PdMA ® PRODUCT SUPPORT MANUAL

TECHNOTE 2402-N(10,11)
• MCEGold 3.2.9 requires that all SQL versions older
ISSUED than 2017 be uninstalled prior to installation or
December 2024 upgrade.

• MCEGold 3.2.9 requires that all Sentinel Systems

SUBJECT Driver Installer programs be uninstalled prior to
Release of MCEGold ® 3.2.9 Network Version for installation or update from 3.1.2 versions or older.
Windows 10 or 11.
• To ensure application accessibility, the default
installation location has been set to C:\PdMA
DESCRIPTION Corporation.
MCEGold 3.2.9 Network version is an upgrade from
• Databases attached to MCEGold 3.2.9 must be from
MCEGold 3.2.8. This upgrade includes adding DC
MCEGold 3.1.2 SP1 or later and once updated with
Motor and Generator testing to the PdMAEYE and
MCEGold 3.2.9 will not be compatible with older
Mobile App messaging. Added Demod to the PdMAEYE
versions of MCEGold.
Scheduler which enables surveillance and scheduled test
for the Current Demodulation test. Improved segment
control. Added addition KPIs in the Historian. Fixed the • Please make sure you allow sufficient time to update
MS Word and MCEGold Detailed Report issue with AC your database. Depending on the size of your
Standard test. Corrected PDP Import restrictions f or database, updates may take an hour or longer.
PdMAEYE data. Corrected Speed calculations in
PdMAEYE and EMAX Auto tests. Corrected refresh issue • Assets opened with MCEGold 3.2.9 will not be
in the History Chart. compatible with older versions of MCEGold.

• If during installation you receive a message telling

PDMA CLOUD SERVICES you “SQL Server System CLR Types requires the
.Net Framework”, contact Technical Support (813-
The Network version of MCEGold 3.2.9 supports access
774-9982) for assistance.
to PdMA Cloud Services. Please contact PdMA
Technical Support (813-774-9982) to discuss this option.
• If you have any questions, please contact PdMA
Technical Support (813-774-9982).
NOTES
• MCEGold 3.2.9 is only compatible with Windows 10 Minimum Requirements
or 11 and M-Series testers.
Computer Dell Latitude 5440 Laptop*
• Windows 7 users - DO NOT TRY TO UPDATE to Processor 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i5 or
MCEGold 3.2.9. Windows 7 compatibility ended equivalent
with MCEGold 3.1.2 SP2. If you do try to update,
MCEGold will become inoperable. Resolution 14" FHD (1920x1080)

• Upgrading from a version prior to MCEGold 3.1.2

requires a new license key. Contact PdMA Technical Operating System Microsoft ® Windows 10 or 11
Support (813-774-9982) for a new license key. (64 bit)

• MCEGold Word Add-in is NOT compatible with MS Memory 16.0+ G RAM

Word 2010. Templates created with any version
older than MS Word 2007 may not be functional and Ports/Drives (1) USB Port in Rear or Side
may cause conflicts with the MCEGold software.
Hard Disk 256GB SSD (30GB available)
• MCEGold 3.2.9 requires that Word Add-in be * Original Windows 11 model shipped with PdMA testers. It is
compatible with Windows 10 or 11, but it is not compatible with
uninstalled prior to installation or upgrade. Windows 7. Using any other computer manufacturer in conjunction
with the PdMA software may result in erratic computer behavior;
including but not limited to:

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• Power Management Issues 1. From the DataSync window, click Clear Local
• Lock-up Database.
• Communication Port Malfunction
• Driver Incompatibility
• Display Errors
• SQL Database Incompatibility
• Network Synchronization Issues.

PREPARE FOR MCEGOLD

3.2.9 INSTALLATION
NOTE: If you have MCEGold 3.1.2 or later follow the
instructions in Upgrading From MCEGold 3.1.2 or
Later on page 5.

