Installation
      Back to home
      1. Knowledge Base
      2. Installation

      Updating FluidFlow (Post-3.5 Versions)

      Learn how to update any existing FluidFlow 3.5+ installation to the latest release. Includes backup instructions, download process, and notes for standalone and network installations.

       

      Updating FluidFlow (Post-3.5 Versions)

      This guide explains how to update your existing FluidFlow 3.5+ installation to the latest release while preserving your data, preferences, and license settings.

       

       

      1 – Backup Your Existing Installation

      Before updating, create a complete backup of your installation and configuration files.

      1. Locate your installation folder

        • Default location, typically:

          C:\\Program Files (x86)\\Flite\\FluidFlow3

        • Copy and store all files in this folder as a backup.

      2. Backup configuration and data folders

        • Open:

          C:\\Program Files (x86)\\Flite\\FluidFlow3\\PSFF.INI

          in a text editor (e.g., Notepad).

        • Make a backup of the folders listed under:

          • DataFolder (e.g., C:\\Users\\Public\\Documents\\Flite\\FluidFlow3\\Data)
          • PreferencesFolder (e.g., C:\\Users\\Public\\Documents\\Flite\\FluidFlow3\\Preferences)
          • NetworkAccessFolder (e.g., C:\\Users\\Public\\Documents\\Flite\\FluidFlow3)

       

      Notes

      • Network installations: Paths may be replaced with server names and shares, e.g.:

        \\\\ServerName\\FluidFlow3App
        \\\\ServerName\\FluidFlow3

      • If no PSFF.INI is present: Defaults are typically [Public Documents]\\Flite\\FluidFlow3\\... for data, preferences, and network access folders.

      • Older pre-3.5 installs: May use the installation folder and subfolders (\\DATA, \\Preferences) by default. Even if already on 3.5+, backing up is still strongly recommended before updating.

       

       

      2 – Download the Latest Installer

      1. Go to: FluidFlow Customer Portal
      2. Log in with your username and password.
      3. Click the link to download: FluidFlow3 Setup (exe).

       

      Notes

      • If you originally installed via the ZIP method, download FluidFlow3 (zip) instead to update.

       

       

      3 – Run the Update

      1. Run the downloaded installer on the same machine (or server) where FluidFlow is currently installed.
      2. The installer will detect your existing installation and update:
         
        • Core executable (PSFF.EXE)
        • Help files
        • Default folder contents

       

      Notes

      • Network installations: Run the installer physically on the server or via Remote Desktop—do not run directly over LAN/WAN.
      • Data folder: Not overwritten. If changes to the database format occur in a new version, your existing data will be copied to the new format without altering the originals.
      • Preferences folder: Not overwritten. If the update includes format changes (e.g., Unicode environment set files), existing .FFS files remain unchanged, and updated versions are stored in subfolders for the new version.

       

       

      Why Staying Up-to-Date Matters

      With calculation software, it’s always advisable to be on the latest release to:

      • Protect your investment in your FluidFlow license
      • Ensure results are accurate and aligned with the latest engineering standards
      • Benefit from enhanced features, performance improvements, and bug fixes

       

      License replacement is included under your active Support, Updates, and Maintenance (SUM) policy.