Modelsim doesn't load on Windows XP

[Altera_Forum]

I'm trying to get Modelsim 10.1b (Starter/free edition) running on my PC. I'm running on a clean installation of Windows XP SP3. When I click on Modelsim, the splash screen appears for several seconds and then disappears and the application never loads. Quartus, on the other hand, loads and runs fine on the same computer. 

 Any suggestions? I can provide more information if requested.

[Altera_Forum]

It should work fine. Try starting a NIOS II IDE shell (its an option from the start menu) and then type vsim (which is the command-line name for Modelsim). 

 You might get an error message that will help determine what is wrong.  I just installed Quartus 12.1sp1 (including Modelsim-ASE) under Windows XP and it works fine.  Cheers, Dave

[Altera_Forum]

+1 for the help with the diagnosis. The error is a licensing error (see attached); I thought Modelsim Starter did not require a license? I have another computer running Windows 7 and Modelsim that works fine, and I don't remember needing a license for that installation.

[Altera_Forum]

Hmm, type "which vsim" on the command line. 

 It should be to a path that includes modelsim_ase, eg., something like   ...altera/12.1sp1/modelsim_ase/win32aloem/vsim  I'm wondering if you accidentally installed the Altera Edition, rather than Altera Starter Edition ...  Try the command "vsim -version" too, perhaps that'll provide the version even without the license file being valid.  Cheers, Dave

[Altera_Forum]

I wondered the same thing, but it appears I do have the correct version installed (see attachment). 

 The only other advice I have found so far is that I may need to install the software as Administrator -- though my normal account is an administrator account. I might try that if I can't get it to work otherwise.

[Altera_Forum]

That is strange. I've recently installed 12.1sp1 under both Windows XP, Windows 7, and Centos, and had no problems. 

 Which installation method did you use; DVD .iso, the Altera installer, or the individual files?  I always use the individual files ... but it shouldn't make any difference.  Do you have LM_LICENSE_FILE or MGLS_LICENSE_FILE set? Perhaps there is a weird conflict with another tool on your machine.  Cheers, Dave

[Altera_Forum]

--- Quote Start ---  I'm trying to get Modelsim 10.1b (Starter/free edition) running on my PC. I'm running on a clean installation of Windows XP SP3. When I click on Modelsim, the splash screen appears for several seconds and then disappears and the application never loads. Quartus, on the other hand, loads and runs fine on the same computer.  Any suggestions? I can provide more information if requested.  --- Quote End ---    I am facing this same issue. Things I've tried: 1.) Used a fresh XP-SP2 install, with/without internet connectivity thinking there may possibly be some hidden registration problem. Same result (failure to obtain a license) 2.) Tried 12.0, 12.1 & 13.0. All failed via same "license failures". 3.) Went to Windows7-64bit. Quartus & Modelsim work correctly. Unfortunately I need XP-32bit due to ByteBlaster compatibility.  After +12 hours, I'm frustrated. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[Altera_Forum]

The most obvious thing I would recommend reconfirming is that you have been installing "Altera Starter Edition", not "Altera Edition". 

 I have Modelsim-ASE installed on WinXP on several machines and have not seen this type of issue.  I also have several versions of Quartus and Modelsim-ASE installed in virtual machines.  Perhaps you can try installing VirtualBox, install WinXP, and then install Modelsim-ASE.  You could also file a Service Request directly with Altera and perhaps they might have some other debug suggestions.  Cheers, Dave

[Altera_Forum]

--- Quote Start ---  The most obvious thing I would recommend reconfirming is that you have been installing "Altera Starter Edition", not "Altera Edition".  I have Modelsim-ASE installed on WinXP on several machines and have not seen this type of issue.  I also have several versions of Quartus and Modelsim-ASE installed in virtual machines.  Perhaps you can try installing VirtualBox, install WinXP, and then install Modelsim-ASE.  You could also file a Service Request directly with Altera and perhaps they might have some other debug suggestions.  Cheers, Dave  --- Quote End ---    Dave, Thanks for getting back. I've confirmed the most obvious things (see included screen shots), and tried a multitude of other combinations. Installing as Administrator made no difference. I've tried the 12.1SP1 variant and several other builds with and without various service pack inclusions. Always done on a fresh install of XP-SP2 (and SP3). All with the same negative result. I've tried it on a completely different PC (AMD vs Intel). Ditto.  I tried to post a service request - but had no luck... I need to get in touch with someone that knows the internals.  Thanks again.