Windows Vista™

Big Hammer software is not compatible with the Microsoft Windows Vista™ operating system, and is not supported.

The software may run in Windows XP Compatibility Mode on Windows Vista™.  The following steps may eliminate software issues on Windows Vista™.

Run the program in XP Compatibility Mode 

1. In Windows Explorer, go to C:\Program Files\Big Hammer\Software Name\Bin. 

2. Right-click the .exe file (e.g., dekbot.exe or Cqdesign.exe) and select Properties. 

3. Select the Compatibility tab. 

4. In the Compatibility Mode section, select Windows XP (Service Pack 2). 

5.  Select the checkbox for "Run this program in compatibility mode for."  

6.  Click Apply at the bottom of the window.

Choose a Non-Aero Color Scheme  

If using the Aero color scheme, select a different scheme: 

1. Right-click the desktop. 

2. Select Personalize. 

3. Click Window Color and Appearance. 

4. In the Color scheme list, select a color scheme, for example, Windows Vista Basic, and click OK.

Windows 7^TM Installation

Big Hammer Software has been installed on Windows 7™, as shown below:

For all titles:  The software may need to install Microsoft .Net 1.1 before the software will install.  Follow the on-screen prompts to install this component prior to beginning the actual software installation.

Big Hammer Deck Designer Versions 6.1.12, 6.5.0 and 6.5.4:  Software will install and operate in native Windows 7.

Big Hammer Fence Designer Version 5.4.0:  Software will install and operate in native Windows 7.

Big Hammer Fence Designer Version 5.7.4:  Software must be installed in Windows XP Service Pack 3 compatibility mode and must operate in Windows XP Service Pack 3 compatibility mode (see below for details).

Big Hammer Garage Designer Versions 5.5.4 and 5.6.0:  Software will install and operate in native Windows 7.

Big Hammer Patio Designer Versions 5.4.0 and 5.4.4:  Software will install and operate in native Windows 7.

Big Hammer Playset Planner Version 5.7.4:  Software must be installed in Windows XP Service Pack 3 compatibility mode and must operate in Windows XP Service Pack 3 compatibility mode (see below for details).

Big Hammer Project Planner Assortment Versions 5.4.0 and 5.4.4:  Software will install and operate in native Windows 7.

Big Hammer Project Planner Sheds Versions 5.4.0 and 5.4.4:  Software will install and operate in native Windows 7.

Perform the following steps to access Windows XP Service Pack 3 Compatibility Mode:

1.  Locate the install program (either downloaded to your computer, or on the installation CD) OR the icon to launch the software.

2.  Right-click on the icon, and choose Properties from the menu.

3.  Click the Compatibility tab, and click in the checkbox under "Compatibility Mode".

4.  Choose Windows XP (Service Pack 3) from the list of available operating systems.

5.  Click the OK button to continue.

6.  Double-click the icon to install or launch the program.

NOTE:  For the programs shown above which require Windows XP Service Pack 3 Compatibility Mode, the steps must be performed on the icon for the installation program AND the icon to launch the software.

For questions about Windows 7 compatibility with the following titles, please contact IMSI Design at the link shown in the "Related External Links" section of this article.

• 3D Bathroom Designer
• 3D Interior Designer
• 3D Kitchen Designer
• 3D Shed & Shop Designer
• Project Estimator

If the version number for your software does not appear in the list shown above, it has not been tested on Windows 7™.

We cannot guarantee 100% compatibility with Windows 7^TM, as our software was designed for use with the operating systems shown at the top of this article.

Big Hammer software is not compatible with the Apple^® Mac OS^®.