labview 6.1 and 2012 in same computer problem

[Ashes]

Hi, everyone.

I've been using Labview 6.1 for a while and it worked fine for me.

I recently installed Labview 2012 in the same computer and looks like the serial port functions are not working correctly. Every time I try to open a VISA communication example, labview freezes.

I'm guess it's because even if I can install two labview versions in a same computer, the drivers can only be installed once correct?

But I thought labview 6.1 and 2012 can share same VISA driver.

Is there any way I can solve this problem with both labview versions working properly?

Thanks in advanc.

[mikeporter]

The problem I can see is that while they both support VISA, the 6.1 version would probibly only work with a much older version than what would be installed woth 2012. It's sort of similar to the discussion that is going on in a different thread (except in that case it's about DAQ drivers). NI can't maintain backward compatability indefinately, at some point they have to cut the cord to keep move forward.

Mike...

[albertm]

I make builds with LabVIEW 8.2.1 and 2011 and both use serial ports.  I can't say that I've tried lots of scenarios but it seems to be working for me.  I had to leave out Compact Field Point support for LV 2011 because I could not get them both installed for separate LV versions and I only needed it for 8.2.1.

Albert

[Dennis_Knutson · Accepted solution]

The LabVIEW and VISA compatibility chart is here. As you can see, there is no version of NI-VISA that is compatible with both 2012 and your ancient 6.1. In fact, the chart doesn't show any LabvIEW version older than 7.1.1.

[Ashes]

Thanks. That's really helpful.

I got another question(might be silly).

Let's see if I have two applications built in both 6.1 and 2012 with visa functions, and they are both working fine.

Can I run them on a save computer installed both 6.1 and 2012 run time engine?

[nathand]

You will most likely still encounter the same problem.  The VISA drivers are a separate component, not part of the run-time, so both run-times will try to use the same VISA libraries unless the problem is specifically inside the VIs and not the library functions they call (which seems unlikely to me).

[Yamaeda]

The solution would be to have several windows installs or virtual computers. If you're running win7 pro you can install XP-mode and install LV6 in that one, or similar.

/Y