How Do I Upgrade a Single User version of WinLoG to WinLoG Version 6?

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How Do I Upgrade a Single User version of WinLoG to WinLoG Version 6?

How to upgrade a single user version of WinLoG to WinLoG Version 6 including backup, installation, and activation steps

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GaeaSynergy Version 6 represents the largest evolution of the platform since the introduction of integrated project management and GIS capabilities. Beyond performance improvements, Version 6 introduces enhanced security, improved project management tools, expanded data integration capabilities, user authentication, dashboards, and streamlined workflows designed for environmental, geotechnical, hydrogeological, mining, and geological professionals.

If your organization is currently using GaeaSynergy Version 4 or Version 5, upgrading to Version 6 is a straightforward process that preserves your existing investment in project data while providing access to a significantly more powerful platform.

Why Upgrade to Version 6?

Many organizations continue to rely on historical project databases containing years of valuable borehole, well, laboratory, and geotechnical information. Version 6 was specifically designed to allow these datasets to be migrated forward without requiring manual re-entry.

Benefits of upgrading include:

  • Modernized user interface
  • Centralized project dashboard
  • Enhanced GIS and mapping capabilities
  • Improved project management tools
  • Integrated task scheduling
  • Expanded data import and export options
  • Improved security and user management
  • Support for enterprise network deployments
  • Better integration with WinLoG RT and field data collection systems
  • Long-term platform support and future compatibility

Rather than maintaining separate legacy databases, organizations can consolidate historical and current projects into a single modern system.

Before You Begin

Before upgrading, it is recommended that you:

  1. Back up all existing GaeaSynergy databases.
  2. Back up custom templates and lithologic libraries.
  3. Verify the location of your Version 4 or Version 5 databases.
  4. Ensure all users have exited the application.
  5. For network installations, schedule downtime for the server upgrade.

Taking a few minutes to create backups provides an additional layer of protection and allows rollback if required.

Upgrading a Single User Installation

For single-user installations, upgrading is extremely simple.

If GaeaSynergy Version 4 or Version 5 is already installed on the computer, Version 6 includes a built-in upgrade utility. Simply launch the application and select:

Tools → Upgrade

The upgrade process automatically converts the existing data structure to the Version 6 format.

In most cases, users can continue working with their existing projects immediately after the upgrade is completed.

Upgrading a Network Installation

Network environments require a few additional steps.

While project and database upgrades are performed similarly to a standalone installation, Version 6 introduces updated network licensing requirements.

Before installing the Version 6 License Service:

  1. Uninstall the Version 4 or Version 5 License Service.
  2. Uninstall the Version 4 or Version 5 License Monitor.
  3. Install the Version 6 Network License Service.
  4. Install the Version 6 License Monitor.
  5. Enter the new Version 6 registration codes.

The Version 4 and Version 5 network services cannot operate simultaneously with the Version 6 services on the same server. New registration codes are required for Version 6 network licensing.

New Login and Security Features

One of the most significant changes in Version 6 is the introduction of mandatory user authentication.

All users must log in using assigned credentials. Each user is assigned:

  • Username
  • Password
  • User privilege level

Supported privilege levels include:

  • Administrator
  • Power User
  • Limited User
  • Guest

These permissions help organizations control access to projects, editing capabilities, imports, exports, and administrative functions.

For organizations working with regulatory, legal, or confidential client data, Version 6 also supports project-level security controls and password-protected projects.

Importing Projects from GaeaSynergy Version 5

Version 6 can import Version 5 projects either individually or in bulk.

Bulk Import

To import multiple projects:

File → Import → GaeaSynergy 5 Data → Project List

The Import Wizard guides users through:

Step 1: Select the Project Database

Locate the Version 5 project list database:

gaeasynergy.mdb

Typical local installation location:

C:\ProgramData\GAEA\GaeaSynergy5\Databases

Network users should browse to the shared database location.

