ProPunch Software Update Process from Version 2 to Version 3 (VERY IMPORTANT TO READ)

IMPORTANT NOTE: Failure to follow this process WILL result in a total and irretrievable loss of account data.  Follow the instructions below precisely.

This article walks you through upgrading your ProPunch software from version 2 (v2.xxx.xx) to version 3 (v3.0.3). Before updating ProPunch, it is necessary to create a backup of your database and locate your install key. 

Step 1: Locate your ProPunch backup and update folders

Before you begin the update, you will want to locate your backup folder and your update folder. By default, these folders are located in your C: drive on your computer, location C:\xampp; however, please verify on your ProPunch Server where your Data Backup is located. 

To locate your backup and update folders:

1. Open File Explorer on your PC where the ProPunch Server is located. 
2. Locate the Drive that the folders are in using the side navigation panel. (Typically C:)
3. Open the xampp folder.
4. Confirm both the _backups folder and the _updates folder are in the xampp folder.
   

   

5. If the folders are not present, then please create them (skip to step 4 in the following steps).

To create a folder in Windows Explorer:

1. Open Windows Explorer.
2. Select the Drive that the new folder should be created in.
3. Open the xampp folder.
4. Select New Folder. Depending on Operating System, this process may vary. Locate the New folder option in the menu bar. If you do not see New folder in the menu bar, click File > New > Folder.
5. Type in the appropriate name, _backups or _updates, for the folder. Type them exactly as they appear in this article.
6. Press Enter.

Step 2: Backup your data and save a copy

With the recent changes to the Windows Operating system, there are additional steps required before updating the software. You will need to backup your data, copy the backup and store it in a safe location, and locate and record your install key. 

To backup your data:

1. Open the ProPunch Server dashboard.
2. Click Backup Now then complete the wizard.
3. Click on Display Backups.
4. Locate the most recent backup and make a copy of the database.
5. Place the copy of the backup database on the desktop for safekeeping (not in xampp).

Step 3: Locate the install key

The update from version 2 to version 3 will require the install key. Be sure to write it down to access it after the update. 

To locate the install key:

1. Log into ProPunch as an administrator.
2. Go to Help >> About ProPunch.
3. Locate the install key and write it down. 

Step 4: Update the software

1. Log out of the software.
2. On the ProPunch Server dashboard, click Search For Updates.
3. Click Yes to proceed with the update.
   

   
   
   

4. Click OK.
   

   
   
   

5. Click OK.
   

   
   
   

6. The software will update to 2.999.9.
   

   
   
   

7. Select OK.
   

   
   
   

8. The ProPunch Dashboard will reflect the new version of the software.
9. Click Open ProPunch.
   

   
   
   

10. Read the following page carefully.  Click Update.
    

    
    
    

11. ProPunch version 3.0.3 will download to the PC.
    

    
    
    

12. Go to the Downloads folder to access the file: propunch_setup.exe
13. Right click the file to Run as Administrator.
14. Enter the Install Key and click Next.
    

    
    
    

15. Accept the License Agreement and click Next.
    

    
    
    

16. Click Next.
    

    
    
    

17. Check the box to Create a desktop shortcut and click Next.
    

    
    
    

18. Click Install.
    

    
    
    

19. Do not uninstall XAMPP and all of its modules. Click No.
    

    
    
    

20. Wait for the Setup to complete the install. 
    

    
    
    

21. You will be asked again if you want to uninstall XAMPP, again click No. You do not want to uninstall XAMPP.
    

    
    
    

22. Click Finish to restart the PC.
    

    
    
    

23. Click Open ProPunch to access the software.