Is it permissible to re-install a specific older version of MATLAB on an existing license, after having to re-install my Operating System and application software, due to a catastrophic system failure (and, if so, how)?

I had previously installed MATLAB 2018b, and, obviously, had paid for a license for it. I had a fairly customised setup, post installation, involving some bespoke open-source toolboxes, and also involving using MATLAB with CUDA and MS Visual C++.

Some code that I’d been developing, using this combination of interacting platforms, was somewhat version/combination sensitive (partly due to some specific hardware dependencies, that have yet to be dealt with).

Unfortunately, due to a recent catastrophic system failure, I have ended up needing to completely wipe my hard drive and re-install everything (operating system, and all application software) from scratch.

I have backups of all my files, but I will need to recreate the MATLAB/CUDA/Visual C++/bespoke open-source toolboxes setup to continue developing my code.

Initially I tried clicking on the download link that I was originally sent when I purchased MATLAB (in December of 2018), to see if it would tell me if I needed to re-purchase the license, or if I could re-install it with my existing license, but it just started the process of installing MATLAB 2020a, which I don’t want, so I cancelled the installation, before it completed.

So, I have 2 questions:

1. Do I have to buy a new license to re-install MATLAB (and, if not, what would be the recommended process to re-install it)?
2. Can I choose to install MATLAB 2018b, rather than the latest version (and, if so, how)?

Many thanks in advance for your advice. – It’s greatly appreciated.

Kindest Regards,

Simon.

Answer 1

[Walter Roberson]

Yes, you can install any version you have paid for, and any earlier versions as well. (For versions before 2012 you might need the assistance of Mathworks to get the correct license keys.)

https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/answers/99265-how-do-i-download-an-older-release-of-matlab

[Simon Saggers]

Thank you for this. - Your support is greatly appreciated.

This project had been shelved since the first phase of it was completed almost a year ago, with no new work done on it since then, and, now that the second phase (which is technically a separate project) is likely to start next month (or possibly even later), the circumstances of it have also changed in that time, and, even since asking the question above, I have now realised that I'll need to purchase a new license anyway, because of that change in circumstances.

Nevertheless, the most important point was regarding using an older version, so it's still extremely helpful to know that I'll be able to install an older version, when I purchase the new license, as I'll still need to use MATLAB R2018b, at least to begin with, when the new work begins.

Thanks again.

Kindest Regards,

Simon.