Step 2: Select Projects

Choose individual projects or select all projects for migration.

Step 3: Resolve Project Number Conflicts

If a project number already exists in Version 6, the wizard allows you to:

  • Assign a new project number
  • Skip the conflicting project

This prevents accidental overwriting of existing data.

Step 4: Import Projects

After validation, selected projects are imported and added directly to the Version 6 project list.

Individual Project Import

Individual Version 5 projects can also be imported using:

File → Import → GaeaSynergy 5 Data → Project

Version 5 project databases typically follow the naming convention:

ProjectID_PN_ProjectName.mdb

The project ID must be unique within the Version 6 environment.

Importing Projects from GaeaSynergy Version 4

Organizations upgrading from Version 4 follow essentially the same workflow.

Importing Multiple Projects

Use:

File → Import → GaeaSynergy 4 Data → Project List

The wizard will:

  • Read the Version 4 project list database
  • Display available projects
  • Allow bulk selection
  • Resolve project number conflicts
  • Import projects into Version 6

The Version 4 project list database is typically stored in:

C:\ProgramData\GAEA\GaeaSynergy4\Databases

using the file:

gaeasynergy.mdb

Importing Individual Projects

To import a single Version 4 project:

File → Import → GaeaSynergy 4 Data → Project

Select the desired project database and complete the import wizard.

Migrating Templates and Lithologic Libraries

Many firms have invested years developing custom templates and lithologic libraries.

Fortunately, Version 6 supports importing:

  • Borehole log templates
  • Lithologic libraries
  • Supporting reference data

from both GaeaSynergy 4 and GaeaSynergy 5 installations.

This means your established logging standards, symbols, lithology definitions, and report layouts can continue to be used without rebuilding them from scratch.

What Happens to Existing Data?

Imported projects retain their existing information, including:

  • Project records
  • Boreholes and wells
  • Lithology intervals
  • Sample data
  • Water level measurements
  • Laboratory analyses
  • Geotechnical test results
  • Maps and spatial data
  • Cross-sections
  • Templates and associated project information

Version 6 is specifically designed to preserve historical datasets while allowing them to benefit from modern reporting, visualization, and management tools.

Taking Advantage of New Version 6 Features

After upgrading, organizations can immediately benefit from several capabilities not available in earlier versions.

Centralized Dashboard

The Version 6 dashboard provides:

  • Sortable project lists
  • Interactive project maps
  • Project activity summaries
  • Recent project tracking
  • Active task monitoring
  • Project manager workload views

This creates a centralized operational view of all projects in the system.

Enhanced GIS Integration

Version 6 includes:

  • Interactive basemaps
  • Web map services
  • Spatial project queries
  • Borehole spatial searches
  • Georeferencing tools
  • GIS exports

allowing users to manage subsurface data within a modern geospatial framework.

Improved Collaboration

For network users, Version 6 supports:

  • Centralized user administration
  • Role-based permissions
  • Project-level security
  • Network licensing
  • Integration with field data collection workflows

These features help organizations maintain data quality while supporting larger teams.

Recommended Upgrade Strategy

For organizations with large databases, the following approach is recommended:

  1. Install Version 6 in a test environment.
  2. Import a representative sample of projects.
  3. Verify templates, reports, and workflows.
  4. Import remaining projects.
  5. Configure users and permissions.
  6. Train staff on new Version 6 features.
  7. Transition production operations to Version 6.

This minimizes disruption while allowing teams to become familiar with the new functionality.

Final Thoughts

Upgrading from GaeaSynergy Version 4 or Version 5 to Version 6 is more than a software update—it is an opportunity to modernize data management, improve security, streamline workflows, and gain greater visibility into project information.

With built-in upgrade tools, direct project import capabilities, template migration support, and comprehensive backward compatibility, organizations can preserve decades of valuable geological, geotechnical, and environmental data while taking advantage of the latest capabilities available in GaeaSynergy Version 6.

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