Knowledge Base

This 'Knowledge Base' is your first port of call when you have a query relating to any technical aspect of the SimVenture software.

The list below covers the main query issues that we receive. Simply click on the issue to reveal the response.

Minimum Specification Requirements

The following specification is recommended to run SimVenture: 1 Ghz Pentium equivalent or better, 500Mb disk space, 1Gb RAM, 1024x768 screen (+ CDROM to install or internet connection to download), sound (although it can be used without sound), Microsoft Windows 2000, XP service pack 2, Vista, Windows 7 or 8.

If your question is not covered or you need more specific information please don't hesitate to contact us. Alternatively you may find a solution in the FAQ section of the site.

The game doesn't install correctly.

Installation can fail for the following reasons:

If the game was downloaded then the download did not complete successfully. Try to download the file again.
Anti-virus software is preventing the install from working. Try temporarily disabling your anti-virus software (don't forget to re-enable it afterwards).
You are not running the software on Microsoft Windows. SimVenture only runs in a Windows environment.

The game reports it is in demo mode when it has been licensed.

This depends firstly on whether you are using the license server or the licenses are allocated to single PCs.License Server

Check to make sure that the service is running. It is called 'SimVenture License Server'. If it is not started then start it now.
Make sure that your firewall is not bloacking access to the port and IP address used by the license server.
Check the latest user log text file in the license server log folder.
If there is still a problem then contact technical support.

Allocated PC LicensesThe main reason for the license to stop working is that something has been changed on the PC in question, such as:

CPU
Hard Disk
Operating System
CD/DVD Drive

If any of these have been changed you will need to apply for a new activation code by sending us the new sitecode and MID reported in the activate license window.

Are software updates provided after I purchase?

Software updates are made available free of charge as long as you have an existing SimVenture Maintenance contract in place (all new purchases of the software typically include a 12 month Maintenance contract).Without the maintenance contract, updates to the software cannot be released. If you have SimVenture and you want to clarify your Maintenance status, contact the SimVenture Team at: maintenance@simventure.co.uk

What is Extended Maintenance & Support?

Twelve months after purchase, an extended maintenance contract can be purchased and is initially offered at 10% of the original software cost. An extended maintenance contract includes all technical and maintenance support, bug fixes and all minor updates of the software.

How is SimVenture supported when I buy it?

The Standard maintenance support service is provided free for the first 12 months and allows phone, email and web-based communication should issues arise.Twelve months after purchase, an extended maintenance contract can be bought and is initially offered at 10% of the original software cost. An extended maintenance contract includes all technical and maintenance support, bug fixes and all minor updates of the software.

How long does it take to install SimVenture on computers?

Installing SimVenture on a single machine (using a download link) takes a matter of minutes. However, a licence code is then required (supplied electronically the SimVenture Team) for the software to be unlocked and operate fully.Installing SimVenture on a network normally takes less than 10 minutes. The software (including a network licence server) is provided over the Internet from SimVenture Technical support. Where it is not possible to receive the software as a download, everything is sent on a CD in the post which means it will take a few days to complete the install process.

Do I have to use SimVenture in a single lab or room?

All organisational purchases of SimVenture include a free network licence server. The licence server allows the software to be installed centrally (once) and then any connecting computer can access the software. The number of computers that can access SimVenture at any one time (concurrent) is dependent on the number of licences purchased.

What hardware and software do I need to run SimVenture?

The game doesn't load correctly.

This would normally only happen if the installation had become corrupted. Try reinstalling the software from scratch and if there is still a problem then contact technical support.

Saved games will not load because they are not compatible.

If you saved the game with a version of SimVenture earlier than 3.4.0 then it is unfortunately not compatible with the current version.

The SimVenture window extends off the screen.

SimVenture needs a minimum screen resolution of 1024 x 768. In addition, the DPI setting (found in the advanced section of the display settings under control panel) needs to be set to 96 (normal), otherwise the resolution is effectively reduced and part of the game window will not fit on the screen.

The currency appears to be wrong in places.

SimVenture is currently designed to be used in an English regional setting with sterling as the currency. Changing the currency in windows (or using a different regional setting) may affect much of the currency in the game, but there are some areas where it will still show up as pounds sterling. We are working on improving this for future releases of SimVenture.

SimVenture does not run on an Apple Mac.

SimVenture is a Windows application and therefore does not run natively on Apple Macs. It should run however if you use a Windows emulation package such as Parallels or VMWare Fusion, or if you have partitioned your hard drive to run Windows in Bootcamp.

