Installing v23 and v22 of Plaxis 2D on the same computer

Question

Hi, I'm looking for a way to install v23 and v22 of Plaxis 2D on the same computer. I have v23 installed originally and would like to install v22 additionally, but the installer stops at the beginning, stating the newer version is already installed. Is there a possible workaround? Thanks.

Stefanos Papavasileiou · Accepted Answer

Hello again, 
 Definitely, this is more than a valid reason to have both versions! 
 To do that, you can follow the logic below: 
 
 Install the older PLAXIS version, here PLAXIS 2D CONNECT Edition V22; 
 Make a copy of the installation folder to a different folder, e.g. default is C:\Program Files\Bentley\Geotechnical\PLAXIS 2D CONNECT Edition V22 copy it to: C:\Program Files\Bentley\Geotechnical\ PLAXIS 2D CE V22 (or any of your preference) 
 Install the latest version, now PLAXIS 2D 2023.2 (will replace the PLAXIS 2D CONNECT Edition V22) 
 
 Note that the above can be used if, for example, you want to install PLAXIS 2D CONNECT Edition V22 and then PLAXIS 2D CONNECT Edition V22 Update 2 and keep both on your PC. 
 In all cases, you can directly run the PLAXIS application by running the Plaxis2DXInput.exe and/or Plaxis2DOutput.exe . You can create custom shortcuts for Windows as the default shortcuts are also overwritten to point to the latest version installed. 
 I hope that this helps. 
 Be aware that we are working on providing a solution for this case directly via the installer in future versions.

Stefanos Papavasileiou · Answer

Hello Adam, 
 I will comment on each part of your reply just to clarify everything. 
 "However, I noticed that I should have made a copy of the Python interpreter folder as well from the C:/ProgramData/Bentley/Geotechnical folder? As I get an error now if I want to start the Python interpreter from the v22 Plaxis:" 
 Correct, the new Python distribution replaces the old, and PLAXIS 2023 and the Python distribution are installed in different directories as we are part of Seequent . 
 I will explain later the consequences of not making a copy as it ties with the last question you have. 
 The error states that there is no registry any more telling PLAXIS which Python executable to use, because a) there is no executable anymore in the old folder (there is no folder), b) because the registry keys probably are replaced with 2023. 
 Indeed, for such a case, you should use the option to pick yourself the Python distribution to use, which can be the PLAXIS Python Distribution V2 from PLAXIS 2023. 
 "So my solution to this was that I configured the Python interpreter to use the interpreter python.exe inside the v23 'PLAXIS Python Distribution V2' folder:" 
 It is a good solution to begin with. If you reach out to our Support desk ( https://bentleysystems.service-now.com/csp ), we can also share with you the PLAXIS Python distribution from your previous CONNECT Edition version. 
 "This way it opens the interpreter now from v22 as well, I'm just not sure if this is the correct approach, or am I missing here something and this will blow up into my face at some point?" 
 In general, I would expect some minor incompatibilities as the PLAXIS version is not tested with the new Python version (and modules). But I would use it until I get an error I cannot overcome. This is typical when using a large number of modules as everyone progresses, but old versions of software may not have anticipated everything. 
 "Also, what does 'PLAXIS Python Internal Distribution V2' do? Do I need it as well? Did v22 have this folder as well?" 
 Since some time ago, we have introduced various tools that work with Python. An example is the Using the PLAXIS 2D to 3D Converter . This requires a Python distribution and knowing that users may make changes on the Python distribution provided with PLAXIS, we provide a second one, which should remain untouched to ensure all these tools work. Yes, every PLAXIS version has two Python distributions delivered. One to be used by the user and one by PLAXIS tools. 
 Again, this means that some tools may not work with the newest version of the Python distribution, but I would use it until I have problems. Alternatively, you can reach out to our Support desk ( https://bentleysystems.service-now.com/csp ) and we can send it to you. 
 I hope that this clarifies it.

Stefanos Papavasileiou · Answer

Dear Adam, 
 PLAXIS 2D 2023 is an update to PLAXIS 2D CONNECT Edition V22 and when installing it, it replaces the previous version. 
 We only allowed (by exception) to install PLAXIS CONNECT Edition V21 along with either PLAXIS 2023 or PLAXIS CONNECT Edition V22 due to the changes that took place with the newer versions. 
 - PLAXIS 2D CE V22.00.00 Release notes 
 - PLAXIS 2D 2023.1 Release notes 
 - PLAXIS 2D 2023.2 Release notes 
 
 Why do you need to use both PLAXIS 2D 2023 and PLAXIS CONNECT Edition V22?

Installing v23 and v22 of Plaxis 2D on the same computer

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