Which software for new BN1500M2 Pro on Win11 PC -- old PCPE or new PCSS?

[RAPC25]

Hello:

Back to using APC UPS after using the other guys (by necessity) for a few years.

I have a new BN1500M2 Pro purchased today @ brick/mortar computer supply store.

Question: Do I install "old" PCPE (v.3.1.0) or the new PCSS for Back UPS for Windows on a Dell Win11 desktop PC?

I think PCPE has been deprecated. But: it is still available on the APC software page. And it is still included in the UPS User Manual, that specifically instructs to install it.

I have never used the new PCSS (November 2024), but if that is the replacement for PCPE for 64-bit Win11, that's OK. I will try it.  

Thanks

[Teken]

You may use what ever application that works correctly with your Windows OS. As of this writing the product page shows PCSS is available and supported on this hardware so give it a try:

https://www.se.com/us/en/product/BN1500M2/apc-backups-pro-1500va-tower-120v-10-nema-515r-outlets-lcd...

Questions Ask . . . 👍

[RAPC25]

Thanks for your reply, @Teken:.

Even though I am subscribed to this topic and my account is configured accordingly, I was never notified of a reply.

(And, for the record, I am not computer illiterate. I am a staff member at several computer forums.)

Alas, "whatever works correctly with your Windows OS" does not answer my specific question.

The reason I posed this question is to find out WHICH application "works" for Win11 desktop PC.

I apologize if that was not clear.

I'm not looking to experiment.....

and the like. (While surfing to find the correct software, I came across at least 1 page on the APC site saying that PCPE was "discontinued". It was last updated in 2019. Alas I did not take a screen shot. And PCSS seems to be its newer replacement. But nothing is spelled out.)

This UPS is for my main production box.

The UPS hardware and the software just need to work without jumping hoops, guesswork and experimentation. 

That was never an issue for many years using APC products.

I am disappointed thus far with my support experience: I had to create a NEW account here just to get started; the official company website is unhelpful and not user-friendly; the user manual packaged with the device seems to provide outdated guidance to use a discontinued software application; and phone support hours for poor old "home users" are too limited.

Again, I apologize for coming across as petulant. That was not my intent.

I was merely looking for a simple answer to a simple question.

Oh, well.

Thank you again for taking the time to respond to my inquiry and for posting the link.

I do appreciate your help.

Respectfully yours,

RAPC25

[RAPC25]

Thank you, @Teken 

I posted a longer reply a minute ago, but it may not have survived the trip.

TMALSS, I used your link for the UPS model itself > software. That took me ONLY to PCSS download. So, it seems that may be the "recommended" and supported option. I will try it.  Thank you again - I appreciate your time and expertise.

[Teken]

You may also refer to this APC FAQ which calls out the supported OS:

https://download.schneider-electric.com/files?p_Doc_Ref=SPD_PCSS_CT_EN&p_enDocType=User+guide&p_File...

This same information is called out in the full user guide for PCSS.

Lastly, it should be affirmed and noted the software that was bundled should always be used on the supported operating system of the period of time.

The primary reason is both the hardware, software, and operating system have been tested for compatibility.

Not all APC UPS are fully supported in PCSS. As such the legacy PCBE / PCPE must be used for configuration, graceful shutdown & metrics. 

Given the product page indicates PCSS is available would infer that APC has completed a modicum of testing to affirm this hardware is supported using this current PCSS release.

Which has absolutely no bearing on it working correctly with Microsoft Windows OS with endless updates! 🤦‍♂️

Anyone who has been using a computer for any length of time will also know there is no such thing as the mythical Plug & Play.

USB Drivers are a endless moving target and if you do a google search or on this forum. You will find endless threads about lost connections due to USB!

As such my statement about use whatever application works - Stands. As you will quickly find out especially on Windows 11 you either have comm problems or don’t.

Which isn’t seen in the legacy PCBE / PCPE application.

Questions Ask - If not,  please mark the reply that offered the solution to help the next person asking the same. 👍