The game is running slowly.

SimVenture is likely to take longer to run a month as the size of the simulated company grows, especially as more staff are employed.

I'm hooked! SimVenture is a superb new learning resource for business education that really delivers. At last we have a business simulation that provides both an enjoyable and effective way for students, employees and budding entrepreneurs alike to experience what it is really like to manage a start-up business.

Jim Riley

CEO - Tutor2u
A very realistic simulation, with all the fun and experience of running a business without the stress and financial implications!

Sophia

Student - Lincolnshire
I think it is an excellent resource that all schools teaching business and/or enterprise should consider. SimVenture brings learning to life and like Young Enterprise, people learn by doing.

Steve Booth

Chief Executive - Young Enterprise Yorkshire & Humber
We used SimVenture with our first years as the basis for one of their courseworks. It challenged the students and generated a lot of enthusiasm. We like it so much we plan to carry on with it in the second year.

Paul Dennison,

Teaching Fellow, The Business School, University of Greenwich
I didn't realise how in depth it would be in SimVenture when I started. I'm preparing to launch a business soon and I will be having another go or 2 on the sim before I go ahead to make sure I have not forgotten anything. It is a brilliant tool.

Shane Shehade

Student
SimVenture is an excellent innovation and I'm confident it will attract more of the right people to set up in business. I am looking forward to seeing what a difference the software can make.

Norman Whyte

Chief Executive - YSMBAC
The game was a real novelty for me and a true eye opener. For me it really brought home the fact that all our decisions in business are inter-related.

Executive MBA Student

Cass Business School
I played the game for the first time today. I would like to congratulate you all for producing such a fantastic product!

Jimme

Student - Cambridge University
SimVenture made me want to learn again. I wasn't great at school or college but when I found SimVenture I was able to almost teach myself business. And it was really enjoyable, probably addictive. I'd recommend SimVenture to anyone who wants to get young people interested in business.

Callum

Student
If the best way to learn something is by doing it, then SimVenture is the perfect 21st-century tool to learn how to run a business, without actually running a business.

Mark J. Rouse

MBA Student
SimVenture is a dynamic interactive piece of software which allows my students the opportunity to be introduced to the world of business by seeing how it works in real life situations. This gives an ideal opportunity to combine theory and practice.

Liam Godfrey

Business Studies Teacher, Selby College (FE)
SimVenture got me hooked into loads of stuff I had never considered, it's really addictive. The detail and the realism are very impressive and it taught me that to run a business properly there's a lot to learn.

Alex

Student - Leeds Metropolitan University
We used SimVenture to help our new grads develop their business and team skills. The overall level of business understanding increased significantly and the grads agreed it was one of the best training events with which they had been involved.

Carl Tabisz

Talent Advisor - ASDA Walmart
We are a family educating at home and my two 12-year old children expressed an interest in following a GCSE Business Studies course this year. I am so glad I bought a license. The game is easy to learn and the more you play, the more you understand how different factors have to be balanced in a business environment.

Sharon

Parent and Home Teacher
SimVenture was an outstanding success with our SIFE students. Now I've seen how they [students] really take to SimVenture, I'm a big fan!!

Jim Ineson

Executive Director - SIFE UK
SimVenture is a brilliant game. I was trying to start a business in the UK last year. As a foreigner it was hard to understand the whole economics and legal system in the UK. I really appreciate that SimVenture has provided me with a great chance to learn and make my own business work.

Zheming Wen

Student – Leeds
I work as a Product Manager for SAS software and am pursuing an Executive MBA at Cass Business School in London. Today we played the SimVenture game. I was completely blown away by it and the immense potential it could have on learning about starting and running a new business.

Manoj

Student - Cass Business School
We plan to use SimVenture extensively to help students learn about enterprise management and entrepreneurship in an engaging and meaningful way. The software’s design, realism and depth are three of the key factors that make it such a useful teaching and learning resource.

Nigel Culkin

Head of Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Development - University of Hertfordshire
In my opinion, we need resources that get as close to reality as possible so people can practice being self employed and a simulation is the most obvious solution. SimVenture is excellent and it is the only business simulation I would recommend

Stu Anderson

Executive Director – Shell Livewire
SimVenture has not only explanation but an experience that could take you years of real world trial and error to gain. In short if you are looking for the ultimate enterprise simulation for use in schools, universities or at home look no further!

