Mathcad and Mathcad Prime

Vendor: PTC.

Supported Operating Systems:  Windows only

General Description: Engineering math calculations. A major upgrade was made from Mathcad version 15 to the current Mathcad Prime. To convert Mathcad 15 files to Prime format, you must have both products installed.

Availability: The product is installed in all IT-managed Windows computer labs.

Scope of License:

  • Campus-wide license for instruction and academic research.
  • The product can be downloaded and installed on personal computers owned by students, faculty or staff.  A connection to the Colorado School of Mines network environment is required.

Method for Obtaining:

Important: Before installing Mathcad, please read all instructions carefully. You must configure an environmental variable to connect to Mines' license servers.

Step 1: Set the Environmental Variable

  1. Open the Start menu, right click Computer, and select Properties.
  2. Select Advanced system settings.
  3. Select Environmental Variables.
  4. Under System variables, click New and enter:
    1. Variable name: PTC_D_LICENSE_FILE 
    2. Variable value: 7789@enable.mines.edu;7789@entitle.mines.edu;7789@entrust.mines.edu
  5. Click OK to save.

Step 2: Install Mathcad 15:

You will need to have administrative rights on your computer, and you must be connected to the Mines network either directly or via VPN.

  1. Visit the Mines software download site (you will need to be logged into my.mines.edu with your full Mines email and password in order to access the software download site).
  2. Navigate to the Mathcad download page and download the zip file. 
  3. If prompted, install MS XML Core Services 4.0. Follow the directions and then download and run the file msxml.msi.
  4. During installation:
    1. Select Mathcad, not License Server.
    2. Choose FLEXnet Server/License File. 
    3. Select Triad, and insert the three license servers (note that we use a port number different from the default):
      1. enable.mines.edu Port 7789
      2. entitle.mines.edu Port 7789
      3. entrust.mines.edu Port 7789

Step 3: Install Mathcad Prime:

You will need to have administrative rights on your computer, and you must be connected to the Mines network either directly or via VPN.

  1. Navigate to the Mines software download site (you will need to be logged into my.mines.edu with your full Mines email and password in order to access the software download site).
  2. Navigate to the Mathcad download page and select the product Mathcad Prime 5.0
  3. Download the zip file, extract all and run setup.exe.
  4. After you finish the installation:
    1. Launch Prime 5.0.
    2. Select Configure product to use existing license.
    3. Select Server and enter 
      1. license.mines.edu and port 7789 (note that we use a port number different from the default)

In case of difficulties with installation:  Contact IT via the IT Service Desk. We want the program to be properly installed, licensed and functioning.


Print Article