Installing an older version of a software platform can be a challenge, but sometimes it’s necessary for compatibility or workflow reasons. If you’re using SAMSON, the integrative molecular design platform, and need to revert to an older version, we’ve got you covered! Here’s an easy-to-follow guide to help you accomplish this with confidence.
Why Install an Older Version?
There may be situations where projects or extensions depend on specific features or behaviors available only in earlier versions of SAMSON. Thankfully, SAMSON makes it straightforward to access these older versions without much hassle. Here’s how to do it:
Steps to Install an Older SAMSON Version
- Use the Same Installer: Start with the current installer for SAMSON. If you don’t already have it, download the installer from the official SAMSON website.
- Choose the Older Version Option: During the second step of the installation process, select the Install an older version option. The installer interface will guide you through this step, as shown in the image below:
- Select Your Desired Version: The next screen will present a list of older versions of SAMSON, identified by their developer version numbers (e.g., version 2.0.2 corresponds to the 2021 release). Simply pick the version you need. If you’re unsure which version is right for you, refer to User Guides for other SAMSON versions for clarity.
- Complete Installation: Proceed with the remaining steps as prompted by the installer. The installation will perform exactly as needed for the selected version.

Handling Multiple Installed Versions
If you have multiple versions of SAMSON installed and need to run a specific version, here’s how you can navigate to the appropriate executable:
- On Windows: Navigate to:
C:/Users/%USERNAME%/OneAngstrom/SAMSON-Application/[Version_Number]/Binaries/SAMSON-Core.exe - On macOS: Navigate to:
$HOME/Applications/SAMSON.app/ - On Linux: Navigate to:
$HOME/OneAngstrom/SAMSON-Application/[Version_Number]/Binaries/SAMSON-Core.sh
Each method ensures you can launch the desired version with ease.
Additional Notes
Using older versions might limit compatibility with some updated SAMSON Extensions, as these are typically updated for the latest SAMSON release. If you need extensions for a specific version, double-check their compatibility before proceeding. You can always consult the Extensions Documentation for additional guidance.
For more details and visuals, please refer to the full SAMSON FAQ documentation.
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Visit SAMSON Connect to download it today!
