SmartCAM Installation Guide
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SmartCAM Installation Guide

SmartCAM v2025 Applications


The installation process is very straightforward. It consists of the following high-level steps.

Open the SmartCAMcnc website (www.SmartCAMcnc.com) in a web browser. From the website's main menu, select Support - Download SmartCAM.

Website menu selection

Select the SmartCAM Product Download Page link. You will then be prompted to log on to the website. You will need your Customer ID and Passcode. Enter them in the appropriate fields.

Website log on page

On the website download page, review the displayed informational notes, to see if they apply to you. For the product you want to download, click on the Product's name, to expand that section. Then click on the related link to begin the download.

FFM Download Links

If you are prompted to save the file or run the file, select the option to save the file. Once you have downloaded all your products, you are ready to move on the next step.

Important: install your main NC applications first. Then the support applications and any optional native CAD data translators that you have purchased.

After downloading your applications, you are ready to run the installations. Change to the folder where you saved the installation files.

Double-click on the installation files to run them. SmartCAMcnc recommends that you accept all the defaults, for paths and settings.

Installation Order

Install all your NC applications (Milling, Turning, Fabrication, and/or Wire EDM) first. Then you can install any supporting applications and optional native CAD Data Translators.

If you are installing the 64-bit Data Translator Update, it must be the last item you install.

SmartCAM Trials

You will be provided an Access Code. The Access Code will be used to get your trial license. You will need an active Internet connection on your SmartCAM computer.

When you run your SmartCAM application, for the first time, you will get an error that the application is not licensed. After closing this warning, a Install License dialog will be displayed.

Install License dialog

Enter your provided Access Code in the Access Code input field; use Copy and Paste or type it in exactly as provided. Then click on the Download And Install button. Your trial license will be downloaded and installed.

Your installation is now complete and you are ready to Run the Application.

Temporary License Key Files

You will sometimes be provided temporary license key files. For example, when you have an active Software Subscription Agreement (SSA) a temporary key will be emailed to you when a new major number SmartCAM version is released. New SmartCAM users will also get a temporary key.

The temporary key is provided to give you time to get SmartCAM installed, then request and receive your regular long-term license key.

Save your temporary key file (it will have a .LIC file extension) to a location on your hard drive.

When you run your SmartCAM application you will get a warning that the application is not licensed. After closing this warning, a Install License dialog window is displayed.

Click on the Select License File button. Now browse to and select the .LIC file that you previously saved. Accept this path and filename and your license key file will be installed.

The temporary license key is installed. You can now run your SmartCAM applications.

Remember you need to complete the steps to request and install your long-term license key before the trial key expires. Or your SmartCAM applications will stop running when the temporary keys expire.

Note:
SmartCAM users running the Network License Manager (NLM) will not get temporary keys. NLM users will need to request long-term keys directly.

To convert your temporary or trial key to regular long-term keys, you need to request a new license key file. Generate the request form on the machine that will be running SmartCAM, as returned license key file will be tied directly to this computer.

If you are using the Cloud License Manager (CLM) this step is unnecessary, your Cloud licenses are maintained for you. Once you have installed your Cloud License Key (instructions are in the email that included the cloud license key), you will not need to install additional license keys.

Run the SmartCAM License Manager.

SmartCAM License Manager

The License Manager shows your unique System Server Code, as well as information about your installed SmartCAM NC applications. You could also have used the License Manager to install your Temporary License Key file, using the same named buttons as on the Install License dialog.

Use the Create Key Request Form button to make your license request form.

Key Request Form

At a minimum, fill out all the required fields.

You then need to tell SmartCAMcnc which products to create the license key file for. Normally, just use the << Add All button to move everything into the Request Keys For: list.

The Filename: label shows you the default path and filename for the request form, but you can change it when you click on the Save Form button.

Click on Save Form to save the request form.

Now, submit the request form to SmartCAMcnc. You will do this using the SmartCAMcnc website. Open a web browser and browse to the SmartCAMcnc website (https://www.SmartCAMcnc.com). On the website, use the main menu and select License Keys - SSA Key Request. Then use the Request No-Charge License Keys button.

This will open up your default email tool. Instructions are in the body of the email. Be sure you attach the key request form to the email. Then send it.

After submitting your Long-Term key request, your key file will be emailed to you. When you receive it, save it to your disk drive.

Run the SmartCAM License Manager.

SmartCAM License Manager

Click on the Install New License File button, then browse to and select the key file you just received. Accepting the path and filename will install the license key.

Your long-term keys are installed.

To run an installed SmartCAM application, open the Windows Start menu. Select the All Programs option. Browse to and find your SmartCAM menu group. Open the group and select the SmartCAM application to run.