If you have any version prior to MCEGold 3.1.2 a full

uninstall is required before installing version 3.2.9. See
Upgrading From a Version Prior to MCEGold 3.1.2.

Upgrading From a Version Prior

to MCEGold 3.1.2 2. From the Clear Local Data window, click Yes to
Upgrading from a version prior to MCEGold 3.1.2 upload (UpSync) data, click No if you have already
requires a new license key. Contact PdMA Technical synchronized the data.
Support (813-774-9982) for a new license key.

Backup
Before beginning the MCEGold uninstall, copy the
Emaxprb.xml file only (not the folder) and the User
Defined Report Templates to a safe location and make
note of the location.

The default location for the files is listed below, however

you may have chosen a different location during the 3. From the Sync Complete window, click OK.
original installation.

Emaxprb.xml
C:\PdMA Corporation\MCEGold\Emax

User Defined Detailed Report Templates (copy only

.xml files):
C:\PdMA
Corporation\MCEGold\Report\Templates\UserDefi
nedTemplates\Batch.

User Defined Word Templates (copy only word files

such as .doc, .docx, .dot, etc.):
C:\PdMA
Corporation\MCEGold\Report\Templates\WordTe
mplates\UserDefined 4. From the next Clear Local Data window, click OK
to delete all local data.
Clear Local Database
NOTE: Before proceeding ensure all local database
synchronization has been performed. Failure to
synchronize before clearing the local database will result
in loss of data. This procedure must be completed before
the server database is updated.

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appears informing you the database is an old version and

to contact your system administrator.

1. Backup the MCEGold server database.

2. Insert the MCEGold 3.2.9 USB flash drive into the

USB port. If the drive starts automatically, click
Exit and proceed to the next step.
5. From the Database Cleared window, click OK.
3. Locate the MCEGold Database Server Update
folder on the MCEGold 3.2.9 USB flash drive.

4. Click on the MCEGold Database Server Update.exe

file.

5. The Server Information window opens. Fill in the

Server, Database, Login, and Password information.
The Login and Password will depend on your
authentication (Windows/SQL).
6. Reopen the DataSync window to ensure the
database has been cleared, as shown in figure below. 6. Click Run Update. The progress status will display
If it did not clear contact Technical Support (813- on the window.
774-9982).
7. When the update complete message displays, close
the window.

Uninstall Older Versions of SQL Server

Note: These instructions do not apply to a desktop.

If any version of Microsoft SQL Server prior to

Microsoft SQL Server 2017 (such as 2005, 2008, 2012,
2014, 2016, etc.) exists on your computer, proceed with
the Uninstall Older Versions of SQL Server section
followed by the Uninstall Word Add-in and the Uninstall
MCEGold section below.

If only Microsoft SQL Server 2017 exists on your

computer do not uninstall it and proceed to the section
Uninstall MCEGold.

Update Server Database for Network There are several components that begin with Microsoft
Users SQL Server 20XX, they should all be removed starting
NOTE: Ensure the user account being used to update the with Microsoft SQL 2008 EXCEPT Microsoft SQL
server has “sysadmin” permissions. Server 2017.

Please make sure you allow sufficient time to update 1. Select Start, Settings, Apps.
your database. Depending on the size of your database,
updates may take an hour or longer. 2. Scroll down to locate and highlight Microsoft SQL
Server 2008 from the list.
There is a separate application on the Installation USB
flash drive to update the network database on the server. 3. Highlight it and click Uninstall.

