2013 Topscore on MAC - how to install

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

axk1267

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2011
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Hi guys,

A friend recently had an issue with installing topscore on a macbook so I went through and did the install. I know there are a few threads out there that cover this, but none on SDN that Im aware of. In any case the guide is quick/to the point and should cover any one installing the newest version of topscore on a OSX device. I realize its very short on details right now, but I hope to go back and edit it a bit.

Whats needed: vbox, a copy of windows, OSX device, topscore.

1) Install VBOX - https://www.virtualbox.org/
this will install a program that is basically a virtual machine. It will help you setup a partition on your hard drive, and will let you run windows, in a window on your OSX desktop. Its extremely easy to use, and I had no problems with this part of the install thanks to the handy instructions that came with it. I will do another post in this thread with a step by step but this will get you started, and make sure to look through the PDF file with install instructions that come with the VBOX download, its very helpful!!

2) After you've finished installing vbox, it will prompt you to pick the type of windows you want to install (xp/windows 7/etc). You pick your new OS, and put the disk into the computer and follow the instructions on the screen.

3) Now you have a windows OS on your OSX device. Install topscore pro through windows. if you did windows 7 like I did, everything will work very nicely, your mouse and keyboard will be able to toggle back and forth between mac and windows, as well as all your internet will connect seamlessly. Im not sure with other windows software, but 7 installed very easily and I didnt have to do much afterwards.

4) You should be able to use your windows just as normal. Meaning you start your mac normally, click on the vbox app, click on the windows you installed and it will start the virtual machine as a window on your desktop. From there you should be able to use topscore as you would on any windows computer.

5) I recommend you install windows report viewer 2010 as I ran into an issue with this myself. I completed test 1 and went to review my scores and I got a "windows report viewer not found error". There are multiple years available for the report viewer, you need the 2010 version, I've tried the others and none worked correctly. This may be something you dont run into but just incase, I would install it prior to doing a full exam, as at the end you wont be able to see your results, and if you do have the error, your scores will be lost even after you install the report viewer. So install this PRIOR to running topscore. Heres your link to the install: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=6442


Again the guide really covers the major portions, its not completely idiot proof, there are portions of the vbox install where I remember there were options and I need to go back and mark and add them to this guide to help. But I figured I would post this anyway since I know people are coming up to their test dates very quickly, and even if this helps 1 person get topscore installed Id be happy.
Ill continue on working on a better guide, apologize for anyone who gets confused, but just know that it IS POSSIBLE unlike what the topscore people say on their website. :meanie:

Also if anyones already got a install DIY then I apologize, and feel free to let me know, and Ill have the thread deleted.

Thanks and goodluck to everyone! :luck:
 
Thanks for the suggestion. Luckily I have access to a PC I can use. I wonder why Topscore says the software won't work on Bootcamp but then it will work on something like virtual client. Have you tried vmware fusion or parallels desktop as well?
 
That is a good question, Ive seen threads in the past talking about those other ways of installing it but I havent tried it myself. I went with the virtual machine because it was so easy to setup, took me no more than hour and thats with the installation of windows operating system as well.

To be honest it blows me away that topscore hasn't added osx compatibility in this day and age, they are missing out on a huge market because of this.
 
To be honest it blows me away that topscore hasn't added osx compatibility in this day and age, they are missing out on a huge market because of this.

Let's not forget that 95% of college students have macs, or so it seems.
 
Thanks! Im trying to work this thing now but its not working. Can you please provide some more information on how to run the virtual box on my mac? Im having trouble running the application.
Thank you
 
Top