The following instructions are not very different from the instructions provided in the "Quick Steps" section of this web page. What is different is the level of detail provided. This section expands on the topics slightly, to give information about what is happening and what options you have.

Before starting the installation process, first verify that you meet the prerequisites.

  • Verify that your system meets or exceeds the minimum requirements to store and run SmartCAM. You can find the SmartCAM requirements below, by expanding the System Requirements button.
  • The installation needs to install and modify files. This means your current Windows account needs full read/write/modify permissions in several folders. Review the Windows Permissions section of the Troubleshooting button.
  • Depending upon what type of installation mode you pick, you should know where the SmartCAM paths are. See the SmartCAM Paths section of the Troubleshooting button.
  • Your SmartCAM computer will need to be internet connected. You will need to download the install files from a website. You will also need email for requesting and receiving your licensing keys.

Open the SmartCAMcnc website (www.SmartCAMcnc.com) in a web browser. From the website's main menu, select Support - Download SmartCAM.

Website menu selection

Select the SmartCAM Product Download Page link. You will then be prompted to log on to the website. You will need your Customer ID and Passcode. Enter them in the appropriate fields.

Website log on page

On the website download page, review the displayed informational notes, to see if they apply to you. For the product you want to download, click on the Product's name, to expand that section. Then click on the related link to begin the download.

FFM Download Links

If you are prompted to save the file or run the file, select the option to save the file. Once you have downloaded all your products, you are ready to move on the next step.

Important: Install your main NC applications first. Then install any supporting applications and optional native CAD data translators that you have purchased. The 64-bit Data Translator Update must be the last item you install.

After launching the installations, a Installation Wizard will display a number of prompts guiding you through the remaining installation. The displayed pages and prompts may vary depending upon the application being installed. Each page should contain enough information to make it clear what is needed.

The installations basically have three modes. There is the initial, first time installation. If you have downloaded and are running a minor release (SP maintenance release), they run in update mode. And finally, if you run the same installation more than once (without first uninstalling), it will run in Maintenance mode.

First Time or New Major Number Installation

The installation will show you what product and version are being installed.

New Installation Main Screen

Minor Update Installation

When installing an update release, such as a service pack (SP) minor release, the installation will show you what is being installed. It will also tell you that what the previous version information was.

Update Install

Maintenance Mode

If you run an already installed installation file, it will launch in maintenance mode.

Maintenance Mode Install

The maintenance mode has three options. You can uninstall your application (SmartCAM recommends that you use Add/Remove Programs Windows Control Panel rather than this method to uninstall). It has a Modify mode, which lets you pick which part of your product to install again. And a Repair mode - repair is used to rebuild your current installation.

In general, the installation will display the following pages:

Prerequisites

SmartCAM may need to install some system-level tools to run. For example, programs built using Microsoft Visual Studio languages need some dynamic library files (DLL) to run. These packages of files are called prerequisites. If these files are not already installed on your computer, the SmartCAM installer will first attempt to install these files.

Prerequisites Installation

These files are very often installed in the Windows folder, so your Windows user account needs to have sufficient permissions to make changes in the Windows folder.

Sometimes the installation of these supporting files fails; usually due to insufficient permissions. When this happens a window will be displayed saying the requirement package installation failed and asking you whether you want to continue the installation.

Go ahead and continue the installation. The requirements files installations failure notices are not always accurate.

New Installs

The following installation pages are only for new installs; either a completely new SmartCAM install or a new major version number release. Update installations do not prompt, they use the information captured during the original installation.

Welcome

Displays which application and version is being installed.

License Agreement

Displays the SmartCAMcnc Software License Agreement (SLA). You must accept the terms of this agreement before the installation can continue.

Customer Information

One or two pages prompting for general or basic customer information and preferences. Enter the information requested.

Setup Type

Use this page to select how much control over the installation that you want. The options are:

  • Complete
    This option installs the applications with a minimum of user interaction. It will install all program options and use the recommended defaults for all path information. This is the recommended option.
  • Custom
    Allows you to select which options to install (if there are any), choose destination paths, and Start menu program group folder. This setup type is recommended for advanced users only and only when there is a reason to override the system defaults.

    In a Custom installation you may be prompted for one or more of the following items:

    • SmartCAM Directory
      This is the location where the SmartCAM executable program files will be installed.
    • Common Files Directory
      This path is used as the starting point for building the default User Configuration and Temporary files paths. The folder tree that is built on this path contains the shipping sample model files, code generators, macros, and configuration files.
    • Unversioned Shared Files Directory
      This path is used as the starting point for storing SmartCAM files that are not tied to a specific version of SmartCAM. This location defaults to a folder, named 'Common\', that is a subfolder of the Common Files directory path. This path is where users typically store their customized files, macros, CTK automations, custom tool bars, and other user specific configuration data.