The database must be updated on the server first, then 4. Follow the on-screen prompts.
the desktops and field testers.
5. Click Finish when the “Uninstall Complete”
If the update is installed on a network field tester before message is received. Do not close the window.
the server database is updated, a warning message

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6. After uninstalling Microsoft SQL 2008, repeat from 3. Reboot the computer.
step 2 uninstalling all components that begin with
Microsoft SQL Server 20XX. Reminder do not 4. Continue to Uninstall MCEGold.
uninstall Microsoft SQL Server 2017 (or later)!
Uninstall MCEGold
7. Do not close the window.
Note: If you have MCEGold icons pinned to your
Taskbar, it is necessary to unpin them before beginning
8. Locate and uninstall all Microsoft System CLR
the uninstall. Right click on the icon and select “Unpin
Types for SQL Server prior to CLR type version
from taskbar”.
2017.
1. Select Start, Settings, Apps.
9. Repeat step 6 until all older CLR Types have been
removed.
2. Scroll down to locate MCEGold Version X.X.X.
10. Click Finish when the “Uninstall Complete”
3. Highlight it and click Uninstall.
message is received.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts.
11. Do not close window.
5. Click Finish when the “Uninstall Complete”
12. Continue to Uninstall Word Add-In.
message is received.

Uninstall Word Add-in 6. Do not close the window.

Note: If you have MCEGold Word Add-in installed, you
need to uninstall it before upgrading to MCEGold 3.2.9. 7. If present locate the PdMA MCE MAX Tester (Driver
If it is not installed, proceed to Uninstall MCEGold. Removal) file. Highlight it and click Uninstall and
follow the on-screen prompts. If it is not present
1. Select Start, Settings, Apps. proceed to Step 9.

2. Scroll down to locate the MCEGold Add-in. 8. Click Finish when the “Uninstall Complete”
message is received.
3. Highlight it and click Uninstall.
9. Locate the C:\PdMA Corporation folder and delete
4. Follow the on-screen prompts. it. The subfolders will be deleted also. After the
installation of MCEGold 3.2.9 the new folder
5. Click Finish when the “Uninstall Complete” location will be C:\PdMA Corporation\....
message is received.
10. Reboot the computer.
6. Do not close the window.
11. Continue to MCEGold 3.2.9 Installation.
7. Continue to Uninstall Sentinel System Driver
Installer.
MCEGOLD 3.2.9
Uninstall Sentinel System Driver
Installer INSTALLATION
MCEGold 3.2.9 requires that all Sentinel System Driver 1. If installing on a tester, disconnect the USB cable
Installer programs prior to version 7.6.1 be uninstalled from the tester computer.
prior to installation or update from MCEGold version
3.1.2 or older. 2. Insert the MCEGold 3.2.9 USB flash drive into the
USB port. Select Run, setup.exe from the AutoPlay
1. If the Sentinel System Driver Installer 7.5.7 window. If the installation does not begin
programs file is present highlight it and click automatically, run setup.exe from the USB flash
Uninstall and follow the on-screen prompts. If it is drive.
not present proceed to Step 3.
3. If you see the User Account Control screen, click
2. Click Finish when the “Uninstall Complete” Yes.
message is received.

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10. A progress bar shows the progress of copying files

to your computer.

11. When the installation is complete you must reboot

your system. Select the Reboot Now option and
click Close.

4. The License Agreement window opens. Read the

PdMA license and select the “I Accept” option
button. The Next button becomes visible. Click
Next.
12. After rebooting, locate and copy the backup
Note: If you do not accept the terms, the Next button
Emaxprb.xml file and the User Defined Report
is not visible, you can only click Cancel, which
Templates back into their appropriate locations.
closes the software without installing it.
The default location for the files is listed below,
however you may have chosen a different location
during the original installation.

Emaxprb.xml
C:\PdMA Corporation\MCEGold\Emax

User Defined Detailed Report Templates (copy

only .xml files)
C:\PdMA
Corporation\MCEGold\Report\Templates\User
DefinedTemplates\Batch.

5. In the License Key window enter your Company User Defined Word Templates (copy only word
Name and License Key exactly as provided by files such as .doc, .docx, .dot, etc.)
PdMA. You may copy and paste the license key C:\PdMA
using the paste button. Corporation\MCEGold\Report\Templates\Wor
dTemplates\UserDefined
6. When the license has been verified a green check
appears. The Next button appears. Click Next. If you see a message like that shown below, select
“Skip these files”. Note that the number of items
7. In the Installation Path window, accept the default may be different than shown in this example.
shown in the text box (recommended) for the
location to install the MCEGold program folder or
use the browse (...) button to select an alternate
location, make a note of it for your future use, and
click Next. Note: It is not suggested to use an
alternate location because that can cause conflict
and Windows rights problems.

