If you’re a molecular modeler relying on specific SAMSON Extensions, computational workflows, or research reproducibility, you might find yourself needing to install an older version of SAMSON — the integrative molecular design platform. Developers often update Extensions for the latest SAMSON version, but some Extensions may take time to support new releases, and in some situations, projects or institutions might require sticking to a validated version.
Fortunately, reinstalling a previous version of SAMSON is straightforward. In this post, we walk you through the process and highlight a few key tips to help you navigate compatibility when using older versions.
Installing an Older Version
To install an earlier version of SAMSON, you don’t need a separate installer. Use the same installation file you would use to install the latest version, and follow these steps:
- Start the SAMSON installer.
- At the second step, check the box labeled “Install an older version”. Here’s what it looks like:
- Proceed to the next step. You’ll be able to select a version number from a dropdown list.
- Choose the version you want to install. Note that versions are displayed with their developer version numbers. For example, version
2.0.2corresponds to the 2021 SAMSON release.
If you’re unsure which developer version number maps to the release you need, you can refer to the user guide archive here: User Guides for other SAMSON versions.
Working With Multiple Versions
If you want to keep both the latest version and an older one installed — for example, to test compatibility or continue a project validated on an earlier build — SAMSON allows you to do this. However, by default, SAMSON will launch the most recently installed version.
If you’d like to run a different version, you’ll need to launch it manually. Here’s how:
On Windows:
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C:/Users/%USERNAME%/OneAngstrom/SAMSON-Application/10.0.0/Binaries/SAMSON-Core.exe |
On MacOS:
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$HOME/Applications/SAMSON.app/ |
On Linux:
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$HOME/OneAngstrom/SAMSON-Application/10.0.0/Binaries/SAMSON-Core.sh |
The version directory (e.g., 10.0.0) corresponds to the developer version number chosen during installation.
Tips and Considerations
- When possible, use the latest version of SAMSON, especially for stability and support.
- Keep in mind that SAMSON Extensions are only updated for the latest SAMSON version. If you’re using an older version, some Extensions might not function as expected or may be unavailable altogether.
- If you’re tied to a specific Extension or workflow, check the compatibility of Extensions before updating SAMSON.
To learn more about installing or managing your SAMSON version, visit the SAMSON FAQ.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download SAMSON today at samson-connect.net.