Installing GSAS-II on Windows with Anaconda

You will need to know if you are running 32- or 64-bit Windows (click here ​if you are not sure). Note that if you have 64-bit windows, you will likely find it easier to use ​this installer.

1. Download the appropriate 64- or 32-bit Anaconda package from ​Continuum Analytics, Inc. download page. Important: make sure to use the Python 2.7 installer and to select the appropriate version, 32- or 64-bit, for your computer. (There is no cost for this, but Continuum will ask for your e-mail address.)

You will download a file such as "Anaconda2-x.x.x-Windows-x86.exe" (32-bit) or "Anaconda2-x.x.x-Windows-x86_64.exe (64-bit). (If you downloaded Anaconda3-... you have downloaded the wrong file.) If needed, click on the file you downloaded to run the installer. The following steps are then needed:

1. Accept the copyright (end-user) agreement
2. Install for "Just me" (there have been occasional problems reported with "All users")
3. Make a note of the installation location
4. Suggestion: leave "Add Anaconda to your path" and "Register Anaconda" unchecked, unless you plan to develop your own Python code.
5. It then takes a few minutes to install Python.
6. Once the software is installed, it is OK to un-check the boxes on the final "Thank you" screen.

2. Once Anaconda is installed, in the Windows Apps or "All Programs" menu, find the Anaconda2 menu and select "Anaconda Command Prompt" menu item. This will open a cmd (DOS) window. In that window type the following commands:

conda install wxpython

conda install svn

conda install pyopengl

After each command you will need to type "y" at the "Proceed?" prompt.

3. Create a directory for GSAS-II and download the install script

In the Anaconda Command Prompt cmd (DOS) window, type the following command:

mkdir GSASII

Download the install script from this ​link: ​https://subversion.xray.aps.anl.gov/trac/pyGSAS/browser/install/bootstrap.py?format=txt

Use your web browser to save this file into the GSASII directory you created above.

Run this file inside Python with this command:

python GSASII\bootstrap.py

This will cause a questions to be asked about a web proxy see below. Most people will not need a proxy, so the usual response is to simply press Return

python \Users\<me>\Desktop\GSASII\bootstrap.py

in a "All Programs"/Anaconda/"Anaconda Command Prompt" window.

This script will check to see that the Python packages needed to run GSAS-II are installed and that the subversion program needed to install and update from the Internet (included in the .zip file) is present. It then asks for a proxy address (see screen image​).

After the script completes, a file named RunGSASII.bat is created with the locations of GSAS-II and Python hardcoded. You should have a shortcut to start GSAS-II on your desktop linked to that .bat file (see screen image​). GSAS-II project files (with extension .gpx) will appear with the same icon and clicking on them will open them in GSAS-II. If Python or GSAS-II are ever moved to new locations, or if these programs will be installed on a centralized server and a shortcut is needed for each machine, this script can be rerun using a command such as

python \Users\<me>\Desktop\GSASII\makeBat.py

to create new versions.

Note that the bootstrap.py (or bootstrap.bat) file can be rerun without problems. If there are any updates to GSAS-II they will be downloaded, but only any new files will be downloaded and the script should complete very quickly.

Proxy address

For most people, pressing return to use the default (no proxy) works fine, but for some sites a proxy address such as proxyout.securesite.gov:7070 is needed. If you are not able to get the GSAS-II download to work, you probably need a proxy. Check with your network/computer administrators; anyone competent should know if a proxy is in use. Supply the address (proxyout.securesite.gov) on the first line and the port number (7070) on the second.