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How Do I Use the Checksums File?

The checksums file is used to ensure a Paratext installer downloaded correctly and is not corrupted.

Note: Each version of Paratext has its own checksums file, so be sure to use the checksums file for the version you downloaded.

  1. Download and install this Checksums Utility.
  2. Download a Paratext installer:
    1. The latest ONline installer is here.
    2. The latest OFFline installer is here.
  3. Download the checksums file:
    1. Save it to the same directory as your Paratext install file.
    2. The latest checksums file is here.
  4. Double-click on the checksums file (for example: Checksums_for_9.2.102.1_Installers.md5).
  5. The checksums utility will open a window showing the status of your installer(s):
    checksums check

    1.  MATCH  means the file downloaded correctly and can be installed.
    2.  MISMATCH  means the file is corrupted and should be downloaded again.

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How Do I Install and Update the KTOT File

It will be a while before the most recent version of KTOT (Key Terms of the Old Testament) is integrated into Paratext updates. To update to the latest version you can use the following instructions:

  1. Download the KTOTSLD.p8z file.
  2. Close Paratext.
  3. If necessary, rename the downloaded file to KTOTSLD.p8z
  4. Move the file to your _Dictionaries folder in My Paratext 8 Projects or My Paratext 9 Projects.
    1. Replace any existing KTOTSLD file in the _Dictionaries folder
  5. Helpful Tip: Delete any old KTOT.p8z file (it is out of date):
    delete old KTOT file 2
  6. Open Paratext.
  7. Go to the Paratext menu > Open.
  8. Select Dictionaries:
    open ktot
  9. Choose Key Terms of the Old Testament (KTOTSLD).
    1. If you still have a version named KTOT, it is out of date and can be deleted. We are working to update the KTOT file in a future update to Paratext.

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Why can’t I see certain resources?

If you registered to use Paratext without joining an approved Bible translation organization, or are part of an organization that has limited access to resources, you may not be able to see certain resources (for example: ESV). If you join an approved organization or are approved to be an Independent translator, it is likely that you will have access to more resources.

To join an organization, or register as an Independent translator, follow the instructions here.

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How Do I Install and Update Paratext?

Install Paratext – Standard

The standard installer requires a good Internet connection: it will use the Internet to download any additional files not already installed on your computer.

To install on a different computer that is not connected to the Internet, please download the Offline installer and update below. It is larger and includes all the components that may be necessary to install Paratext offline.

  1. Download latest Paratext installer.
  2. Double-click the downloaded installer file (for example: Paratext_9.3.103.1_InstallerOnline.exe).
  3. Agree to the license terms and click Install.
    1. This step might take a few minutes if the installer needs to install system components on your computer.
  4. If a dialog appears and asks for your permission (or for administrator credentials) so the Installer can make changes to your computer:
    1. Click Yes and/or provide the credentials as required.
  5. When the Updating Fonts step appears:
    1. Choose to update fonts and click Next.
  6. When the Destination Folders step appears:
    1. Do not change the default unless you have a strong reason for doing so.
  7. Click Install.
  8. When the installation has completed click Finish and then Close.

Install Updates – Online

It is very important to install Paratext updates regularly. This ensures that you have the latest bug fixes, improvements, and features.

Reasons to install Paratext updates 2

You can allow Paratext to automatically update or check for updates manually.

Enable Automatic Updates

If you are connected to a good internet connection, Paratext can download the latest update file and prompt you to install it (unless Paratext internet usage is turned off).

  1. Click on the Paratext menu.
  2. Click the Expand arrow if necessary.
  3. Make sure Automatically update Paratext is selected:
    Enable Automatic Updates

Manually Check for Updates

If your internet is expensive or unreliable, you can wait to check for updates until you are connected to better internet.