      By storing the files in this unversioned folder tree, the files are outside the normal SmartCAM versioned folders (example: SmartCAMv2015, SmartCAMv2016, ...). Which means the files will not need to be copied to a new folder after a new major release of SmartCAM is installed.

    • User Configuration Files Directory
      Location where SmartCAM configuration files reside.
    • Temporary Files Directory
      Location for SmartCAM temporary files folder. This is where transient data and log files are recorded.
    • Program Folder
      This is the folder name shown in the Windows Start menu, for locating the SmartCAM executable file shortcuts.
    • Select Features
      Select which features to install. For example, may have options to install documentation files, sample data files, inch or metric files, and so forth. Can turn these options on or off. Only those items which are selected are installed.

      A Complete installation installs all options.

Ready to Install the Program

This is the last page displayed before your application files are actually installed. It gives you the opportunity to use the "Back" button, to review your selections and make changes as needed.

Installation Complete

Displayed when the installation is complete. Depending upon what is being installed, you may be required to reboot your PC to finish the installation. If that is needed, this page will include options to allow you to reboot immediately or reboot later.

If you are running an Update installation, this step is unnecessary. The license key you installed with the original major number release installation will continue to work.

If you are using the Cloud License Manager (CLM) this step is unnecessary, your Cloud licenses are maintained for you. Once you have installed your Cloud License Key (instructions are in the email that included the cloud license key), you will not need to install additional license keys.

If you received a temporary license key file, then continue with the following steps to install the key. This will be a short duration license key, it was provided to give you time to get your product installed, request a long-term key, and install the long-term key when it is provided.

Do not wait until your temporary license key has expired to request your long-term key. SmartCAM will be unable to run with an expired license file.

The temporary license key file will have been emailed to you, save the file to your hard drive. It will have a .LIC file extension.

Run the SmartCAM License Manager, for your release of SmartCAM.

License Manager

Select the Install New License File button from the main License Manager screen. Then browse to and select the license key file you saved. Accepting the path and filename will install the license key.

To convert your temporary or trial key to regular long-term keys, you need to request a new license key file. Generate the request form on the machine that will be running SmartCAM, as returned license key file will be tied directly to this computer.

If you are using the Cloud License Manager (CLM) this step is unnecessary, your Cloud licenses are maintained for you. Once you have installed your Cloud License Key (instructions are in the email that included the cloud license key), you will not need to install additional license keys.

Run the SmartCAM License Manager.

SmartCAM License Manager

The License Manager shows your unique System Server Code, as well as information about your installed SmartCAM NC applications. You could also have used the License Manager to install your Temporary License Key file, using the same named buttons as on the Install License dialog.

Use the Create Key Request Form button to make your license request form.

Key Request Form

At a minimum, fill out all the required fields.

You then need to tell SmartCAMcnc which products to create the license key file for. Normally, just use the << Add All button to move everything into the Request Keys For: list.

The Filename: label shows you the default path and filename for the request form, but you can change it when you click on the Save Form button.

Click on Save Form to save the request form.

Now, submit the request form to SmartCAMcnc. You will do this using the SmartCAMcnc website. Open a web browser and browse to the SmartCAMcnc website (https://www.SmartCAMcnc.com). On the website, use the main menu and select License Keys - SSA Key Request. Then use the Request No-Charge License Keys button.

This will open up your default email tool. Instructions are in the body of the email. Be sure you attach the key request form to the email. Then send it.

After submitting your Long-Term key request, your key file will be emailed to you. When you receive it, save it to your disk drive.

Run the SmartCAM License Manager.

SmartCAM License Manager

Click on the Install New License File button, then browse to and select the key file you just received. Accepting the path and filename will install the license key.

Your long-term keys are installed.

After you have entered either your temporary or long-term license key, you can run your SmartCAM applications. To run the application, open the Windows Start menu, select All Programs pull-right menu, find the SmartCAM program group and click on the shortcut for the application you want to run.

After you have verified that your applications are running correctly, you may delete the SmartCAM application installation setup files. These are the install programs that you downloaded from the SmartCAMcnc website download page.

You do not have to delete them, if you think you might re-run the installation again, perhaps to fix any inadvertent changes to the application files, then keep them in a safe folder. If you do delete the files, and need them again, simply download the file(s) again.

The following instructions are not very different from the instructions provided in the "Quick Steps" section of this web page. What is different is the level of detail provided. This section expands on the topics slightly, to give information about what is happening and what options you have.

Before starting the installation process, first verify that you meet the prerequisites.

