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Trial

Is a trial version of the ConQuest software available?

Yes. To help you evaluate ACER’s ConQuest, trial versions are available for Windows and for Mac. The trial versions offer the same features and functions as their respective standard versions. Note, the Mac version is console only – no GUI is available. Technical support for the trial versions is limited to help on the range of functions. The trial can easily be converted to a standard version without needing to reinstall the software. The trial period begins when you install the software and continues for 30 days. After the trial period, you must purchase a licence to continue using the software.

How do I get a trial version?

The installer and trial versions for both Windows and Mac are available via the ACER Online Shop.

How do I install my trial version?

For Windows, when your download completes, open your downloads folder and double click on the ConQuest installer.

For Mac, when your download completes, open your downloads folder and double click on the ConQuest.dmg file to mount the disk image. Drag the ConQuest folder to your Applications folder or follow the instructions in the Readme.txt included in the disk image.

Where can I get a licence key for my trial?

You do not need a licence key to trial ConQuest. To start the trial, launch your software and run the install wizard.

How do I convert my trial to the full version of the software?

Visit the ACER Online Shop to purchase a licence key (standard, student, multiple, instructor and extended licences are available). An email will be sent to you with a licence key.

Are there resources available to help me evaluate the trial software?

Yes. The ConQuest installer/trial pages available via our ACER shop contain a ConQuest manual, command references, tutorials and notes. Technical support is also available on the range of software functions.

Can I get technical support or help for my trial version?

Technical support is available for trial versions of ConQuest. However, for the trial versions, support is limited to help on the range of functions.

For technical support, please email conquest@acer.org.

How do I uninstall my trial software?

For Windows, to uninstall your trial version, open the Control Panel and double click on Add or Remove Programs. Select ACER ConQuest, click Remove and then follow the onscreen instructions.

For Mac, to uninstall your trial version, drag the ConQuest folder from your Applications folder to the Trash.

I didn’t have a chance to use my trial copy during the 30-day period, can I have a second trial?

No. Trials are limited to one per person. To continue using the software, visit the ACER Online Shop and purchase a licence. (You can reinstall the installation software at any point, but if you have already completed a 30-day trial, full use will require a licence key.)

Is ConQuest available for use on Macs?

ACER ConQuest can be used on Macs natively. A command line ConQuest for Mac version is now available. The GUI version of ConQuest can be used on Macs running Windows (for example, as a virtual machine, through Boot Camp, etc).

Standard licences

What is the difference between the student licence and the standard licence of ConQuest?

The student version and the standard version of the ConQuest offer the same functionality and technical support. Both versions can be used with sample sizes up to 3000 participants. Full-time or part-time students of accredited educational institutions can purchase an ACER ConQuest licence at a reduced price.

What is the difference between the standard version and the extended version of ConQuest?

Standard ConQuest licences can be used with sample sizes up to 3000 participants and a maximum of 100 items. These licences are not time limited. Extended ConQuest licences are available by request. They last for one year and can be used with sample sizes up to 1 billion participants or limited by computer memory, whichever is lower, and a maximum of 10 000 items. A new application must be made to ACER for further extensions to the extended licence. Full technical support is available for both the standard and extended ConQuest licences.

Can I get technical support or help for my licensed version?

Technical support is available for licensed versions of ConQuest. Please email conquest@acer.org.

I purchased an earlier version of ACER ConQuest. How can I upgrade to the latest ACER ConQuest ?

To install the latest version of ConQuest, please download either the Windows or Mac installer from the ACER Online Shop.

Once you have installed the software:

  • You will be able to use your existing licence key if you are reinstalling in the same year as you purchased the key.
  • If you have lost your key, you will need to email us at sales@acer.org and advise us. Please include as much information about your original purchase as possible.
  • You will also need to email us at sales@acer.org to obtain a new key if you are reinstalling in a year other than which you purchased your original key. Please include your old licence key in your email.

My computer died and/or I’ve upgraded my computer. How can I reinstall ACER ConQuest on my new computer?

To reinstall ConQuest, please download either the Windows or Mac installer from the ACER Online Shop. Follow the instructions listed under the previous question in relation to existing and missing licence keys.

Legacy software

Are older version of ConQuest available?

Only the latest version of ACER ConQuest is available from the Shop.

For those interested in the history of software development at ACER, the legacy software, Quest 2.1 (1996) is available for download as is.

Common errors when operating ConQuest

Why do I get the message “Error opening this file: [name of the file]. This file may not be located in your working directory (path of the working directory)”?

This error can occur for a number of different reasons.

  • Your file is not located in ConQuest working directory.

ConQuest expects that files to which you refer in a command file are located in the working directory. To use a file not located in the working directory you have to specify its path in the format used by the host operating system.

By default, the working directory is the folder where your ConQuest software is installed. To see the path of your working directory, look at the bottom right corner of your ConQuest GUI window (“The working directory is:”), or type “directory;” in the input GUI window or the console window. If your file is located in the working directory, you can read it by typing only the name of the file, including its extension.

For example:
datafile mydata.dat;

If your file is located in another folder, you will need to specify the path in the format used by the host operating system.

For example:
c:\math\mydata.dat;
\math\mydata.dat;

If you open a command file (ie a .cqc file) in the ConQuest GUI input window using the ‘File→Open’ menu, the working directory will be automatically assigned to the folder where that command file is located. Files referred to in this command file are expected to be in the newly assigned working directory folder.

  • Your file has an incorrect format.

ConQuest is not able to read the file you specified because it does not recognise the format. Make sure your file is compatible with the file formats ConQuest is able to read.

  • Your file is open and locked by another program.

If your file is open in another program for edition (eg word, excel, notepad), it may be locked for use in that program and, therefore, ConQuest cannot have access to it. To solve the problem you need to close the file.