  1. Click on the Paratext menu.
  2. Click the Expand arrow if necessary.
  3. Make sure Automatically update Paratext is UNselected:
    Disable Automatic Updates
  4. When you are connected to better internet, go to the Paratext menu > Help > Check for updates:
    Check for Updates
  5. If Paratext is up-to-date, you will see this message:
    Paratext is up to date

    1. Click OK.
  6. If an update is available, you will see this message:
    Update is available 1

    1. Click Start Download:
      Update is available 2
  7. Once the download is complete:
    Update Downloaded

    1. Click OK
    2. Restart Paratext
  8. Note: If you want to save the update file for future use (for example: to distribute to other users), it is available in this general location:
    Update patch file location

    1. Enter the username for the current machine: C:\Users\{UserName}\AppData\Local\Paratext93\ParatextUpdate.

Install Updates

  1. When prompted to install the latest update:
    paratext update notification

    1. Click OK.
  2. Send/Receive your project(s) in Paratext.
  3. Close Paratext.
  4. Open Paratext.
  5. When asked to install the update:
    paratext update installation confirmation

    1. Click Yes.
  6. If a dialog appears and asks for your permission (or for administrator credentials) so the Installer can make changes to your computer:
    1. Click Yes and/or provide the credentials as required.
  7. If you are asked if you want to reset all of your Paratext settings:
    reset settings dialogue box

    1. Click No (unless you need to reset your settings).

Install Resources

  1. To install resources from the Internet server, follow the steps in this video.

Install Paratext – Offline

  • Use the Offline installer if you have a poor internet connection (it is larger and includes all the files that may be necessary to install Paratext offline).
  • The offline files can also be used to install Paratext on multiple machines, and can be used with or without an Internet connection.
  • To install offline, you will need:
  1. Download the offline installer.
  2. If there is an update, download the latest update file.
  3. Double-click the downloaded installer file (for example: Paratext_9.3.103.1_InstallerOffline.exe).
  4. Agree to the license terms and click Install.
    1. This step might take a few minutes if the installer needs to install system components on your computer.
  5. If a dialog appears and asks for your permission (or for administrator credentials) so the Installer can make changes to your computer:
    1. Click Yes and/or provide the credentials as required.
  6. When the Updating Fonts step appears:
    1. Choose to update fonts and click Next.
  7. When the Destination Folders step appears:
    1. Do not change the default unless you have a strong reason for doing so.
  8. Click Install.
  9. When the installation has completed click Finish and then Close.
  10. Follow the instructions to do an offline update to Paratext.

Update Paratext – Offline

  1. Install the latest version of Paratext with the Offline installer (see above).
  2. If there is an update, download the latest update file.
  3. Make sure Paratext is closed.
  4. Double-click the downloaded update file (for example: patch_9.3.103.12.msp).
  5. Click Open.
  6. If a dialog appears and asks for your permission (or for administrator credentials) so the Installer can make changes to your computer:
    1. Click Yes and/or provide the credentials as required.
  7. Click Finish.

Install Resources – Offline

  1. To install resources without an Internet connection, follow the steps explained here.

Install Paratext Beta

To install a beta version of Paratext, follow the instructions above but with these files.

Paratext Beta – Standard Installation

Paratext Beta – Offline Installation

Install Older Versions of Paratext

  1. If you need to install an older version of Paratext, you can find instructions here.

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What Version of Paratext Do I Have Installed?

Main Version

The version of Paratext is shown in the upper-left corner of the Paratext window:

Paratext 9 (and higher)

paratext 9 version number

Paratext 8

paratext 8 version number

Minor Version

You can also find the specific/minor version of Paratext that you have installed:

Paratext 9

  1. Go to the Paratext menu > About Paratext:

paratext 9 specific version

Paratext 8

  1. Go to the Help menu > About Paratext:

paratext 8 specific version

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Can I Install Paratext on a Mac?

There is no Mac OS version of Paratext, but there are a variety of ways to create a Windows or Linux virtual machine. Paratext for Windows or for Linux can then be installed on that machine.

Please note that a virtual machine is treated just like any physical machine: you will need to purchase a Windows license from Microsoft in order to activate Windows in the virtual machine.

Run Paratext in a Virtual Machine

Newer Mac Computers (with Apple M Silicon Processors)

VMWare (free for non-commercial use) and Parallels Desktop for Mac (for purchase) both provide high-quality integration with Mac OS and Windows 11 Arm.

*VMWare note: Register for a free account and request a download of VMWare Fusion Player (13 or higher).

Important Notes

  • Windows 11 Arm is required for the new Apple M chips like M1 or M2 (Windows 10 Arm is no longer supported).
  • Windows 11 Arm may have difficulty running other Windows software.
  • VirtualBox and Boot Camp do NOT run on Apple M Silicon processors.

