NVivo installation prompt appears when creating an observation in Observer XT
Last updated: Oct 29, 2026
Problem
When attempting to create a new observation or analyze a video in Observer XT, the software triggers a prompt to install NVivo 15, blocking normal workflow.
Details
Occurs when NVivo 15 is installed on the same machine as Observer XT. Observer XT may attempt to invoke NVivo as a file handler for certain file types during project or video operations. Reported on university-managed computers where NVivo installation may be restricted.
Solution
1. Uninstall NVivo 15 from the computer (via Windows Settings > Apps or Control Panel > Programs and Features).
2. Restart the computer.
3. Reopen Observer XT and attempt to create the observation again — the NVivo prompt should no longer appear.
4. If the video still does not load correctly after removing NVivo, convert the video file to a compatible format (e.g., MP4 with H.264 encoding) before importing it into Observer XT.