8. When prompted, click Install Components. Some

components may require additional prompts.

9. When the installation of components is complete the

Next button appears. Click Next.

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13. If you wish to create or modify Word Report with Microsoft SQL 2008 EXCEPT Microsoft SQL
Templates, the MS Word AddIn needs to be Server 2017.
reinstalled. To install the MS Word Addin refer to
Application Note MS-Word AddIn USB Installation 1. Select Start, Settings, Apps.
Procedure available on our website at
https://pdma.com/news-and-resources/application- 2. Scroll down to locate and highlight Microsoft SQL
notes/. Server 2008 from the list.

14. Remove the MCEGold 3.2.9 USB flash drive from 3. Highlight it and click Uninstall.
the computer.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts.
15. If installing on a tester, re-connect the USB cable to
the tester computer. 5. Click Finish when the “Uninstall Complete”
message is received. Do not close the window.
Upgrading From MCEGold
6. After uninstalling Microsoft SQL 2008, repeat from
3.1.2 or Later step 2 uninstalling all components that begin with
Backup Microsoft SQL Server 20XX. Reminder do not
uninstall Microsoft SQL Server 2017 (or later)!
Before beginning the MCEGold installation copy the
Emaxprb.xml file only (not the folder) and the User 7. Do not close the window.
Defined Report Templates to a safe location and make
note of the location.
8. Locate and uninstall all Microsoft System CLR
Types for SQL Server prior to CLR type version
The default location for the files is listed below, however 2017.
you may have chosen a different location during the
original installation.
9. Repeat from step 6 until all older CLR Types have
been removed.
Emaxprb.xml
C:\PdMA Corporation\MCEGold\Emax
10. Click Finish when the “Uninstall Complete”
message is received.
User Defined Detailed Report Templates (copy only
.xml files)
11. Do not close the window.
C:\PdMA
Corporation\MCEGold\Report\Templates\UserDefi
12. Continue to Uninstall Word Add-in.
nedTemplates\Batch.

User Defined Word Templates (copy only word files Uninstall Word Add-in
such as .doc, .docx, .dot, etc.) Note: If you have MCEGold Word Add-in installed, you
C:\PdMA need to uninstall it before upgrading to MCEGold 3.2.9.
Corporation\MCEGold\Report\Templates\WordTe If it is not installed, proceed to MCEGold 3.2.9
mplates\UserDefined Installation.

Uninstall Older Versions of SQL Server 1. Select Start, Settings, Apps.

Note: These instructions do not apply to a desktop.
2. Scroll down to locate the MCEGold Add-in.
If any version of Microsoft SQL Server prior to
3. Highlight it and click Uninstall.
Microsoft SQL Server 2017 (such as 2005, 2008, 2012,
2014, 2016, etc.) exists on your computer, proceed with
the Uninstall Older Versions of SQL Server section 4. Follow the on-screen prompts.
followed by the Uninstall Word Add-in section below.
5. Click Finish when the “Uninstall Complete”
If only Microsoft SQL Server 2017 exists on your message is received.
computer do not uninstall it and proceed to the section
Uninstall Word Add-in. 6. Reboot the computer.

There are several components that begin with Microsoft 7. Continue to Uninstall Sentinel System Driver
SQL Server 20XX, they should all be removed starting Installer.

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Uninstall Sentinel System Driver

Installer
MCEGold 3.2.9 requires that all Sentinel System Driver
Installer programs prior to version 7.6.1 be uninstalled
prior to installation or update from MCEGold version
3.1.2 or older.