Matthew C. Draycott

Lecturer and Enterprise Associate, Glyndwr University
The event was very successful and discussions on the game and the learning outcomes have continued long after the last laptop was closed down. The feedback from the team suggests that this was a very enjoyable event, and at the same time educational.

Gus Brown

SELEX GALILEO
Rookie pilots can practice flying Boeings to their heart's content in a cockpit simulator without really crashing or killing anyone, so that when it comes to the real thing, they are fully prepared for emergency. SimVenture does the same thing for rookie entrepreneurs, except their fake cockpit is a virtual office where crucial decisions trigger success or disaster. Even if you crash and burn you can still walk away none the poorer but plenty wiser!!

Ron Godfrey

Business Editor - The Press, York
It's an amazing learning tool and we found that because students could see the consequences of their actions, which is what would happen in a real business, they have a much better understanding of what business is all about.

Michele Miller

Business & Community Partnerships Manager - Trinity & All Saints College
SimVenture is an amazing piece of software. My friends and I have learnt so much whilst having so much fun. I would highly recommend it to all university students studying business, those doing A-Levels(if only I'd had this for my mine), GCSE studies and anyone who aspires to run their own business.

Joel

Student - University of Nottingham
SimVenture can be used for enterprise skills or targeted at specific A Level topics. It offers a great way to give students some practical business experience.

Andy Quick

Head of Business Studies - Peter Symonds Sixth Form College
This year we had a big launch for Enterprise Week at the college. SimVenture was our Wednesday activity. It was received very well! Student and staff attendees ranged from Construction, Business, Joinery, ICT, Childcare & Unemployed Project. What a result!!!!!!!!

Furkan Uddin

Teaching & Learning Champion
I taught a whole day of an intensive module in Electrical Engineering using SimVenture this week. Even though I’ve used it many times now, I found myself absolutely staggered by the depth, complexity and realism of the game and found several new screens that I’d overlooked in the past.

Dan Corlett

Entrepreneurship Development Manager – University of Birmingham
Great to see things are going so well for 'SimVenture'. Mind you that's hardly surprising as it's a great tool and the classes of students that I have used it with have really taken to it and they really enjoy it.

Vic Saunders

Lecturer - Swansea Institute of Higher Education
SimVenture is a fun, yet extremely valuable tool to learn about running a business. It is excellent to see how each business function relates to, and impacts another!!

Ajay,

Student - Manchester
SimVenture is in my opinion simply 'brilliant'. If everybody looking to start a business used this software to 'cut their teeth on' there would be 100% survival rates across the board. The simulation is easy to use and teaches all the disciplines required to run a business, and you can learn by your mistakes without risking a penny, its also fun and very addictive to play.

Chris Fordham

Enterprise Business Trainer - WYEA/BLWY
Over the past two week I have run the SimVenture programme with a group of Level 2 Electrical apprentices and Level 3 ICT students. Both sessions were 6 hours duration. Engagement levels were very high and I found myself facilitating rather than teaching.

Steve Foster

Lecturer – Bishop Aucklands College
We used SimVenture as part of a competition. The software was excellent. The students found it very challenging and really stimulating. It really gets the them to think and apply all business knowledge. An exciting piece of software which is addictive and rewarding.

Matt Laws

Lecturer - Dudley College
I was very impressed by the SimVenture game – it would seem to lend itself to being used in a variety of ways with students at all levels, in our case both undergraduate and postgraduate.

John Earley

Lecturer at Trinity & All Saints College in Leeds
I don't know how to say this but... I have had two of the best hours of my recent teaching life this morning! It took me back to the fun I had when we ran the Physics degree and I was involved in the labs - they were fun - real students real experiments - real problems and real fun! Well SimVenture did that today.

Simon Brown

Director for Enterprise Teaching and Learning, Sheffield Hallam University
It’s challenging but great fun. SimVenture helps you to see the practical application of what we do in the classroom.

Student

Peter Symonds Sixth Form College.
It is fairly obvious to me that there is a great deal of potential in adopting the product for incorporation in courses at year 1, 2 and 3 level for any business student whether entrepreneurial or not - it gives a low cost way of making business mistakes and learning from them.

Sandy Sinclair

Lecturer - Bell College
As a Business Enterprise college, we had been looking for something which would allow users to experience the reality of business in an uncomplicated and risk-free environment. It is very accessible, convenient and realistic.

Phil Warren,

Head of Business Studies - Snaith School

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