Help Database

Password versions of Chief Architect must be activated, either automatically via the Internet or manually, when Chief Architect is started for the first time. 

It is not necessary to obtain a password each time you use Chief Architect; activation is only required when you first install and use the product. Before uninstalling a password version of the program, however, it must be deactivated as well so that it can be installed again in the future.

This article describes:

• Installing the program
  
  
• Activating the password
  
  
• Deactivating the password
  
  
• Uninstalling the program

To install the Chief Architect program

1. If you are installing Chief Architect on a Windows 2000 or Windows XP computer, you must log on to the computer as the Administrator or using a user account that has administrative privileges.
   
   
   
   Note - Chief Architect X1 and later is not supported on Windows 2000.
   
   
   
   
2. When installing Chief Architect, it is important to turn off all background applications, including any virus protection.  Anti-virus software is the single most common cause of software installation problems.
   
   
   
3. Additionally, any Internet browsers that are currently active will need to be closed.  An Internet connection to www.chiefarchitect.com will eventually be necessary to obtain your password. However, during installation you will need to close any active Internet sessions.
   
   
   
4. Once you have logged on as administrator and turned off all background applications, place the Chief Architect software CD in the computer and install the program. 
   
   
   
5. After the installation is complete, you will need a password before the program can be used. Obtaining a password is a fast and easy process, and can be accomplished in either of two ways, described below. 

  


To activate a password via the Internet

1. Before launching Chief Architect, log on to the Internet using your Internet browser.
   
   
   
2. Once you have logged on to the Internet, go to our website: www.chiefarchitect.com.
   
   
   
3. After the website has completely loaded on your computer, minimize your Internet browser and click launch the Chief Architect program.
   
   
   
4. When Chief Architect opens, it will obtain a password from the Chief Architect website automatically.
   
   
   
5. Once the password has been obtained, you can log off of the Internet, close your browser, and begin using Chief Architect.
   
   
   

To activate a password manually

If you have a firewall running on your computer, it may interfere with your automatic password activation.

1. If a password is not activated automatically, the Password Activation dialog will display.
   
   
   
2. If this happens, leave the dialog open and call the Chief Architect Passwords Department at 800-482-4433.  Password assistance is available from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm, Pacific Time, Monday through Friday.
   
   
    
   

To deactivate a password and uninstall the program

1. Once your data has been copied to a removable media like a CD RW, it is time to begin the migration process.
   
   
   
2. Log on to the Internet using your Internet browser, then minimize your Internet browser window.
   
   
   
3. Click the Windows Start button and open the Control Panel.
   
   
   
4. In the Control Panel, click on Add/Remove Programs.
   
   
   
5. In the Add/Remove Programs dialog, click on the Chief Architect program that you would like to uninstall to select it, then select Remove. 
   
   
   
6. Once Chief Architect begins to uninstall, it will connect to the Chief Architect website and deactivate the password.
   
   
   
7. After the uninstall process is completed, a new password will be available when you reinstall your password version following the steps described above.