Converting Project Files to a Newer Version of Thermo‑Calc
This topic discusses the various considerations related to opening old project files, with or without results, in a different version of Thermo-Calc, i.e. converting a project file. In both types of conversion (with or without results), a backup file is automatically created and can be useful during the review or regeneration of results for a converted file.
Saving Project Files and Opening Project Files
About Backup Files
When you first open a project file in a newer version of Thermo-Calc, a backup file is automatically created. The backup file has (backup) added to the end of the file name, e.g. My Alloy (backup).tcu. This is applicable whether the file has included results or not.
If a file including the name (backup) is also converted, then another (backup) is added to the file name, e.g. My Alloy (backup)(backup).tcu.
As soon as the original project file containing results is converted, it overwrites any previously saved results. This is where the backup file can be useful.
Since the version of the software used for the original project file is not always known, you can use the information provided in the Old project file with results window to rename the backup file with key information once the file is converted. See Converting Old Project Files - Original with Saved Results for information about this window.
An example of the backup file created (in the same folder) when an old project file is opened in a newer version of Thermo-Calc, i.e. converted. It is recommended that users rename the file in a meaningful way in order to include a software version number and to indicate if it contains saved results.
Converting Old Project Files - No Results Saved
When opening an old project file without results, the procedure is the same as described in Opening Project Files. The main difference is that a backup file is automatically created. There can also be potential differences in setup configuration that need to be addressed.
After opening the file in the new version of Thermo-Calc, also open the Event Log to see if there are any messages. Try also to perform the simulation and check the results against the original or expected output, then continue as normal.
Converting Old Project Files - Original with Saved Results
Starting with Thermo-Calc version 2022b, all older project files including results generated and saved in Thermo-Calc versions 2015a to 2022a, can only be opened with results in the original software version. You can still open a project file without results and then re-perform the calculation. However, this can require a review and update to the settings and configurations, especially if there is a wide gap between versions.
To Open and Convert a Project File with Results
- Follow the instructions as described in Opening Project Files.
- At the point of opening the old project file including results, the Old project file with results window displays. This also occurs when the Open project with results if present checkbox is selected because no results can be included.
The window provides information about the original Thermo‑Calc version in which the results were calculated as well as the version of the software in which you are opening the project file.
- Click Continue to open and convert the file to the version of the software indicated. A backup file is automatically created, which includes the old results. Click Cancel to exit without converting the file.
- If you click Continue, then it is recommended that you first review the setup and then regenerate the results. Review the Event Log to see if there are any messages.
- If you click Cancel, or want to use the backup file to compare results between versions, then open the old or backup file in the original version of the software.
Regenerating the Results for a Converted File
As part of the project file conversion, all previous results are overwritten and the file is opened without results. However, the project structure and settings are maintained.
When the versions of the software are not far apart, then re-performing a simulation is likely to have no or few errors recorded in the Event Log.
However, to regenerate and compare results in a newer version of Thermo-Calc also depends on the original project set up and whether new or improved functionality in Thermo-Calc impacts the recalculation. Another consideration includes the availability of a newer version of a database than was used in the original calculation. In other words, there are various factors that can change the new or regenerated results compared to the original.
Opening Old Project Files in the Original Version of Thermo‑Calc
There are various reasons for wanting to open an old project file in its original version of the software. For example, if you are:
- Regenerating the results in a newer version of the software and there are errors in the Event Log or unexplained differences.
- Reviewing or comparing the original configuration settings to update the settings.
- Comparing results from the older version of the software to the converted version of the results.
Different versions of Thermo-Calc can be installed at the same time on your computer and have project files opened alongside each other to facilitate such comparisons.
If you are having problems with opening an old project file, or are unable to access an installed version of the software that you know your organization has a license for, complete this Request Support form on our website to get help. Be sure to include all relevant details such as your organization number.