  • Verify that your system meets or exceeds the minimum requirements to store and run SmartCAM. You can find the SmartCAM requirements below, by expanding the System Requirements button.
  • The installation needs to install and modify files. This means your current Windows account needs full read/write/modify permissions in several folders. Review the Windows Permissions section of the Troubleshooting button.
  • Depending upon what type of installation mode you pick, you should know where the SmartCAM paths are. See the SmartCAM Paths section of the Troubleshooting button.
  • Your SmartCAM computer will need to be internet connected. You will need to download the install files from a website. You will also need email for requesting and receiving your licensing keys.

Open the SmartCAMcnc website (www.SmartCAMcnc.com) in a web browser. From the website's main menu, select Support - Download SmartCAM.

Website menu selection

Select the SmartCAM Product Download Page link. You will then be prompted to log on to the website. You will need your Customer ID and Passcode. Enter them in the appropriate fields.

Website log on page

On the website download page, review the displayed informational notes, to see if they apply to you. For the product you want to download, click on the Product's name, to expand that section. Then click on the related link to begin the download.

FFM Download Links

If you are prompted to save the file or run the file, select the option to save the file. Once you have downloaded all your products, you are ready to move on the next step.

Important: Install your main NC applications first. Then install any supporting applications and optional native CAD data translators that you have purchased. The 64-bit Data Translator Update must be the last item you install.

After launching the installations, a Installation Wizard will display a number of prompts guiding you through the remaining installation. The displayed pages and prompts may vary depending upon the application being installed. Each page should contain enough information to make it clear what is needed.

The installations basically have three modes. There is the initial, first time installation. If you have downloaded and are running a minor release (SP maintenance release), they run in update mode. And finally, if you run the same installation more than once (without first uninstalling), it will run in Maintenance mode.

First Time or New Major Number Installation

The installation will show you what product and version are being installed.

New Installation Main Screen

Minor Update Installation

When installing an update release, such as a service pack (SP) minor release, the installation will show you what is being installed. It will also tell you that what the previous version information was.

Update Install

Maintenance Mode

If you run an already installed installation file, it will launch in maintenance mode.

Maintenance Mode Install

The maintenance mode has three options. You can uninstall your application (SmartCAM recommends that you use Add/Remove Programs Windows Control Panel rather than this method to uninstall). It has a Modify mode, which lets you pick which part of your product to install again. And a Repair mode - repair is used to rebuild your current installation.

In general, the installation will display the following pages:

Prerequisites

SmartCAM may need to install some system-level tools to run. For example, programs built using Microsoft Visual Studio languages need some dynamic library files (DLL) to run. These packages of files are called prerequisites. If these files are not already installed on your computer, the SmartCAM installer will first attempt to install these files.

Prerequisites Installation

These files are very often installed in the Windows folder, so your Windows user account needs to have sufficient permissions to make changes in the Windows folder.

Sometimes the installation of these supporting files fails; usually due to insufficient permissions. When this happens a window will be displayed saying the requirement package installation failed and asking you whether you want to continue the installation.

Go ahead and continue the installation. The requirements files installations failure notices are not always accurate.

New Installs

The following installation pages are only for new installs; either a completely new SmartCAM install or a new major version number release. Update installations do not prompt, they use the information captured during the original installation.

Welcome

Displays which application and version is being installed.

License Agreement

Displays the SmartCAMcnc Software License Agreement (SLA). You must accept the terms of this agreement before the installation can continue.

Customer Information

One or two pages prompting for general or basic customer information and preferences. Enter the information requested.

Setup Type

Use this page to select how much control over the installation that you want. The options are:

  • Complete
    This option installs the applications with a minimum of user interaction. It will install all program options and use the recommended defaults for all path information. This is the recommended option.
  • Custom
    Allows you to select which options to install (if there are any), choose destination paths, and Start menu program group folder. This setup type is recommended for advanced users only and only when there is a reason to override the system defaults.

    In a Custom installation you may be prompted for one or more of the following items:

    • SmartCAM Directory
      This is the location where the SmartCAM executable program files will be installed.
    • Common Files Directory
      This path is used as the starting point for building the default User Configuration and Temporary files paths. The folder tree that is built on this path contains the shipping sample model files, code generators, macros, and configuration files.
    • Unversioned Shared Files Directory
      This path is used as the starting point for storing SmartCAM files that are not tied to a specific version of SmartCAM. This location defaults to a folder, named 'Common\', that is a subfolder of the Common Files directory path. This path is where users typically store their customized files, macros, CTK automations, custom tool bars, and other user specific configuration data.

      By storing the files in this unversioned folder tree, the files are outside the normal SmartCAM versioned folders (example: SmartCAMv2015, SmartCAMv2016, ...). Which means the files will not need to be copied to a new folder after a new major release of SmartCAM is installed.

