Thanks for the reply and the explanation. I thought the download explanation might be the case but I wondered just what would happen when I was not connected to the internet. That happens once in while but I never remember to notice how the startup process changes in that situation. Just to complete the sequence I am running 'Design Expert 2013', 'Geomagic Design Version:[ PRODUCTVERSION 15,0,0,15072 ] 64-bit'.
I started with about version 4 or 5 and use to update whenever new versions came out. But then the transition from Albre to Geomagic occurred and the new version did not seem to contain anything I recognized as useful so I just keep using the version I had installed. I use the program often, not every day but typically in 1 or 2 month long daily bursts perhaps twice year. I am very worried that when I upgrade Windows or the computer I may lose access to the program. I tend to use most of the programs features but not any of the extra cost options. As such I'm hesitant to move to some other product, i.e. freeware, as I fear the learning curve might exceed my life expectancy.
Tom
