Version Damaged Error (Running SearchMaster as an Administrator)

SearchMaster is 100% compatible with Windows 8, 8.1, 10, and beyond, but due to an increased focus on security (beginning with Windows 8) many customers who are running SearchMaster on a system using Windows 8 and newer may need to take this one additional step to ensure that SearchMaster and Windows play nice together. This process will correct the “version damaged” error that you may have received. If you need help with this process, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

To download a PDF copy of these instructions, click here

To view these instructions as a quick video, click here

  • Find the icon you use to open your copy of SearchMaster
    • This could be on your desktop, pinned to your start menu, or pinned to your taskbar
  • RIGHT CLICK on that SearchMaster icon
  • On the menu that appears, LEFT CLICK the PROPERTIES listing that appears
  • In the new SearchMaster Properties window that appears, LEFT CLICK the COMPATABILITY tab at the top of the window
  • At the bottom of this tab, LEFT CLICK the CHANGE SETTINGS FOR ALL USERS button
    • If you encounter any security warnings, click ALLOW or YES to proceed
  • Now CHECK THE BOX next to the RUN THIS PROGRAM AS AN ADMINISTRATOR
  • LEFT CLICK the OK button
  • LEFT CLICK the OK button, once more
  • Run SearchMaster as normal
  • This fix changes the way SearchMaster runs on your system, so some users may get a message that they have expired after making the changes above.  If this happens, please simply request a new authorization code, and enter it when received as this will fix that problem completely.