µVISION: Using Multiple Compiler Versions for Non-Arm Tools

Information in this article applies to:

• C166 All Versions
• C251 All Versions
• C51 All Versions
• µVision Version 2 and Later

QUESTION

I want to use the current compiler version for new projects but I still need older compiler versions for making patches to existing projects.

Is it possible to install the newest and an older version of the compiler on the same PC?

ANSWER

Yes. µVision offers this flexibility.

Before you upgrade or install a new release, copy the folder containing the older release (\KEIL\C51, \KEIL\C166 or \KEIL\C251) into a new folder and name the folder using the version number of the release. For example, copy Keil C51 Version 6.10 into the folder \KEIL\C51V610.

When you need to compile a project with this older version, you can set the Environment path to this folder. Set the following options under Project — Manage — Components, Environment and Books:

• Use Settings from TOOLS.INI: OFF
• BIN Folder: \Keil\C51V610\BIN

This modification also changes the INC and LIB folder to \KEIL\C51V610.

When you compile this project, it will be compiled using the compiler version in the \KEIL\C51V610 directory.

All other projects (where the environment has not been modified) will use the current tools in \KEIL\C51.

Note that this solution does not work for MDK-ARM.  For MDK we recommend to make separate installations in different root folders, for example C:\Keil305 (for MDK 3.05), C:\Keil310 (for MDK 3.10) an so on.

MORE INFORMATION

• µVision: MOVING TOOLS TO A DIFFERENT FOLDER
• µVision: Using Different Versions of the Keil IDE On the Same Computer

SEE ALSO

• GENERAL: Check Usage of specific Compiler versions
• GENERAL: Archive Tool Versions
• C51: Using C51 6.12 with a Version 8 Installation

Last Reviewed: Friday, February 5, 2021