	Product(s):	RAM Structural System
	Version(s):	All
	Environment:	All
	Area:	Installation

With the CONNECT edition, do I need to install and run the CONNECTION client service?

See Structural Products and the CONNECTION client

Is the program compatible with Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 or Windows 11?

Support for Windows 7 ended in 2020. Current versions, as of 2023, are supported for Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Window 11. Older versions of the program might require customization of the install file folder rights to work on modern operating systems. For more on the current compatibility with Windows 10 see Is my structural program compatible with Windows 10?

Is the program compatible with 64-bit operating systems?

Yes. The following FAQ provides more information.

Starting with RAM SS version 14.06.00.00 a special 64 bit version was available in addition to the 32 bit version. Either the 32 or 64 versions of the program will work on a 64 bit machine.

Starting with version 15.05.00.00, only 64 bit versions are available.

Should I uninstall previous versions of the program before installing a new version?

It is generally recommended to uninstall previous versions before installing a new version. A new version install will replace an older version if present automatically, but with some older versions this process could leave listings behind in the Add or Remove Programs (Windows XP) or Programs and Features (Windows Vista/7) control panel. Over time, it can also cause library registration problems. If problems occur during or immediately after an installation, please try performing a clean installation.

Will my user defaults from a previous version be preserved when upgrading?

Yes, the RAM Structural System installer will look for a RamIS.ini file, a configuration settings file that contains your user defaults as well as the install path for the software. If present in the folder C:\ProgramData\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Structural System, the ramis.ini settings will be preserved and add new defaults added if necessary.

How do I transfer my user defaults to another computer?

RAM Structural System stores user defaults in a configuration settings file named RamIS.ini. This file is stored in one of the following locations, depending on operating system:
Windows XP -

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Structural System

Windows Vista/7/8/10 -

C:\ProgramData\Bentley\Engineering\RAM Structural System

Note, the C:\ProgramData folder is often hidden from users in the File Browser by default. Make sure all folders are visible through the file browser options, or type in the address.

To transfer defaults from one machine to another, copy this file to another workstation and place it in the appropriate folder depending on the operating system.

Important: The RamIS.ini file also tells RAM Structural System where to find program files, tables, reports, etc. If RAM Structural System is installed in a different location on another computer, open RamIS.ini, locate the [Directories] section at the top, and modify the folder locations accordingly.

Do I need to install Bentley IEG License Service?

The following section applies to RAM SS version 14.05.and earlier only. Starting with version 14.06 the IEG License service is no longer required. For more on which versions of the Structural products require the IEG License Service see How products that use the Bentley IEG License Service are licensed.

On any computer running any of the Structural Products, the Bentley IEG license service needs to be installed. The service only needs to be downloaded and installed once regardless of how many Structural Products are being used, however.

If you attempt to run one of the structural programs without having this service installed you should get an error indicating:

Error: Bentley/IEG Licensing System location information is missing! Please reinstall Bentley/IEG Licensing system

Only one version of the Bentley IEG License Service should be installed. If multiple listings are present in the Add or Remove Programs (Windows XP) or Programs and Features (Windows Vista/7) control panel, please remove all but the latest.

Only the 32 bit version of IEG License Service is used by RAM Structural System.

RAM SS Installation [FAQ]