Need to Revert? Here’s How to Install an Older Version of SAMSON

As a molecular modeler, you might have experienced this situation: an update rolls out for your favorite modeling platform, and suddenly a plugin or workflow you depend on no longer works as expected. Or perhaps a collaborator is using a different version of SAMSON and you need to match theirs to ensure compatibility. Whatever the reason, going back to an earlier version of SAMSON can become not just helpful—it can be essential.

The good news? SAMSON makes it relatively straightforward to install an older version of the platform, even if new updates are already available. Here’s how to do it, and what to keep in mind along the way.

Installing a Previous Version of SAMSON

Even if you’ve already downloaded the latest SAMSON installer, you can use it to revert to a previous version. During installation, just follow these steps:

  1. Run the SAMSON installer as usual.
  2. At the second step of the installation, check the box labeled Install an older version.
  3. In the next screen, select the version you want from the dropdown menu.

Install older version option in SAMSON installer

The available versions are labeled with their developer version numbers. For example, version 2.0.2 corresponds to the 2021 release. You can cross-reference these with the official list of SAMSON versions available in the User Guide Versions page if you’re unsure which one suits your needs.

Launching a Non-Default Version of SAMSON

If you have multiple SAMSON versions installed, launching a particular one does require using the platform-specific installation paths. Here’s how you can explicitly run a non-default version:

On Windows:

On macOS:

On Linux:

Replace <version-number> with the actual developer version number, such as 9.0.0, depending on what you’ve installed.

Choose older version screen in SAMSON installer

Why Keep Older Versions?

Sticking to or reverting to an older version of SAMSON isn’t just about compatibility. Some users find that certain Extensions or workflows they rely on haven’t yet been updated for the latest platform version. Others may be collaborating with researchers using specific versions, and syncing versions helps avoid discrepancies in models or performances. Whatever the use case, SAMSON makes it possible to navigate versioning challenges without much friction.

Stay in Control

While regular updates bring optimizations and new features, having the flexibility to go back to previous environments simplifies both collaboration and development. If you’re ever uncertain about which version to use, consider the context of your project, the Extensions you need, and the compatibility requirements of your collaborators.

To learn more about installation, troubleshooting, or general SAMSON use, head to the official SAMSON FAQ.

SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download SAMSON from www.samson-connect.net.

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