BobCAD-CAM, Inc. has tested all current versions of the BobCAD-CAM Software with Microsoft Windows Vista. Due to the new security measures in Vista, many new programs, including BobCAD-CAM, may require some permissions to be set after install. We are currently looking at the Digital Signature requirements to prevent these steps from being required in the future.

We do not expect any issues with the software, but as with any new operating system we expect several updates or patches to be released from Microsoft, Inc. over time. We will continue to test our software with those updates to ensure compatibility, so please check back occasionally for any possible changes to this document.

Officially, all current versions of the BobCAD-CAM software will work on Microsoft Windows Vista. However, due to the fact that Vista is still quite new, we continue to recommend the use of Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2. It has been found in testing that due to the way that Microsoft Windows Vista handles OpenGL graphics, better performance may be attained by using Vista Home Premium or greater and not Vista Home Basic. Upon request, computers with Windows XP Service Pack 2 installed are still available through many computer retail outlets.

Before upgrading any existing Microsoft Windows 98/2000/XP machine to Microsoft Windows Vista it is highly recommend to consult a Computer Repair technician.

with Microsoft Windows Vista 

Step 1 - Click the Taskbar Start button, located in the lower left-hand corner of the computer Desktop. In the Start menu click on Control Panel.

Step 2 - In the Control Panel click on the Programs menu. Note: If in Classic View, please select Control Panel Home to correspond images within these instructions. 

Step 3 - In the Programs menu click on Use an older program with this version of Windows, located underneath Programs and Features heading.

Step 4 - In the Start Application in Compatibility Mode window click Next to continue. This will launch the Program Compatibility Wizard.

Step 5 - Select the button, for the option, to locate the desired application to run in Compatibility Mode. We recommended selecting, I want to choose from a list of programs. Click Next to continue.

Step 6 - Click on the desired Program Name from the list of applications. Click Next to continue.

Step 7 - Choose the Operating System that is recommended for this program. We recommended Microsoft Windows XP (Service Pack 2) for all supported BobCAD-CAM applications and associated modules. Click Next to continue.

Step 8 - Choose the settings that are recommended for this program. We recommend selecting Disable visual themes and Disable desktop composition. Click Next to continue.

Step 9 - Select Run this program as an administrator. Click Next to continue.

Step 10 - Verify that the desired setting have been selected such that Vista can Test your compatibility settings. Click Back if you need to re-select options. Click Next to continue. This will automatically launch the selected application. Upon closing the program you will return to the wizard.

Step 11 - Test the functionality of the application and Save a file to any location on the computer, and close the program. You will then return to the Program Compatibility Wizard to complete changes.

Step 12 - Did the program work correctly? If No, try different compatibility settings. If Yes, set this program to always use these compatibility settings. Click Next to continue. Vista will gather information regarding the program.

Step 13 - You will be asked, Would you like to send this information to Microsoft? Select Yes, click Next to continue.

Step 14 - Click Finish for Completing the Program Compatibility Wizard. Repeat this process for all BobCAD-CAM applications and modules. Note: Follow these steps to run any application in Compatibility Mode.