Knowledge Base

Problem

A user wants to use EthoVision XT on a secondary PC (e.g., in their personal lab) purely for post-acquisition analysis, without purchasing a full license. They are unsure whether this is possible and what the limitations are.

Details

Affects users who already have a licensed EthoVision system in a shared behavioral suite and want to perform analysis on a separate computer. EthoVision XT can be installed and run on any compatible Windows PC in 'Analysis-only Mode' (also called 'Unlicensed Mode') without an active license. In this mode, users can open experiment files, view tracking data, set up analysis profiles, and export results — but cannot run live acquisition or tracking. This is useful for reviewing data, configuring analysis, and exporting statistics.

Solution

1. Download the appropriate version of EthoVision XT from the MyNoldus portal (https://my.noldus.com). Installation files for current and past versions are available there.
2. Install EthoVision XT on the secondary PC following the standard installation procedure. Administrator rights may be required.
3. Launch EthoVision XT without activating a license. The software will open in Analysis-only (Unlicensed) Mode.
4. In Analysis-only Mode you can: open existing .evxt experiment files, review tracking results, configure and run analysis profiles, and export data to Excel or other formats.
5. You cannot perform live video acquisition, tracking, or trial recording in Analysis-only Mode — these require an active license.
6. To transfer experiment files to the secondary PC, copy the entire experiment folder (not just the .evxt file) to ensure all associated data is accessible.
7. If you require full acquisition capability on the secondary PC, contact your regional Noldus sales representative for licensing options. See also: 'Running EthoVision on Multiple Computers – Unlicensed Analysis Mode and License Type Selection'.