1. If the Sentinel System Driver Installer 7.5.7

programs file is present highlight it and click
Uninstall and follow the on-screen prompts. If it is
not present proceed to Step 11.

2. Click Finish when the “Uninstall Complete” NOTE: If you have a version prior to MCEGold 3.1.2
message is received. you will receive the error message shown below. Do
NOT proceed. Contact technical support at 813-621-
3. Reboot the computer. 6463 ext. 251.

4. Continue to MCEGold 3.2.9 Installation.

MCEGold 3.2.9 Installation

NOTE: Some on screen prompts and messages during
the installation process are controlled by the Windows
operating system and are out of PdMA’s control. Every
effort has been made to include their possible appearance
and the action you should take. However, if you are
unsure, please contact Technical Support for help at 813-
774-9982. 5. The status update window displays.

1. If installing on a tester, disconnect the USB cable

from the tester computer.

2. Insert the MCEGold 3.2.9 USB flash drive into the

USB port. Select Run, setup.exe from the AutoPlay
window. If the installation does not begin
automatically, run setup.exe from the USB flash
drive.

3. If you see the User Account Control screen, click 6. When the update is complete, click Finish.
Yes.

7. If the Program Compatibility Assistant screen

displays, select This program installed correctly.

4. If there is an existing MCEGold version installed on

your computer, you will see the MCEGold Update
screen. Click Update.

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Application Note MS-Word AddIn USB Installation

Procedure available on our website at
https://pdma.com/news-and-resources/application-
notes/.

10. Remove the MCEGold 3.2.9 USB flash drive from

the computer.

11. If installing on a tester, re-connect the USB cable to

the tester computer.

12. Continue to the Field Tester and Desktop Database

Setup section.

FIELD TESTER AND

8. Locate and copy the backup Emaxprb.xml file and
the User Defined Report Templates back into their DESKTOP DATABASE
appropriate locations.
SETUP
The default location for the files is listed below, NOTE: For the following, please use the information
however you may have chosen a different location provided by your IT department.
during the original installation.
Field testers utilize a local database for storage of assets.
Emaxprb.xml These assets can then be synchronized with the network
C:\PdMA Corporation\MCEGold\Emax database. In order to perform field testing in local tester
mode, assets must be down-synced to the local database.
User Defined Detailed Report Templates (copy In order to perform testing using MCEGold Lite, assets
only .xml files) must be in a WatchList and down-synced to the local
C:\PdMA database.
Corporation\MCEGold\Report\Templates\Us
erDefinedTemplates\Batch. To connect to the existing network database, please
follow the instructions below.
User Defined Word Templates (copy only word
files such as .doc, .docx, .dot, etc.) 1. Open the MCEGold Utility program.
C:\PdMA
Corporation\MCEGold\Report\Templates\Wor 2. Click Database.
dTemplates\UserDefined

If you see a message like that shown below, select

“Skip these files”. Note that the number of items
may be different than shown in this example.

3. Enter the server information provided by your IT

department.

9. If you wish to create or modify Word Report

Templates, the MS Word AddIn needs to be
reinstalled. To install the MS Word Addin refer to

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8. If you receive an error as shown below, verify the

4. Once the server information has been entered, click information you entered is correct. If it is correct,
Test Server. You should receive a message click OK and contact your Administrator.
indicating “Server has been located”.

9. If you do not receive an error message, click Exit on

the Utility window.
5. Click OK on the Connection Status window.
10. Start MCEGold and enter the name and password
6. Enter the following connection information for the tester. Select the Field Tester Network mode.
provided by either your Administrator or IT
Department: Connection Name, Database
11. It is necessary to clear the local database a second
Information, Login Information, and Password.
time. Instructions are found on page 2 of this
document titled Clear Local Database. Disregard the
instructions in the “Note”.

12. Once you have opened MCEGold, cleared the local

database, and have verified MCEGold is correctly
communicating with the database you are now ready
to start using MCEGold.

7. Click Submit. You will receive a message

indicating “Database updated”. Click OK.

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