    • User Configuration Files Directory
      Location where SmartCAM configuration files reside.
    • Temporary Files Directory
      Location for SmartCAM temporary files folder. This is where transient data and log files are recorded.
    • Program Folder
      This is the folder name shown in the Windows Start menu, for locating the SmartCAM executable file shortcuts.
    • Select Features
      Select which features to install. For example, may have options to install documentation files, sample data files, inch or metric files, and so forth. Can turn these options on or off. Only those items which are selected are installed.

      A Complete installation installs all options.

Ready to Install the Program

This is the last page displayed before your application files are actually installed. It gives you the opportunity to use the "Back" button, to review your selections and make changes as needed.

Installation Complete

Displayed when the installation is complete. Depending upon what is being installed, you may be required to reboot your PC to finish the installation. If that is needed, this page will include options to allow you to reboot immediately or reboot later.

SmartCAM Trials

You will be provided an Access Code. The Access Code will be used to get your trial license. You will need an active Internet connection on your SmartCAM computer.

When you run your SmartCAM application, for the first time, you will get an error that the application is not licensed. After closing this warning, a Install License dialog will be displayed.

Install License dialog

Enter your provided Access Code in the Access Code input field; use Copy and Paste or type it in exactly as provided. Then click on the Download And Install button. Your trial license will be downloaded and installed.

Your installation is now complete and you are ready to Run the Application.

Temporary License Key Files

You will sometimes be provided temporary license key files. For example, when you have an active Software Subscription Agreement (SSA) a temporary key will be emailed to you when a new major number SmartCAM version is released. New SmartCAM users will also get a temporary key.

The temporary key is provided to give you time to get SmartCAM installed, then request and receive your regular long-term license key.

Save your temporary key file (it will have a .LIC file extension) to a location on your hard drive.

When you run your SmartCAM application you will get a warning that the application is not licensed. After closing this warning, a Install License dialog window is displayed.

Click on the Select License File button. Now browse to and select the .LIC file that you previously saved. Accept this path and filename and your license key file will be installed.

The temporary license key is installed. You can now run your SmartCAM applications.

Remember you need to complete the steps to request and install your long-term license key before the trial key expires. Or your SmartCAM applications will stop running when the temporary keys expire.

Note:
SmartCAM users running the Network License Manager (NLM) will not get temporary keys. NLM users will need to request long-term keys directly.

After you have entered either your temporary or long-term license key, you can run your SmartCAM applications. To run the application, open the Windows Start menu, select All Programs pull-right menu, find the SmartCAM program group and click on the shortcut for the application you want to run.

After you have verified that your applications are running correctly, you may delete the SmartCAM application installation setup files. These are the install programs that you downloaded from the SmartCAMcnc website download page.

You do not have to delete them, if you think you might re-run the installation again, perhaps to fix any inadvertent changes to the application files, then keep them in a safe folder. If you do delete the files, and need them again, simply download the file(s) again.

SmartCAM applications are uninstalled using the Windows' "Programs and Features" or "Apps & Features" Control Panel. Which control panel, depends upon the version of Windows you are running.

To uninstall the application you need to open the appropriate control panel.

When the list of installed programs is fully populated, scroll and find the SmartCAM application and version that you wish to uninstall. When found, click on the line item.

Then select Uninstall from the list of available options.

You may be required to reboot to finish the uninstallation. If so, you will be prompted whether to reboot now or wait.

For more information on Uninstalling applications on your version of Windows, please see your Windows Help and Support link, under the Windows Start menu.

Verify that your computer meets the following minimum system hardware and operating system requirements, before proceeding with your installation. SmartCAM applications may function on systems that do not meet the minimum requirements, but these configurations are not supported.

For optimum performance, your system should satisfy the recommended configuration. Meeting or exceeding your Operating System's recommended specifications will provide the best performance with SmartCAM.

Operating System

SmartCAM is supported on the following 64-bit operating systems:

  • Microsoft® Windows 10® Pro
  • Microsoft® Windows 11® Pro

On Windows 10, SmartCAM runs as a desktop application.

Other Operating Systems

SmartCAM applications are only tested on the above listed operating systems. SmartCAMcnc does not provide technical support for running SmartCAM on other operating systems.

Remote Access

Remote access, for running SmartCAM on a remote computer, is not available on multi-user operating systems; such as Windows Server. On single user systems, such as the above listed supported operating systems, SmartCAM can be run remotely using Windows Remote Desktop.

Windows Terminal Services are not supported. Neither is Remote Desktop, on multi-user servers, as it is based on Terminal Services.

Processor (CPU)

Recommended: Intel® I9 or AMD Ryzen or Athlon, 3GHz or faster
Minimum: Intel® Intel I3 or AMD Athlon, 2.4GHz or faster

SmartCAM will not run on Windows devices, using the ARM RISC chip set. Windows support, on the ARM chip set, is limited to 32-bit applications with minimal OpenGL support. These limitations are not compatible with SmartCAM's capabilities.

