UKDMAP for Microsoft Windows

Introduction

Although the UKDMAP software will run under 64 bit Windows, the original setup software will not. Therefore, in order to allow the UKDMAP to extend its useful life, the original installation software has been replaced. This installation method allows for its use on Microsoft Windows 32 and 64 bit systems.

Please note that the UKDMAP system itself remains deprecated due to its age and the content has not been refreshed.

Guide to the replacement setup software

Please read through the whole of this guide prior to starting and decide on the appropriate action. You will need to make decisions about the location for the UKDMAP software and whether you wish the source data to be read from the CDROM or from your hard disk.

The installation update consists of a ZIP file which contains all the required files. These are:

Please note: Microsoft ceased installing their legacy WinHelp32.exe application in Windows Vista and later. To allow the help to function within the UKDMAP application you will need to download and install this – see http://support.microsoft.com/kb/917607

Alternatively, please find help in the user guide which can be viewed independently.

Unzip the UKDMAP installation software

  1. Create a location for the software. We would suggest the location to be C:\Program Files (x86)\BODC\UKDMAPV3 — Note: longer directory names may cause the UKDMAP to fail.
  2. Unzip the installation ZIP file to this location.

Updating the Windows Registry

The primary reason for the original setup software was to update theWindows Registry. This now needs to be done manually by carrying out two simple steps as described below. If you are not, however, comfortable in undertaking these steps might we suggest that you ask your computer services department for assistance.

The steps include:

  1. Check the contents of the Ukdmap.reg file and edit as required — more information is provided below.
  2. Double click on the (edited) Ukdmap.reg file — This will enable the regedit software (which is always part of Windows) to make the installation.

You should now be in a position to run the UKDMAP software from your installation location.

Contents of the Ukdmap.reg file

The content of the file is illustrated below. The line starting 'CDROM' allows you to customise where the source data files are read from. As previously mentioned you can opt to use the CDROM as the data source or copy its contents to your hard disk.

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\British Oceanographic Data Centre\Ukdmap\Files]
"CDROM"="D:\\UKDMAPV3"
"Data List"="CDROM:\\MISC\\MAINMENU.DAT"

Using the CDROM as the data source

Establish the CD drive letter for your computer. If the letter is 'D:' then no edit is required. To change the drive identifier use a text editor (Notepad or Wordpad are fine) to edit the Ukdmap.reg file. For example, to change to the E: drive edit the 'CDROM' line to become

"CDROM"="E:\\UKDMAPV3"

Using a hard disk as the data source

Simply copy the files from the UKDMAPV3 directory of the CDROM to your chosen location for the installation and edit the 'CDROM' line to become, for example:

"CDROM"="C:\\Program Files (x86)\\BODC\\UKDMAPV3"