Knowledge Base

Problem

EthoVision XT fails to install (error during setup), or after a successful installation the software will not launch when clicking the desktop shortcut. Users may see extraction errors, installation failure messages, or a blank/error screen on launch.

Details

Common causes include: (1) Corrupted or incomplete download of the installer ZIP file. (2) Extraction path too long – Windows has a maximum path length that can cause extraction errors. (3) A broken desktop shortcut created during installation (known issue). (4) Conflicting software, antivirus, or security policies (e.g., institutional IT images) blocking the Sentinel/HASP driver installation. (5) Missing Visual C++ redistributable.

Solution

**Corrupted or incomplete download:**
1. Delete the downloaded ZIP file and download the EthoVision installer again, ensuring the download completes fully (the file is ~8 GB).
2. If the MyNoldus download fails or is slow, request a direct ShareFile download link from Noldus support.
3. Right-click the ZIP and select **Extract All**. If Windows reports the ZIP as invalid, try extracting with **7-Zip** instead.

**Path too long during extraction:**
1. Create a short folder directly on the C: drive, e.g., **C:\EV19**.
2. Move the ZIP file to that folder and extract it there. Use another short path for the extraction destination.

**Broken desktop shortcut:**
1. Delete the automatically created desktop shortcut.
2. Locate EthoVision in the Windows Programs list and create a new shortcut from there.

**Installation blocked by IT/security policies:**
1. Try re-imaging the PC without the institutional image to determine whether other software is blocking the Sentinel driver.
2. Contact your IT department; they may need to whitelist the Sentinel/HASP driver or run the installer with elevated privileges.
3. For HASP driver issues, reinstall HASP drivers separately.

**Missing C++ redistributable:** Have IT install the required Visual C++ runtime from Microsoft.