Physical RAM Memory

Recommended: 8 GB or higher
Minimum: 2 GB

Available Hard Disk Space

Install Files: You will need about 750MB, of disk space, for each NC application installation setup file. And roughly 6 MB for each supporting application. After you have installed and verified your applications, you can remove these installation files. During installation each setup file will need around 50 to 75% of the setup file's size to unpack and install files.

After Installation: The installed NC application will require about 1.9 GB of disk space, for the first NC application, then about 30 MB for each additional NC application.

Video Card

Recommended: 1280x1024 display resolution with True Color, 2+ GB of Video RAM; Hardware accelerated OpenGL v1.2 (or higher)

Minimum: 1024x768 display resolution with True Color, 512 MB of Video RAM; Hardware accelerated OpenGL v1.2 (or higher).

Note: Problems have been reported running SmartCAM using some motherboard embedded video chipsets. A separate video adapter is recommended.

You will get better video performance by using faster video adapters with more video RAM.

Internet Access

Active internet connection, with e-mail support, on SmartCAM computers. SmartCAM Technical Support access is via email and SmartCAMcnc website. All SmartCAM releases, updates, and fixes provided by internet download.

Devices

Minimum: Windows Mouse and Keyboard.

3DConnexion SpaceNavigator/SpaceBall series of 3D mice are supported. They are not required.

Note: Digitizers must be configured as a mouse.

The following provides information about requirements for a successful installation of SmartCAM, as well as troubleshooting tips if you have problems with any stage of the installation.

The SmartCAM installation runs using the ALLUSERS administrative permissions. This allows the SmartCAM installation to place the Start menu shortcuts in the All Users group; making them visible to all users on the given computer.

The installation may need to install files into your Windows folder. This means the Windows Login account used to install the applications needs to have Administrative level permissions; the ability to add, modify, and remove files in the Windows folder.

Windows uses the lowest level of permissions associated with a given Windows Login. So, if an account has limited access in the lower level Groups, such as Users, but also belongs to the Administration group it will still not have sufficient permissions. As Windows will use the User level permissions, not the Administration level. There are different methods of handling this situation; one is to right-click on the setup file and use the 'Run as Administrator' option. Another method is to modify the permissions on the destination folders to give your account more access.

If the user running the installation does not have sufficient permissions, the installation will display an error and stop. Or, when launching your SmartCAM applications, you will get a permission error. Check with your system administrator to verify adequate permissions before running the installation.

To perform a standard SmartCAM installation, the user running the installation must have permissions to perform the following actions:

  • Create and remove subdirectories; in local folders as well as Windows maintained Program Files, Program Files (x86), ProgramData, or User folders.
  • Copy, replace, delete, and edit files in user-created folders.
  • Copy, replace, delete, and edit files in the Windows root and System folders.
  • Create, update, and delete Start Menu shortcut group folders and items.
  • Create, update, and delete Windows Registry keys.

You can find information on 'Run as Administrator' in your Windows help. You may need your IT Group support to change any file or folder permissions.

When running the SmartCAM installations, it is highly recommended that you accept the defaults paths provided by the SmartCAM installer.

The default paths are:

Program Executables C:\Program Files\SmartCAM\SmartCAMv####\
Common Files C:\ProgramData\SmartCAM\SmartCAMv####\
User Configuration Files C:\ProgramData\SmartCAM\SmartCAMv####\SCUSER\
Unversioned Files C:\ProgramData\SmartCAM\Common\
Temporary Files C:\ProgramData\SmartCAM\SmartCAMv####\TEMP\

Notes:
The #### is a placeholder for a version number. For example: SmartCAMv2025.

Unversioned files are files that are not tied to a specific SmartCAM release. These are shared files that can be used by any version of SmartCAM. It is recommended that these files be stored outside of the versioned (i.e., SmartCAMv####\ folder) folder tree.

The Common files directory is used as the starting path for the User Configuration and Temporary files locations.

On 64-bit versions of Windows, the "\Program Files\" folder is named "\Program Files (x86)\".

Do not mix current and previous SmartCAM major release versions in the same directory structure, as this may cause problems running both versions of the applications. It is permissible and recommended, that minor releases of an application, where the major number does not change, be installed in the same directory as the current release.

Windows includes a security feature called User Access Control (UAC). With the UAC enabled, you may be prompted whether or not you really meant to run the SmartCAM setup installer. Answer 'Yes' to this prompt.

