This guide provides detailed instructions on upgrading Mirion’s (Canberra) Apex Alpha software to a new computer, ensuring data is transferred from the old PC to the new PC.
Upgrading Apex Alpha requires preparation and careful execution. This guide assumes:
Your Apex Alpha software and associated tools are installed on the
C:\drive (adjust if otherwise).You are using MCA hardware Model 7200 Alpha Analyst.
Preparing the Existing System (Old PC)
Backup Your System
Follow the Apex Alpha Backup procedure outlined in the software manual.
Then, copy the following folders to a secure location:
C:\GENIEC:\Canberra\Apex Alpha\RootYour database backup file.
Update Genie-2000 Software
Ensure Genie VDM is stopped (red indicator).
Install software packages, such as Basic Spectroscopy (S500), Interactive Peak Fit (S506), and Alpha Analysis (S509), rebooting after each.
Install Apex Alpha Software
Complete prerequisite installations for Apex Alpha (e.g. SQL software). Stop the Genie VDM and reboot the PC before and after the installation.
When installing Apex Alpha, do not create a new database, but point the software to the existing Apex alpha database.
Verify System Operations
Confirm that Apex Alpha functions correctly by checking that the previous data is accessible, and that all hardware is operational.
Create Updated Backup
Perform a backup of the updated system as done in Step 1. Make sure to copy the following folders to a secure location differentiating them from the back up of the original system:
C:\GENIEC:\Canberra\Apex Alpha\RootYour database backup file.
Setting Up the New PC
Install Genie-2000 Software
Install Genie on the new PC rebooting after each software package installation.
Configure the SNAP protocol on the appropriate network adapter.
Update the SNAP driver (download the latest driver here)
Restore Genie Folder
Take the backups of the latest software that you created on the old PC. Replace the default C:\GENIE folder in the new PC with these updated backups.
Install Apex Alpha Software
Install prerequisites and reboot before and after the software package installation.
When installing Apex Alpha on the new PC you will need to create a new database. We will replace this with the backed up file from the old computer next.
Restore Apex Alpha Data
Replace the default C:\Canberra\Apex Alpha\Root folder and restore the updated backup database file.
Change Computer NAme in Database
If the new computer has a different name to the old computer, then the following tables will need to be updated with the new name:
Table CI_AAS_CHAMBEROWNER. Change value of column OWNERCOMPUTER
Table CI_AAS_DEVICE. Change value of column WORKSTATION
Table CI_AAS_REMOTEDEVICE. Change value of column RD_WORKSTATION
Verify System Operations
Confirm that Apex Alpha is fully functional, previous data is accessible, and the hardware operates as expected.
Conclusion
Your system is now ready to use on the new PC. Enjoy!
If you are having issues and require assistance, do not hesitate to contact us at Nu Scientific