Older Mac Computers (with Intel Processors)

  • Both Parallels and VMWare can be used on older Mac computers with Intel processors.

Other Free Solutions

  • VirtualBox (Intel Macs) is also free and used by many people, but it can be more complicated to setup.
  • Apple Bootcamp (Intel Macs) enables you to configure your Mac to boot into either Mac OS or Windows.
    • With Bootcamp, you can run Mac OS or Windows, but not both at the same time. You need to reboot to switch between Mac OS and Windows.
    • You could possibly install Linux instead of Windows as your second OS but this probably requires some research and technical skill.

Troubleshooting

If you have difficulties with setting up a virtual machine, look for the support options or information on the virtual machine tool you are using. Chances are your issue is a general virtual machine issue rather than an issue specific to Paratext. If needed, you can  submit an issue about running Paratext in a virtual machine to the Paratext support site (registration required).

Other Issues

There are programs like Crossover Mac or WineHQ that offer the ability to run certain Windows programs on a Mac without setting up a full virtual machine. We have not found any of these that will make Paratext work.

Technical reason: Paratext depends upon Microsoft .NET, which these programs don’t run well.

 

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How do I send installation log files to Paratext support?

  1. Open a Run window:
    1. Press Windows + R
    2. OR Right-click on the Start Menu, then click Run
  2. Copy/paste this into the Run window: %localappdata%\Temp
    Windows Run window - local app data temp shortcut
  3. Click OK
  4. Email the 2 most recent Paratext installation log files to Paratext support. The file names look like this:
    1. Paratext_9.3__20210413134819.log
    2. Paratext_9.3__20210413134819_000_PtMsiPack.log
  5. Note: If there are multiple log files, please email us only the most recent ones:
    most recent log files 9 3

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How do I find and enter my Paratext Registration Name or Registration Code?

Find Your Existing Registration Code

Copy/Paste Registration Code from Paratext

You can copy/paste your existing code from Paratext:

  1. Paratext 9: Go to the Paratext menu > Help > Registration Information.
    1. Paratext 8: Go to Tools > Registration Information.
  2. Your Registration Code should look similar to this: W9GYM2-CUK4ET-7RPVGV-JWEPG6-WBTE8P:
    paratext registration code

Find Registration Code in an Email

  1. You could also search for an email with your Registration Code:
    1. From: admin [at] paratext.org
    2. Subject: “Your registration code for Paratext”

Enter Registration Code in Paratext

  1. If you are opening Paratext for the first time:
    1. Paste the Registration information in the Registration Information window that appears.
  2. If you reset your code: copy/paste your Registration Code in this location:
    1. Paratext 9: Go to the Paratext menu > Help > Registration Information.
    2. Paratext 8: Go to Tools > Registration Information.

Video: How to Enter Registration Code

The video below (starting at 4:48) describes how to enter your registration information and registration code in Paratext.

To get started with Paratext for FREE, register here.

Reset your Registration Code

If you cannot find your registration code, you can reset it with these instructions: I lost my registration code.

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What do I do if an automatic Paratext update fails?

Sometimes Paratext downloads an update automatically, but the update fails. If that is the case, try these steps:

Run the update manually

  1. Restart your computer.
  2. Open the Run window:
    1. Press Windows + R
    2. OR Right-click on the Start Menu, then click Run
  3. Copy/paste this into the Run window: %localappdata%
    Local app data shortcut in the Windows Run window
  4. Press OK
  5. Open the Paratext 9x folder for the version of Paratext you have. For example:
    1. Open Paratext90 if you have Paratext 9.0
    2. Open Paratext91 if you have Paratext 9.1
  6. Open the ParatextUpdate folder
  7. Run the install or update file there. For example:
    1. Paratext_9.1.104.1_InstallerOnline.exe
      OR
    2. patch_9.1.104.87.msp

Try a newly downloaded update file

If the update still fails, try to download the update file again:

  1. Go to https://paratext.org/download
  2. Download the version of the installer or the patch that you were using above, EXCEPT:
    1. If you had the InstallerONline before, download the InstallerOFFline file instead. For example: “Paratext 9 1 104 1 InstallerOffline”
  3. After downloading the file, restart your computer.
  4. Run the downloaded file.