Occassionally, there is a conflict between the SmartCAM installer and Windows UAC. When this conflict happens, you will see an error message similar to the following:

UAC Error

If you receive an error similar to this, you should temporarily disable the UAC. This is a simple process, but the exact steps vary depending upon Windows version. You can search your Windows Help for "change user account settings" which will likely get you to the correct topic. In general the steps are:

  1. Open the User Accounts Windows control panel.
  2. Select "Change User Account Control settings."
  3. Turn off UAC, or slide the control down to reduce the level of interaction with UAC.

These changes will likely require a reboot. After rebooting, try to install SmartCAM again. Once you have finished all your SmartCAM installs, you can repeat the steps to re-enable the UAC.

If you are having problems installing your SmartCAM applications, the following general guidelines may be of assistance.

Download the Installation Setup File Again

If you are getting errors during the installation (during, not after when running the applications), one cause may be that the setup executable is incomplete or corrupted (a data transmission error). Try re-downloading the setup program, from the SmartCAMcnc website download page.

Another common cause of corrupted or incomplete setup file is your Anti-Virus/Malware software. Try temporarily disabling the anti-virus/malware while you download the install the application.

Reboot your PC

Rebooting a Windows PC often resolves a number of issues. Especially, if you have recently been installing or uninstalling other applications. Many times Windows cannot make a required system change, while Windows is running. Rebooting the PC gives Windows an opportunity to process these queued tasks.

Disable the Anti-Virus/Malware

Many installation issues are caused by the computer's anti-virus and/or anti-malware software interfering with or locking files. Temporarily disable any resident anti-virus and anti-malware software running on the system. Then run the installation.

If you need technical assistance, with your SmartCAM product, you can contact SmartCAMcnc Technical Support using the following website location:

https://www.SmartCAMcnc.com/Technical_Support/support_email.php

Long-term license keys are requested using a specific page on the SmartCAMcnc website. Use the following address and follow the prompts to request your license keys:

https://www.smartcamcnc.com/KeyPurch/keyrequest_sma_msg.php

The information and the software discussed in this document are subject to change without notice and should not be considered commitments by SmartCAMcnc.

No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose without the express written permission of SmartCAMcnc. The software discussed in this document is furnished under a license and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of this license. All warranties give by SmartCAMcnc as to the software and documentation are set forth in the SmartCAMcnc Software License Agreement, and nothing stated in, or implied by, this document or its contents shall be considered or deemed a modification or amendment of such warranties.

Software License Notice
Your license agreement with SmartCAMcnc, which is included in the SmartCAM Installation Guide, specifies the permitted and prohibited uses of the product. Any unauthorized duplication or use of SmartCAM in whole or in part or in any other storage and retrieval system is prohibited.

Export
User agrees that this document will not be exported (or re-exported from a country of installation), directly or indirectly, separately or as part of a system, without user or user's employer, at its own cost, first obtaining all licenses from the United States Department of Commerce and any other appropriate agency of the United States Government as may be required by law.

License and Trademarks
SmartCAM and CAM Connection are registered trademarks, and SmartCAM Production Milling, SmartCAM Advanced Milling, SmartCAM FreeForm Machining, SmartCAM Production Turning, SmartCAM Advanced Turning, SmartCAM Advanced Fabrication, SmartCAM Advanced Wire EDM, SmartCAM Visual Customization Toolkit, and SmartCAM CAMCAD Standard are trademarks of SmartCAMcnc, which holds the exclusive rights to their use.

All other trademarks or registered trademarks belong to their respective holders.

 

SmartCAM Software License Agreement (SLA)

Use of SmartCAM™ software programs (Software) are subject to the terms and conditions of the Software License Agreement (SLA).

By downloading and installing the software, or otherwise using the Software, you agree to be bound by the terms of the SLA.

GRANT OF LICENSE
SmartCAMcnc ("SmartCAMcnc"), grants the original purchaser ("Licensee") the limited rights to possess and use the SmartCAMcnc Software and User Manual ("Software"), on the terms and conditions specifically set out in this License.

PURCHASES OF SOFTWARE LICENSE
When purchased the customer has purchased a License to use the SmartCAM Software. The Software is owned and remains the property of SmartCAMcnc, is protected by international copyrights, and is transferred to the original purchaser and any subsequent owner of the Software media for their use only on the License terms set forth below. Opening the packaging, downloading and/or using SmartCAM indicates your acceptance of these terms. If you do not agree to all of the terms and conditions, or if after use you are dissatisfied with the SmartCAM Software, remove all SmartCAM related software from your systems, and return the Software, manuals and any partial or whole copies within sixty days of purchase to the party from whom you received it for a refund, subject to our restocking fee.

