Move LENA Pro license and data to a new computer
The instructions assume that:
- Default installation procedures were followed on the original computer.
- All data remain stored in the default location C:\ProgramData\LENA
- You can view your storage location on the Settings screen, Storage tab.
- The "move audio" function was never used to separate the .upl audio files from the derived files.
- If audio files have been moved to a separate drive on the old computer, you will need to copy and migrate those audio folders also, or you will not have access to playback or TRS/CHA export on the new computer. You will need to copy the child key folders containing only the .upl files, from that separate location, and merge them with the migrated C:\ProgramData\LENA\storage\childdata subfolders on the new system.
Please note:
- These instructions are for moving old data to a brand new installation with NO NEW data.
- The instructions are NOT for merging two or more existing sets of data.
- Any time you work within the underlying structure of a software system you run the risk of losing your data.
- Back up your data first.
- Contact an experienced technician for assistance if you are not comfortable working in the data directory.
The LENA Foundation assumes no responsibility for data loss incurred in the implementation of these instructions.
1. Be sure your new computer meets the minimum system requirements.
If moving to a Windows 10 computer for use with old-style devices (serial numbers <20,000) you will also need to update the recorder driver after installation.
2. Make a note of your LENA product key.
You will need the product key to install the software on the new computer. Find it under Help > About and copy it down.
3. Optional: Create a record of your current data.
Export a Daily CSV for all children, all dates. This is effectively a snapshot of all files that were in the old computer, which may be useful if something goes wrong.
4. Prepare the LENA data from the old computer.
In these steps, you are essentially making a complete and current backup that will be accessible from the new computer. If you already have such a backup, skip to preparing the new computer.
4.1. Navigate to the LENA data directory on the old computer.
Default location - C:\ProgramData\LENA
Note: If you don't see the \ProgramData directory, show hidden folders. If you do not see the LENA directory, your data may have been stored to a custom location. Identify that location by looking at your LENA Pro Settings screen, Storage tab.
4.2. Check the subdirectories.
Please look inside the LENA directory to be sure you see the subdirectories shown below. If you do not see these subdirectories, you have not followed the correct file path to your data - please review the previous step.
4.3. Verify that \storage contains subfolders.
You should see \childdata, containing one subfolder for each Child Key in the system.
If you don't see Child Key subfolders, your data may have been stored to a custom location. The procedures in this article will not move your data.
4.4. Verify that the subfolders contain .upl files.
Why? If the "move audio" function was ever used to separate the original audio from the derived files - out of space concerns or for client privacy protection - the procedures in this article will not pick up the .upl (audio) files for the move. You will need to locate the audio storage location and merge those folders into C:\ProgramData\LENA\storage\childdata after completing the instructions in this article.
4.5. Copy the entire LENA directory an accessible location.
- Right-click LENA folder/directory and select Copy.
- Paste the entire folder to a location accessible from the new computer (e.g., external hard drive, network location, etc.)
5. Prepare the new computer to receive the old data.
5.1. Download the software.
See here for download information.
5.2. Install LENA.
See here for installation instructions.
Do NOT add children or transfer any recorders to the new computer before copying in the old data, following the steps below.
5.3. Launch LENA.
When prompted to activate the software, click Continue. You'll activate later.
This step is essential. It creates an empty skeleton data directory for the application to work with, with the proper folder permissions.
You should see no children or groups listed in the Client Manager screen. If children are listed, contact [email protected]
5.4. Close LENA.
5.5. Navigate to this computer's new, empty LENA data directory.
C:\ProgramData\LENA
Note: If you don't see the directory, show hidden folders.
5.6. Delete all folders under C:\ProgramData\LENA in the skeleton directory.
Leave the topmost \LENA folder in place.
This is critical to ensuring your new installation functions correctly.
6. Copy LENA data to new computer.
6.1. Old data: Open the copy of the old computer's LENA data directory (now on the external hard drive or network location).
6.2. Old data: Copy everything under the topmost LENA directory.
6.3. New computer: Paste these copied folders into the now empty C:\ProgramData\LENA folder.
If you have a lot of data, this may take a while.
7. AFTER the data have copied in, launch LENA again.
- Check the Client Manager screen for your list of participants.
- Check the Report List view to see that audio is present for all children/recordings as expected. A pink check mark appears on the calendar icon for each recording file that has audio.
- If your audio was stored separately in the old installation through the "move audio" function, you will not see pink check marks until you merge the folders containing the UPL files with the contents of C:\ProgramData\LENA\storage\childdata.
8. Uninstall LENA from the old computer.
9. Delete the LENA data directory C:\ProgramData\LENA from the old computer.
10. Activate LENA on the new computer.
When your data are in place and you've verified that the new installation is working well with your recorders, follow normal activation procedures.