1 Overview
2 Software Overview
3 Software Management
- 3.1 Licensing Overview
- 3.2 License / Account Creation
- 3.3 Deprovisioning
- 3.4 Software Packaging
- 3.5 Windows Deployment Details
- 3.6 User Experience
- 3.7 Prerequisites / Dependencies
- 3.8 Patching
4 Troubleshooting
- 4.1 Common Issues
- 4.2 Error Messages
- 4.3 Known Workarounds
- 4.4 Escalation Path
- 4.5 Log File Locations

Overview

Article Owner: Scott Gallagher

Purpose: Document the operational use, licensing, deployment, and support model for BioTek Gen5 software used with lab instruments.

Audience: ENV IT, Lab Managers, Faculty, Student Techs (read-only), Central IT as needed

Software Overview

This section provides information about the software.

Software Name: Agilent BioTek Gen5

Latest Request: Migration from legacy Windows Vista system to Windows 11 lab workstation (ES 328 / ES 331)
- Version: Gen5 1.08
- Import Date: February 2026
- End-of-Life Date: Already depreciated, but still functional
Purpose: Instrument control, data acquisition, analysis, and project management for BioTek plate readers and related lab equipment.
Owning Department: ESCI
Software Administrator: CENV IT
Subject Matter Experts: Ruth Sofield
Vendor contact: Agilent BioTek Support | kaitlyn.cometa@non.agilent.com
Management System: Manual
Software Scope: Instrument-attached lab workstation
OS Type: Windows
CPU Architecture Support: x64

Software Management

Licensing Overview

Contracts Reviewed/Accepted: Vendor license agreement accepted during installation/registration
License Type: Node-Locked
License Quantity: 5 Seats
License Expiration: Perpetual

License / Account Creation

Licensing is performed locally on the instrument workstation using product serial, site key, and software password generated via vendor registration portal. Activation requires local admin rights at time of registration.

Deprovisioning

Deactivate or retire license from the workstation when hardware is decommissioned or replaced (if supported by vendor tooling).
Archive C:\BioTek\Gen5 project and configuration data prior to device retirement.
Document product key and migration steps for future hardware refreshes.

Software Packaging

Software Download Link: N/A without upgrade. Ruth Sofield has the CD and license Key

Windows Deployment Details

Install Command: N/A

Uninstall Command: N/A

Detection Method: N/A
Does new version uninstall old version? N/A

User Experience

Installation Behavior: Performed by IT

Logon Requirement: Standard User can run application after installation and registration

Installation Visibility: Interactive

Maximum Allowed Run Time (min): N/A

Estimated Installation Time (min): 5 minutes

Prerequisites / Dependencies

Instrument drivers (Installed by Windows 11)
USB/serial device support
Local admin rights for installation and license registration

Patching

No updated patching process without purchasing new instrument and software

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Application prompts for admin at launch if “Run as administrator” is left enabled after registration.
Instrument connection issues when USB/serial drivers are missing or incorrect.
License not recognized if registration was performed under incorrect context.

Error Messages

UAC prompts at launch
License/registration errors if software password is not correctly applied

Known Workarounds

Register software as admin, then remove “Run as administrator” flag to allow standard user operation.
Replicate configuration by migrating C:\BioTek\Gen5 directory from legacy system.
Use USB connection instead of serial-to-USB when supported by instrument.

Escalation Path

CENV IT
Lab SME (instrument owner / primary user)
Agilent BioTek Support

Log File Locations

C:\BioTek\Gen5\
C:\ProgramData\BioTek\ (if present, version-dependent)