like finding a
needle in a haystack. To help you finding data we offer the following free services:
- LCA Search engine: a dedicated search engine that has indexed
thousands of documents (PDF, DOC, PPT etc) on the web that relate to
LCA.
- LCA discussion list:
an email discussion list that has become the global LCA forum. It
has nearly thousand members that try to help each other.
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When I add a substance, is it automatically
added to a method?
No, because SimaPro is not an expert system that knows the characteristics
of new substances.
You have to add substances that you create yourself to the method(s)
you use. We recommend to make adjustments in a copy of the method(s).
You can make a copy of a method by selecting it, then click the copy
button on the right side of the method index. A copy of the method will
open. Make sure you rename it to avoid confusion.
Note that the copy will be saved in the project you work in.
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How do I know if substance is in a method?
If you are editing a method, you can see if a substance is already used
by this method in the select substance window, that pops-up when you click
the Add button.
Before the substance name are 2 rows. One row indicates if the substance
is used anywhere in the method, the other row indicates if the substance
is used in the selected category.
If you are calculating results, you can see an overview of all substances
that are not defined in the selected method in the Checks tab in the results
window.
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How can I create an my own method?
You can make a new method by going to the Methods section and click the
new button. This will open a new, but completely empty method. The method
will be saved in the project you work in.
To avoid spending endless time filling the method with substances, you
can choose to make a copy of an existing method. Select the method you
want to copy, then click the copy button on the right side of the method
index. A copy of the method will open. Make sure you rename it to avoid
confusion. Note that the copy will be saved in the project you work in.
Also, remember that only the original method in the Methods library is
updated when an update is available.
It is possible to copy complete impact categories from one method to another.
Select the category and use Ctrl+C to copy, Ctrl+V to paste.
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Which method should I choose?
Please use our
Method selector,
an online tool that will help you selecting a method that is suitable
for your purpose.
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Can I copy results to Excel or Word?
You can simply copy and paste results from SimaPro to Excel , Word or another
application. Both tables and graphs can be copied, using the Ctrl+C (copy)
and Ctrl+V (paste) commands. You can also use the copy and paste options
in the Edit menu.
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How do I create my own result graphs in Excel?
You can copy and paste all calculation results in tabular format from SimaPro
to Excel or another application. In Excel, use the Graphic Wizard to create
graphs as you prefer.
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No split up of results in graphs and tables
Normally the graphs in SimaPro show a breakdown of the results, showing
the contribution of the top processes or product stages. Occasionally this
breakdown is not shown.
If this happens it means the top processes you are analyzing are part
of a loop. This means that the process you analyze is also used in some
upstream processes, that are used in the process that you analyze (for example
electricity is needed to produce building materials for the power plant
that produces that electricity, or steel is needed to build trucks that
transport steel).
For mathematical reasons, SimaPro cannot show the breakdown of the results
if the top process is also used as an input somewhere else in the model.
A workaround is to “break” the loop. You can do this by making a copy of
the process you want to analyze. The copy will open in edit mode, and even
though the underlying model is the same, the copy is not part of the looped
system anymore. From this window you can use the analyze function and see
the results including breakdown.
You do not need to save the copy, unless you want to use it in a calculation
setup. Make sure you give the copy a clear and distinct name, and remember
that any changes in the original process must also be made in the copy.
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How can I exchange data with other SimaPro users?
SimaPro offers 2 ways to exchange data with other SimaPro users:
CSV files
Using CSV files you can exchange single or multiple processes as well
as methods. Export of product stages is not supported.
You can export and import SimaPro CSV files via File, Import or
Export.
Database import and export
Use the Database import and export feature to transfer complete
projects to another user.
Note that for database consistency your project will be exported
including the libraries and methods it is using. These libraries will
overwrite existing libraries and methods at the importing user.
You can export and import SimaPro files via File, Import SimaPro
database or Export SimaPro database.
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Does SimaPro support import/export in
EcoSpold format?
Currently SimaPro only supports EcoSpold import and export in the
SimaPro Developer version.
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I get an error message
No software is totally free of errors, and though we work hard to
minimize errors, problems can occur. If you find a problem, we will do
our best to solve it.
We distinguish between software and database errors. Should you
receive an error message, please close SimaPro and restart. Redo your
last action and see if the error happens again. If this is the case,
please check if you have the latest SimaPro release via Help, Check for
Update.
If you have the latest release, please send an e-mail to support@pre.nl
with
- a screen dump of the error message (or the text)
- a clear description of what you did
- the version number of your SimaPro version
- your operating system
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My database version is too new
If you get an error saying that your database version is too new for
your SimaPro version, make sure you get the latest SimaPro update. You can
download it via the “Check for Update” option in the SimaPro help menu.
If the problem persists, please check if your service contract has expired.
If so, you are not eligible for the latest updates.
Contact us to upgrade
to the latest version.
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This version of the software is too new
for your service contract.
With each service contract renewal you receive a new SimaPro registration
code. Using this code, SimaPro knows which SimaPro releases you are allowed
to install.
A message "this release of the software is too new for your
service contract" normally indicates that your service contract has expired, and you have
not yet entered the latest registration codes received with your renewal.
If your service contract indeed has expired and you have not renewed, you
are not eligible for the latest updates. Contact us to upgrade to the latest
version.
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What is the advantage of a service contract?
A service contract gives you all software and database updates, including
new versions such as SimaPro 7.3 or 8.0 at no extra costs. Furthermore,
it gives you access to helpdesk
for a very reasonable price.
Indefinite licenses include a free first year service contract,
temporary licenses always include service and support for the period of
the license.
More information on SimaPro service
contracts.
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Can I get a service contract for multiple years?
Yes. You can order up to three years of service contract in advance.
We offer 5% discount on the 2nd year contract, and 10% discount on a 3 year
contract.
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My organization does not allow automatic
renewal of service contracts.
No problem. Please contact us to find
a solution.
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I want to cancel my service contract.
Please send us an e-mail, fax or letter with cancellation, preferably
1 month before the expiration date of your current contract.
Note that after cancellation, you cannot renew your service contract
anymore. To update, you need to buy a new license for at least 75% of latest
list price.
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I cancelled my service contract and want to
renew it.
After cancellation, you cannot renew your service contract anymore. To
update, you have to buy a new license for at least 75% of latest list price.
Contact us to discuss your options.
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Where can I find your license conditions?
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Can I publish my LCA results made with SimaPro?
Of course, they are yours. If you still feel you need permission, please
contact us.
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Can I use the SimaPro library data in other
software tools?
The licensing conditions of our database suppliers normally do not
allow this, as also detailed in the
SimaPro
license conditions. Note however that you are allowed to edit your results
in other tools.
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