TEMPORARY TRIAL USAGE SOFTWARE
When granted, permission is given to use the SmartCAMcnc Software for a time limited to the length of the temporary license key provided by SmartCAMcnc. The Software is owned and remains the property of SmartCAMcnc, is protected by international copyrights, and is offered for temporary use only on the License terms set forth below. Opening the packaging, downloading and/or using SmartCAM indicates your acceptance of these terms. If you do not agree to all of the terms and conditions, or if after use you are dissatisfied with the SmartCAM Software, return any hard copy software, manuals, or other materials immediately to SmartCAMcnc, and/or remove all SmartCAM related software from your systems.

LICENSE
A License permits you to use the latest version of each SmartCAM application for which a license has been acquired. The Software may be placed on a network server under the condition that Licensee agrees to provide technical or procedural methods to prevent use of the Software by more than one simultaneous user per license authorized. Installation of the Software onto a network server for the sole purpose of distribution to other computers is not 'use'.

If the Software is an UPGRADE you may use or transfer the Software only in conjunction with the prior version(s) of the Software.

One machine-readable copy of the Software may be made for BACK-UP PURPOSES ONLY, and the copy shall display all intellectual property notices, and be labeled externally to show that the back-up copy is the property of SmartCAMcnc, and that its use is subject to this License. One copy only of the Software Documentation in whole or part may be copied.

In some circumstances, SmartCAMcnc may AT ITS DISCRETION transfer the License rights to another party PROVIDED that the party to whom such rights are transferred agrees to the terms and conditions of this License; a license transfer fee may apply. Contact SmartCAMcnc for information regarding software transfers.

Except as expressly provided in this License, Licensee may not use, copy, disseminate, modify, reverse engineer, distribute, sub-license, sell, rent, lease, lend, give or in any other way transfer, by any means or in any medium, including telecommunications, the Software. Licensee will use its best efforts and take all reasonable steps to protect the Software from unauthorized use, copying or dissemination, and will maintain all intellectual property notices intact.

SMARTCAM EDUCATION LICENSES
To be eligible for reduced-cost, education SmartCAM licenses and services the customer must be "Qualified Educational Customer". To qualify, the customers must be either an academic, training or vocational institution accredited by the applicable governmental regulatory agency in the country in which the institution has its principal offices; or a not-for-profit, non-academic and/or non-government recognized full-time teaching organization. Other organizations may also qualify; contact SmartCAMcnc for further details.

The predominant and common use and purpose of the SmartCAM Educational License must also be for the training or education of SmartCAM and/or general CAM systems, and any other usage, such as commercial or for-profit, or in support of academic or research programs is secondary to that predominant and common use.

If an Educational License customer modifies their usage so as to no longer meet the requirements of a "Qualified Educational Customer", SmartCAMcnc reserves the right to charge the customer full commercial pricing prorated to the time of the usage modification, or to rescind the SmartCAM Educational Licenses in totality.

TERMS
This License is effective as of the time Licensee receives the Software, and shall continue in effect until Licensee ceases all use of the Software and returns or destroys all copies thereof, or until automatically terminated upon the failure of Licensee to comply with any of the terms of this License.

LIMITED WARRANTY
SmartCAMcnc warrants the Software media to be free of defects in workmanship for a period of ninety days from purchase. During this period SmartCAMcnc will replace at no cost any such media returned to SmartCAMcnc, postage prepaid. This service is SmartCAMcnc's sole liability under this warranty.

DISCLAIMER
LICENSE FEES FOR THE SOFTWARE DO NOT INCLUDE ANY CONSIDERATION FOR ASSUMPTION OF RISK BY SmartCAMcnc, AND SmartCAMcnc DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR OPERATION OR INABILITY TO USE THE SOFTWARE, OR ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF SmartCAMcnc, OR ITS EMPLOYEES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, CONSULTANTS OR DEALERS, EVEN IF ANY OF THESE PARTIES HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. FURTHERMORE, LICENSEE INDEMNIFIES AND AGREES TO HOLD SmartCAMcnc HARMLESS FROM SUCH CLAIMS. THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE RESULTS AND PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE IS ASSUMED BY THE LICENSEE. THE WARRANTIES EXPRESSED IN THIS LICENSE ARE THE ONLY WARRANTIES MADE BY SmartCAMcnc, AND ARE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIED LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM JURISDICTION TO JURISDICTION. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF WARRANTIES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

GENERAL
This license is the complete and exclusive statement of the parties' agreement. Should any provision of this License be held to be invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, that provision will be enforced to the maximum extent permissible, and the remainder of the License shall nonetheless remain in full force and effect. This License shall be controlled by the laws of the state of Oregon and the United States of America.

SmartCAMcnc
1144 Gateway Loop Ste 220
Springfield, OR 97477-7750 USA
Tel: 541-344-4563
https://www.SmartCAMcnc.com