Follow this guide to install VDM, update an existing installation, or return to an earlier version. After setup, complete the OPTIONS file prompts and register VDM.
Before you begin
- Check VDM System Requirements and Supported Platforms.
- Confirm that you have permission to install applications on the computer.
- Close VDM before changing an existing installation.
- Back up your Views and any configuration files you need before an update or downgrade.
Keep unchanged backups of your Views before opening or saving them in a newer release. Views saved in newer VDM versions may not open or run correctly in older versions. Reinstalling an older application version does not convert newer Views back to an older format.
Choose your installation path
| Your situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| VDM is not installed | Continue to Install VDM. |
| Update an existing VDM installation | Back up your Views and configuration, close VDM, and run the newer MSI. The installer updates the existing installation. |
| Install an earlier version than the one installed | Back up your files, close VDM, and uninstall the newer VDM version first. |
Returning to an earlier version
If you run an older installer while a newer version is installed, Windows Installer displays:
Unable to install because a newer version of this product is already installed.
- Cancel or close the older installer.
- Open Windows Settings → Apps → Installed apps (Add/Remove Programs), or Control Panel → Programs and Features.
- Select BridgeWorks VDM and choose Uninstall. Complete the uninstall prompts.
- Run the installer for the earlier version you intend to use.
- Use the View backups retained for that version and verify the results before returning it to normal use.
The current MSI download below is for the current release. Obtain the appropriate earlier installer from BridgeWorks Support if you need a downgrade.
Install VDM
1. Download and open the installer
Download VDM.msi. When the download finishes, double-click the file to start setup.
2. Start the setup wizard
Select Next on the welcome screen.
3. Review the license agreement
Review the End User License Agreement. To continue, select I Agree, then Next.
4. Select the installation location
Keep the default folder unless your administrator requires another location:
C:\Program Files\BridgeWorks LLC\BridgeWorks VDM
Select Everyone, then Next.
5. Complete installation
Select Next on the confirmation screen. If Windows asks whether to allow the installer to make changes, select Yes. Wait for setup to finish, then select Close.
6. Open VDM and check the runtimes
Launch VDM. Current VDM versions require .NET Windows Desktop Runtime 10 (x64) and ASP.NET Core Runtime 10 (x64). If prompted for a missing component, follow the VDM .NET 10 Runtime Installation Guide, then open VDM again.
First launch: create or import an OPTIONS file
The OPTIONS file stores VDM configuration, including settings and configured folder locations. You do not need an existing OPTIONS file to begin. Most clean installations will create a new one.
New installation without an OPTIONS file
- When asked whether to import an OPTIONS file, select No.
- VDM then asks to create a new OPTIONS file. Follow that prompt to create it.
- Continue to registration.
If you already have an appropriate OPTIONS file
Importing is optional and is intended for a configuration you already have, such as one from a previous installation or supplied by your administrator.
- Select Yes when asked to import an OPTIONS file.
- Browse to the existing OPTIONS file and select it.
- Review the imported settings and folder locations to confirm that they are appropriate for this computer.
If VDM detects an existing OPTIONS file, use it only if you intend to retain that configuration. An imported file can refer to folders and connection profiles from another environment; importing it does not make those locations or connections available automatically.
Register and verify VDM
Follow Registering and Activating VDM using your company's registration information. Importing an OPTIONS file is not a substitute for checking the license status on this installation.
When VDM opens and the license information is available in Settings, continue with creating a database connection profile.
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