How to move WinWedge or WinWedge Pro to a new PC

You can move WinWedge or WinWedge Pro to a new PC and test your existing setup before paying for a transfer or upgrade.

If WinWedge shows trial mode after a restore, email sales@taltech.com with its Install ID from Help > About and any license details you have. Sales will check the license status before advising whether a transfer is needed.

The WinWedge transfer fee is generally 50% of the equivalent new license’s per-PC list price. There are no subscription or annual fees. See the software license agreement.

Step 1: Save your files and settings

These files help you reuse your setup on the new PC. Use existing backups or copy them from the old PC if it is still available:

Your WinWedge configuration files (.SW3). These files store your device connection settings and the rules for formatting and sending data. If you use multiple instruments, you may have a separate .SW3 file for each. Search for *.SW3 if you cannot find them.
Your DDE macros, Excel workbooks, Access databases, and log files.

Record your WinWedge version and Install ID (5 or 6 digits) from Help > About. For older versions without an Install ID, record the software serial number instead (not your PC or instrument serial).

If you use automatic startup, note how it launches WinWedge on the old PC (for example, a Startup-folder shortcut or scheduled task). You can recreate it on the new PC.

Step 2: Install the free trial

If you haven’t already, download and install the latest WinWedge or WinWedge Pro trial on the new PC. This creates the new PC’s Install ID.
For the first launch, right-click the WinWedge icon and select Run as administrator.

The trial has full functionality for 30 days, with a 20-minute limit per session. If you prefer, arrange your transfer or upgrade in Step 4 before testing your setup in Step 3.

Step 3: Restore and test your setup

Copy any files you still need from your backups to the new PC. To load your saved settings, open your .SW3 configuration file in WinWedge.
If Windows assigned a different COM port, update it under Port > Settings and save the configuration file.
Update any changed file paths in your DDE setup.
Confirm that data reaches Excel or your other applications as it did on the old PC.
If needed, restore automatic startup on the new PC.

If you have no .SW3 file or need help finding your device’s COM port, see the WinWedge Quick Start Guide. Free technical support is available during the trial.

Step 4: Arrange your transfer or upgrade

You can arrange the transfer before the new PC is ready.

Email sales@taltech.com with your company name, product, and version if known.
To help Sales find your existing license, include whichever details you have:
- The old PC’s Install ID from Help > About (5 or 6 digits). It may be labeled “Unique ID” or appear when you double-click the large graphic. Older versions have no Install ID.
- A software serial or license number, an order or invoice number, or the email registered to your license or key generator dashboard. These help if the old Install ID is missing or cannot be matched to our records.
If the old PC or license details are unavailable, send what you have.

If the trial is already installed on the new PC, also include the new PC’s Install ID from Help > About so Sales can generate your Activation Key.
Review the quote from Sales and arrange payment by credit card or company purchase order.

Step 5: Unlock the trial

Sales provides your Activation Key in one of two ways:

By email: If you’ve already supplied the new PC’s Install ID, Sales can generate its Activation Key and email it to you.
Through your dashboard: Sales adds replacement activations so you can generate keys when you’re ready. Open the key generator link from Sales and submit each new PC’s Install ID from Help > About to get its Activation Key.

Once you have the Activation Key for the new PC, enter it in WinWedge:

Run WinWedge as administrator so it can save the license information for all Windows users on the PC.
Enter the Activation Key (letters) in the software’s Activation Key field. Do not enter the Install ID (numbers).
Restart WinWedge to convert the trial to the licensed version.

Step 6: Remove the old copy

Once WinWedge is licensed and working on the new PC, uninstall it from the old PC if you can still access it.

Help with your move

For transfers, quotes, or Activation Keys, contact sales@taltech.com or 800-722-6004.

For help connecting devices or restoring your setup, contact support@taltech.com or 215-496-0222 (9 am to 5 pm Eastern). Technical support is free, including during the trial.

Frequently asked questions

Why is WinWedge showing trial mode after a restore?

A restore can affect the Install ID or the saved license information. Email sales@taltech.com with the current Install ID from Help > About and any license details you have. Sales will check the license status before advising whether a transfer is needed.

Can I transfer my WinWedge license to a new computer?

Yes. Contact sales@taltech.com for a transfer quote and instructions for unlocking the trial. You can test the free trial with your existing configuration files before buying.

Can I test WinWedge on my new PC before I pay for the transfer?

Yes. The trial has full functionality, so you can test your devices and .SW3 configuration files before buying. Unlocking the trial keeps the same installation and settings. Free technical support is available during the trial.

How long does the WinWedge trial last?

The trial runs for 30 days, with each session limited to 20 minutes. Arrange your transfer or upgrade before the trial expires.

Is there a fee to move WinWedge to a new PC?

Yes. The one-time WinWedge transfer fee is generally 50% of the equivalent new license’s per-PC list price. There are no subscription or annual fees. Contact sales@taltech.com for an exact quote.

Does WinWedge work on Windows 11?

Yes. The latest WinWedge and WinWedge Pro versions support Windows 11. You can download the free trial to test your setup.

My old PC has died. Can I still move WinWedge?

Yes. Send sales@taltech.com whatever license details you have. Restore your .SW3 files from backups, or recreate your setup using the WinWedge Quick Start Guide. Technical support can help if needed.

Where do I find my serial number or Install ID?

Find each PC’s Install ID under Help > About. It is a 5 or 6 digit number and may be labeled “Unique ID” or appear when you double-click the large graphic.

Older versions show a software serial number instead of an Install ID. Check Help > About or your original order or invoice. WinWedge serial numbers may start with WS, WP, or T. Use the software serial, not your PC or instrument’s serial number.

I have an old CD version of WinWedge. Can I move it to a new PC?

Yes. To use the latest version, install the free trial, test your configuration files, and contact sales@taltech.com for an upgrade quote.

If you want to keep your old version, you need your original CD or installer files. TALtech does not supply older installers.

Do I need to reconfigure WinWedge for my scale, balance or other serial device when I move to a new PC?

Usually not. Open your existing .SW3 configuration file and update the COM port in Port > Settings if Windows assigned a different number. The other serial settings stay the same when you use the same device.

Does this work for WinWedge Pro?

Yes. These steps apply to both WinWedge and WinWedge Pro, and .SW3 configuration files work with both.

Who do I contact for help?