Applies to: System Five Version 7 and Version 8
Last Updated: July 2026
Overview
System Five Version 7 and Version 8 use the same installation process. The primary difference between the two versions is how workstation updates are detected and installed.
Version 8 introduces an enhanced update process that checks for available updates whenever System Five is launched, helping ensure workstations stay current with the latest version available on your server.
Important: Once a workstation is upgraded to System Five Version 8, the new update behavior is enabled automatically. No additional configuration is required.
Before You Begin
Before installing System Five, ensure the following prerequisites are complete:
- Zen Server is installed and configured.
- Zen Client is installed and configured on all workstations.
- A shared network folder has been created on the server and is accessible by all workstations that will run System Five.
Installing System Five
Server Installation
Step 1: Create a Shared Network Location
Create a network folder on the server that all System Five workstations can access. This location is used to distribute software updates to client machines.
Step 2: Install the Server Components
- Download the appropriate System Five Server installer for your environment (Live and/or Training).
- Run SystemFiveServerLiveSetup.exe.
- When prompted, select the shared network folder as the installation location.
- Enter your System Five serial number.
- Complete the installation.
Workstation Installation
Prerequisites
Each workstation must have access to the shared folder configured during server installation.
Installation Steps
- Open the mapped network drive (for example:
W:\SystemFive Server Live). - Run SystemFiveLiveSetup.exe.
- Launch System Five.
- If this is a first-time installation, connect the workstation to the appropriate dataset.
- Repeat the process for any Training installations if applicable.
Updating System Five
Updating the Server
When a new version becomes available, the server administrator can download and install it.
A new version can be installed in one of two ways:
- Manually running Check for System Five Updates on the server.
- Installing an available update when prompted by the server's scheduled update check.
Once the server has been updated, workstations can access the newer version.
Updating Workstations
After the server has been updated, client workstations will automatically detect and install the new version based on the version of System Five installed on the workstation.
System Five Version 7
Version 7 workstations:
- Check for updates automatically every Tuesday at 4:00 AM.
- Can also check manually using the Check for System Five Updates desktop shortcut.
System Five Version 8
Version 8 workstations:
- Check for updates whenever System Five is launched.
- Automatically install available updates before opening the application.
Note: To prevent overlapping update checks, the updater waits at least 60 minutes between checks.
Version 7 vs. Version 8 Update Behavior
| Feature | Version 7 | Version 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic Update Check | Tuesdays at 4:00 AM | Every time System Five starts |
| Manual Update Check | Available | Available |
| Update Installation | During scheduled update cycle | Automatically at application launch |
Regardless of version, workstations only update after the server has downloaded and installed a newer version.
Using Multiple Versions
Some organizations maintain older versions of System Five for historical data access or comparison purposes.
If you need to keep a workstation on a specific version and prevent automatic updates, please contact Windward Software Support for guidance.
Upgrading from Versions Earlier Than 7.0
If you are upgrading from a version earlier than System Five 7.0:
- Uninstall System Five from the server.
- Uninstall System Five from all workstations.
- Follow the installation instructions in this article to install the current version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to manually update every workstation?
No. Once the server has been updated, workstations will automatically receive available updates according to their version's update schedule.
Do I need to configure anything when upgrading to Version 8?
No. The Version 8 update process is enabled automatically when a workstation updates to Version 8.
Can I manually check for updates?
Yes. Both Version 7 and Version 8 include a Check for System Five Updates shortcut that can be used to manually check for updates.
Should updates be installed during business hours?
For Live environments, Windward recommends installing updates after hours when all users have exited System Five.
