Softplan version 14 download

Reply Reply By Reply Date sounds complicated for the not-so-techie-types.

i'm sounding in to mention about the original post and about
how big companies putting the screws to us.


softplan isn't one of them. how many companies give their users
"LIFE-TIME-SUPPORT" for free on the latest versions of their software.

not sure how many versions they go back but i think it's at least
to v14 and possibly to v13.

anyone know how far back they give the free support ?

randy 2012-04-21 12:01:32 People here only complained or agreed with SP and nobody really even tried to help.
Any ways, I got my windows 7 system to work with soft plan version 12, all you have to do its install the windows operating system for XP in a "virtual machine" file and that way everything works seamless; go to http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/download.aspx an download the system for free in you new system, then install the soft plan in the "virtual machine" follow the instructions in Microsoft web page, regarding to the plotter HP 430 (the one I have and use) go to soft plan http://softplan.com/Technical-Support-Bulletin.html and install any of the recommended fixes.
Good luck, and No you don't really need to up-grade, you only need to spend a lot of time configuring your system- believe me not even the computer and nerds that I know in my area were able to fix this for me, in other words you have to do it yourself, research, read and by trial and error yu will get there, just back up any important files. buenahomes 2012-04-21 00:03:42 Amen bro, Vista shouldn't be used for anything.

Joe
Granite Design Group, LLC
http://granitedesigngroup.com/
SoftPlan 2012
jsmith800 2011-01-07 18:15:29 Get rid of Vista would be a better option..... cdgreen 2011-01-07 16:02:08 I don't see this as acase of SoftPlan trying to be greedy...they do indeed need to develop their software to work with the current platforms so as to best utilize the power of the newer systems...

it's not like Softplan is a simple "pinter driver" or something...

speaking of print drivers, do you want to hear a sad story?...

when I bought a new PC with Vista, my HP printer / scanner devices would not work..these were relatively new machines with XP drivers...

I called HP....they said that the machines were not supported on Vista, that they would not be issuing a Vista driver, and they asked if they could connect me to the HP telephone sales department so I could purchase new Vista-ready machines....greedy *****s

with a little google research I found that MicroSoft actually posted a fix....run the machine through the MS Photo Gallery program (free with Vista), and many machines with XP drivers will work fine...it's been a couple years now, and I'm still using the HP machines that HP said I had to replace...

I'm certain that HP knew of this simple work-around...yet they do not share this information, and tell folks they need to buy a new machine...

I'm also certain that HP could have developed a Vista driver for these machines for very little money...yet why do this if they can force folks to buy a new one...

so, I'll never buy from HP again (and kills me that I still but ink from them for the printer).... West Coast Cad 2010-12-21 16:47:34 mingram,

I understand your frustration. I don't use Softplan 100% of the time but instead use many programs and the upgrades can be very stressful and expensive. I skipped ver.14 but have upgraded to Softplan 2012. For me it was a good business decision. I'm actually running 2012 on XP. Again, I use many different software packages and I still can't make the move to Windows 7 on all my machines. I also have a HP DJ 430 which is hooked up to an old machine that I can print from when needed. You would be surprised how many large companies are still running XP because of the Vista fiasco. XP is reaching the end of its life cycle and everyone needs to be planning for the future. I have to thank Microsoft for keeping XP up-to-date so it can still be used today. Windows 7 is a change but like anything, you'll learn to love it.

I've also been on the other side spending several years in the software development world. It's hard for developers to keep older versions compatible and it does reach a point where you have to draw the line and move on. Software companies, especially smaller companies, have a limited staff and must be focused on where they are going or they won't be around much longer. Like everyone else going through these times, some development teams have gotten smaller which makes it even more difficult. I think we all can understand this. If money is not coming through the door you won't be able to keep the door open.

One thing to be thankful for is that Softplan hasn't done away with the 2 to 3 year upgrade cycle like most design software companies that want a constant inflow of revenue and gone to a yearly subscription fee of at least $300-500. Knock on wood.

Something to think about. markbolin 2010-12-21 07:43:23 Not to sound mean, but why should we, the rest of the Softplan users, be limited on our program to the oldest and slowest machines others may use in regards to development guidelines? Now that just simply doesn't make sense. jkhonea 2010-12-21 00:33:46 I had to go back from W7 to windows XP after finding out that not only the print window doesn't work, but importing multiple images does not work either.

And my plotter, the HP430, does not have a driver that works with W7.

I personally have not minded the downgrade because I didn't like W7 features. Sure, the architecture may be better, but trying to make the W7 O.S. user friendly actually made it more complicated IMO.

But I agree with the poster, it sure seems convenient for Softplan to force people to upgrade to v13 since their are virtually no more XP systems for sale.

As it is convenient for Hewlett Packard to not provide a driver for the HP Designjet 430 that works with windows 7. Looks like all of us HP430 users are going to have to bite the bullet and buy a new plotter if we want to move up to the newest O.S.


Cost of a new computer or OEM Windows 7 operating system + Upgrading V12 to V14 + buying a new plotter that is W7 compatible = not worth it (in other words "go for broke")

Talk about wallet-bruised for what seems like two easy fixes. Sure, a SP programmer may chime in and mention the architecture of Vista - W7 and how a patch could not be made. And the 430 is obsolete anyway. I could stay another 10 years on V12 and use my 430 as long as it holds up. Wish me luck because at this point I can't afford to go for broke.


mingram 2010-12-21 00:13:09 excellant point Larry
you get out of it what you put into it
no investment, no return MCH 2007-07-07 13:12:48 I tend to break things down into numbers. I can then feel good (or not) about justifying a purchase.

Is it worth the expense to:

1) Upgrade my skill level? Attending training seminars, purchasing training software, reading this forum/ training manual, etc. all have their expenses.

2) Upgrade my drafting software?

3) Upgrade my computer hardware?

If I learn tricks at the seminar or in this forum, that save me 15 minutes a day, this equals about $3,000- 4,000 in a year in billable time saved (this figure varies with how much you work, and what you charge for it). The same is true for the software and hardware choices.

My experience has been that the cost for any upgrade I've invested in (of all types) have more than offset their initial expense.

And not counted in this numerical analysis, is the amount of frustration and stress avoided by having better tools to work with. This, to me, is priceless. goldenvisions 2007-07-07 12:06:19