Files can only be opened on one PC

[atomicbird]

I use VCarve at my local makerspace. Recently I:

1. Created a file at home, using version 11.5
2. Edited it at the makerspace, using version 12
3. Updated my home copy to version 12

When I try to open this file at home, VCarve refuses. It gives me an error message that reads "The file being opened is an old makerspace format and may only be opened on the same hardware it was created on."

It's the same version of VCarve at both locations. If I go back to the makerspace, I can open the file normally. At home, it's that error message every time. I'm using the same account in both places. What do I need to do to open this file? Why is it locked to a single PC?

[adze_cnc]

Your post doesn't quite explicitly say so thus my question is:

Is the ver 11.5 at home (and now ver 12 at home) a Makerspace VCarve or is it a regular VCarve (Desktop or Pro)?

[atomicbird]

Honestly, I don’t know how to find the answer to that.

[Adrian]

If you go to About on the Help menu it should tell you what program type they are. Check the actual version numbers as well such as 12.010

[AboveCreations]

Sorry to bug the thread issue, but I am really curious. Was there a reason that vectric created a vcarve version just for makerspace? I am unfamiliar with makerspace, but it gets confusing when there are different versions of versions, so to speak. On my machine manufacture website, there is an option to purchase Vcarve/Aspire separately with the machine purchase, but as far as I know, it is simply a new version of the software, not specific to the machine. Are there other machine that vcarve is created for the machine specifically? Perhaps they need their own forum?

[Adrian]

If you're part of a Makerspace you don't need to own VCarve. You use the trial version to create CRV files that you can then take to the Makerspace to cut out on the machine there. It makes things a lot easier and cheaper for occasional users who don't own their own machines.

[AboveCreations]

If you're part of a Makerspace you don't need to own VCarve. You use the trial version to create CRV files that you can then take to the Makerspace to cut out on the machine there. It makes things a lot easier and cheaper for occasional users who don't own their own machines.

Oh.. my bad. I thought makerspace was a unique CNC machine/software. As I said, I was unfamiliar with it. Thanks for explaining Adrian. I guess I should have googled it first and it would have eliminated my confusion.

[FabLab Wageningen]

@ Above:

The Makerspace version is a Godsend. We are a Makerspace with dozens of members and you really can not expect all members (actually not even the members who occasionally use the CNC) to buy a full version of VCarvePro. Other than 'normal' versions this is not a bought version but a rented version which is renewed every year by the Makerspace.

That Makerspace version is a 'master' version, The Member's version is a 'client' version that generates GCode that can only be used at that particular Makerspace. It is basically a changed and polished trial version.

The confusion in this thread is understandeable because Vectric changed it's modus operandi between V11 and V12 drastically. In V11 a Member could input a key from the Makerspace version to sync it with the Makerspace. In V12 there is an 'invitation' system where the Makerspace sends invitations to connect.

I would advise Atomicbird to contact the person at his/her Makerspace who did the update to V12 and check whether the proper process of contacting Members - through those new invitations - was followed. I suspect something went wrong there.

Sorry for the sloppy explanation. Vectric themselves can do this better. You (or rather maybe your Makerspace Manager) can contact them directly. In my experience they offer top support.

Marcel.

[atomicbird]

To clarify: I am not using version 11.5 at all. The files were originally created with 11.5, but both I and the maker space are using version 12. I included that detail in case it was important but I'm not using 11.5 anywhere now.

I did go through the invitation process for my account for version 12, and it succeeded. Nevertheless VCarve continues to insist that the each file file "may only be opened on the same hardware it was created on".

I'd like to think, as Marcel metions, that support is top-notch, however I've had a long email chain with them about this problem and after several days I have made no progress on opening these files on any PC other than the one at the makerspace where I-- apparently unwisely--- saved changes at one point. I came here in part because Vectric support has not been able to help so far.

[sharkcutup]

Your post doesn't quite explicitly say so thus my question is:

Is the ver 11.5 at home (and now ver 12 at home) a Makerspace VCarve or is it a regular VCarve (Desktop or Pro)?

I am with adze_cnc on this. The impression I am getting is that the Makerspace is a so-called polished version of the the TRIAL Version and as such cannot be opened on any Computer other than a Makerspace (Vectric POLISHED Trial Software Installed) computer. Just as the Original Trial Software created files cannot be opened on a Full Blown V-Carve Software or Aspire Software.

The Makerspace entity seems to be a way of creating an atmosphere of enticing its members into eventually purchasing the Full Blown Software. It is also a way of educating young people in the art of creating with such tools as 3D Printers, CNC Routers and any other tools that the Software is capable of being used for.

Just my Thoughts/Opinions

Sharkcutup

[sharkcutup]

Another thought that has come to mind is the .xxx on the Version 12.xxx

Are you sure they are the same at the Home Computer and at the Makerspace Computer? The Version extension is an issue I have missed in the past.

Sharkcutup

[atomicbird]

It might also be worth pointing out: If I create a new file at the maker space, I can open and edit it both there and at home, and go back and forth with no trouble. It's ony a few specific files where this problem has come up. Those were, in case it matters, originally created in VCarve 11.5, but I'm trying to use them exclusively with version 12 now.

So it seems that trial vs. makerspace versions isn't really the issue. I have no trouble switching between them with new files.

The versions match exactly, Sharkcutup-- I first had this with 12.010, and it's the same with 12.011.

[sharkcutup]

It might also be worth pointing out: If I create a new file at the maker space, I can open and edit it both there and at home, and go back and forth with no trouble. It's ony a few specific files where this problem has come up. Those were, in case it matters, originally created in VCarve 11.5, but I'm trying to use them exclusively with version 12 now.

So it seems that trial vs. makerspace versions isn't really the issue. I have no trouble switching between them with new files.

The versions match exactly, Sharkcutup -- I first had this with 12.010, and it's the same with 12.011.

Well I have been wrong in that past on occassion and it looks as if my impression on this thread is off too. Do you still have a copy of 11.5 to view the files from? You may end up just having to re-create those few files in the 12.xxx version

Sharkcutup

[FabLab Wageningen]

I am with adze_cnc on this. The impression I am getting is that the Makerspace is a so-called polished version of the the TRIAL Version and as such cannot be opened on any Computer other than a Makerspace (Vectric POLISHED Trial Software Installed) computer. Just as the Original Trial Software created files cannot be opened on a Full Blown V-Carve Software or Aspire Software.

The Makerspace entity seems to be a way of creating an atmosphere of enticing its members into eventually purchasing the Full Blown Software. It is also a way of educating young people in the art of creating with such tools as 3D Printers, CNC Routers and any other tools that the Software is capable of being used for.

Close but no cigar, Shark.

There are 2 Makerspace Edition versions:
- A 'master' version, installed at the Makerspace. This is basically a full version.
- A 'client' version installed at members PC's at member's homes or private workhops. That is the 'polished' Trial version, Files of this version can only be edited at the same PC that client version is installed or at the Makerspace.

I do not think Vectric lures Makerspace members into buying the full package, but indeed uses it for popularising their software.

@Atomicbird:

We are a Makerspace which started with 11.n and are now with 12.n. We will try to re-create your workflow (I think I have an 11.n Makerspace member version somewhere). If we find something we will let you know.

Marcel.

[sharkcutup]

Well okay I was off the mark ---

Thank You, Marcel for that Explanation of the MakerSpace.

I believe you have answered this to some degree but ---
One Question ---- Are the MakerSpace Created Files able to be loaded into the Full Blown Versions of the Vectric Software?

Sharkcutup