NVivo Frequently Asked Questions

1. License Information

The license key provided by UBC IT will work for both the Mac OS X client, and the Windows clients (32 & 64 bit). NVivo licenses are term-based and will require a new license key to be entered upon expiration. This new license key will not cost anything. NVivo will cease to function shortly after the expiration date. Every time the software loads, you will be able to see how many days are remaining in the license.

2. What are the installation prerequisites?

Requirements are listed here: https://it.ubc.ca/services/desktop-print-services/software-licensing/nvivo-pro-software.

3. Can NVivo projects be transferred between Mac and Windows computers?

Yes, however NVivo for Windows and NVivo for Mac are separate software applications and have different file formats. You can convert a project from one file format to the other within NVivo. See NVivo’s guide on working with projects on Windows or Mac for more information.

4. Who is eligible to use NVivo?

UBC's campus agreement for NVivo is for staff and faculty members:

  • UBC Owned Machines for staff and faculty members.
  • Staff and Faculty personally owned machines for Home Use
  • Personally Owned Machines for Students.
5. How do I install the NVivo software?

What is NVivo and how do I install it?

6. Can NVivo be installed on personal devices?

Staff and faculty are able to install the software on up to two UBC-owned devices, where the second device is portable. Students can install the software once on a personal device.

7. Will the NVivo campus agreement include using the NVivo Server Software or be extended to include/replace the CAL (client access license) for a client install?

No, the server product and client access products are separate and will still require a unique license. Students Can install the software once on a personal device.

8. What happens to the NVivo software after the license expires?

Every year, the NVivo license will expire. There is no need to install the software again, you will simply need to enter a new license key, which is updated annually by UBC IT. The process to obtain the new key varies depending on if you are a student, staff, or faculty member. Click here for more details on renewing NVivo.

9. How will I know when the software license is about to expire?

Every time you launch NVivo, you will be able to see how many days are remaining in the license. You will also receive an email from Kivuto, the online webstore, at the end of the license period to remind you to renew.

10. How do I uninstall the software, or transfer a license to another machine?

Before you unistall NVivo, you will need to deactivate it. This will remove the license information associated with that particular device.

If a user gets a new computer, they should deactivate the NVivo license on the old computer, before installing and activating NVivo on the new computer.

To deactivate NVivo via the internet, follow these steps:

  1. Ensure that you are connected to the internet.
  2. If you have an NVivo project open, you must first close it before you can deactivate the license. Click File, and then click Close.
  3. For Windows: Click File, point to Help, and then click Deactivate License.
  4. For Mac: On the menu bar, choose NVivo->Licensing->Deactivate.
  5. Click Yes to confirm. NVivo deactivates the license and displays a message confirming that the license has been deactivated.
  6. Click Ok and the NVivo application should automatically close.

After following these steps, you can uninstall NVivo (QSR Nvivo) through Control Panel (if using Windows) or drag the NVivo icon to the trash bin (if using Mac).