NX4 License server and Windows Vista

There hasn't been an official statement yet stating which NX version will fully support Vista, but nowadays I hear quite a few people complaining that they've just bought a laptop, and noticed that it is preconfigured with Vista instead of Windows XP. I'd run back to the computershop if I were you, but here's what you can do to make the "Unigraphics License Server" work.

Begin installing the license server from the NX4 Base installation CD. After copying files, you'll see an error saying the service could not be started. Before hitting Cancel, copy all the files in the "C:\Program Files\UGS\License Servers\UGNXFLEXlm" directory to c:\nxflexlm . Then cancel your installation, and launch a Command Line.

In a single line, enter

echo @C:\nxflexlm\lmgrd -c c:\nxflexlm\ugnx4.lic -l C:\nxflexlm\log.txt >c:\nxflexlm\nx4_server.cmd

Then add C:\nxflexlm\nx4_server.cmd to your Startup directory.

For NX5, I received no errors at all while installing both the license server and NX itself. I must remind you that this is a non-supported configuration, and you'll most probably be denied to log a call if a problem of yours cannot be duplicated on a certified system of GTAC.

This might be a workaround till the drivers for Vista gets stable and Siemens starts supporting Vista.

UPDATE: Thanks to Stian's comment, another workaround is just copying the lmgrd.exe from an NX5 installation overwriting the one in NX4. This way you'll be able to start your license server as a service.

Use middle mouse button for OK outside of NX

I sometimes catch myself hitting the middle mouse button to hit OK and see that nothing ever happens because it's not NX I'm using! This surely is because of the time I spend in NX, but why cannot we use this in say, Options dialog of Internet Explorer ?

Here's a quick solution I've managed to compile. Download this small executable, and it will stay on your traybar waiting for your middle-click. If you hold it longer than 20 milliseconds (which is slightly longer than a single click for most people) it will find the OK button in the active dialog/window and hit it. Also, you can use CTRL+midbutton for Apply.

It has no options yet, but I'll add a few when I have some spare time. Drop me a line if you would like the source file as well…