SSP Best Practices - Multiple Versions of SongShow Plus - run - install - remove

Applicable SongShow Plus Versions: 
This article applies to all versions of SongShow Plus

One of the great features of SongShow Plus is the ability to install and activate more than one version at a time on the same machine.  This allows users to learn or test changes from one version to another before committing to the latest update or to troubleshoot possible compatibility issues. This is also useful for training purposes for new or returning users. This does have one potential downside in that users may not be 100% sure what version they are using.  If a user created or other old desktop link is left behind after an upgrade, a user may inadvertently be using the wrong version of SongShow Plus.

 NOTE: While there is effort made regarding compatibility between SongShow Plus versions, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that ALL Projection and Workstation machines have the same version of SongShow Plus installed and activated, preferably the most recent available version. 

Using/Running multiple versions of SongShow Plus
A few important points to understand about using multiple versions of SongShow Plus:

• The Media database/files are separate from the SongShow Plus installation and are not touched during the installation of other versions. In some cases, it may be necessary to "re-point" a version to the correct location.
• As noted, the best use case is to update all machines in use to the same version to prevent cross version issues.
• Generally speaking, content backwards compatibility (using prior SSP version content on new SSP version) is mostly true, however there are times this cannot be achieved.  These are usually noted in a specific article.
• Generally speaking, content forwards compatibility (using new SSP version content on old SSP version) is mostly NOT true, especially if it is related to a new or highly modified feature. 
• Periodically there are breaking changes initiated by 3rd parties that we interact/partner with.  It is possible that if they change their interface, it will break the feature/tool in prior versions of SongShow Plus, requiring an update to a later version.
• While multiple versions of SongShow Plus can be installed, only ONE can be run at a time.  The Slide Builder does allow multiple sessions, but this should be avoided.

Removing one or more old versions of SongShow Plus  
Once you have settled in with the latest version of SongShow Plus, the older versions can be removed. A few things to remember when removing versions of SongShow Plus:

• The Media database/files are separate from the SongShow Plus installation and are not touched during the removal of other versions.
• Best Practices for uninstalling an older version of SongShow Plus:
  • Start with the most recent version to be removed and work backwards, newest to oldest.  This is not critical, but some older version may encounter issues.
  • Deactivate the license for that version installation. If you are not sure how to deactivate, check articles for guidance.
  • Use the Windows Apps and Features (Programs and Features) to launch the uninstaller for SongShow Plus.
  • Remove any custom or remaining shortcuts from the Desktop and Task Bar.

If this article does not answer your question, contact the Support Team.

(SSP122)