Install or Update Harvester Payroll Offline

Choose the correct path below: a first installation on a computer, or an update to Harvester that is already installed

First Installation Update Existing Harvester Back to Offline Overview

Before starting

  • Use a Windows administrator account for software installation.
  • Download files only from Microsoft or the official Harvester website.
  • Do not run setup or updater programs directly from inside a ZIP file.
  • For an existing installation, create a current payroll backup before updating.

First installation on a computer

Follow these steps in order when Harvester Payroll Offline has not previously been installed on the computer.

  1. Check Windows and install outstanding updates

    Restart the computer after Windows updates are completed. Sign in using an account that is allowed to install software.

  2. Install or enable .NET Framework 3.5

    Harvester Payroll requires .NET Framework 3.5. Please install or enable it before installing Harvester.

    Choose the method for your version of Windows:
    • Windows 10 and Windows 11 25H2 or earlier: search Windows for Turn Windows features on or off, select .NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0), select OK, and allow Windows Update to download the required files.
    • Windows 11 26H1, build 28000, or later: .NET Framework 3.5 must be installed using Microsoft's standalone installer. It is no longer available from the Windows Features screen.
      Download .NET Framework 3.5 (Windows 11 26H1+)
      DotNet35Setup.exe
    If the Harvester installer says .NET Framework 3.5 is required: if it offers to let Windows locate or install .NET automatically, select No or cancel the prompt. Close the Harvester installer, complete this Step 2 first, and then run the Harvester setup again.

    Not sure which Windows version you have? Press Windows + R, type winver, and press Enter.

    Microsoft .NET 3.5 Instructions

  3. Install Microsoft SQL Server 2022 Express

    Download the official Microsoft installer and choose the Basic installation. Keep the default SQL Express instance unless Harvester support has specifically told you to use something different.

    Download SQL Server 2022 Express
    SQL2022-SSEI-Expr.exe

    Restart the computer if the SQL Server installer or Windows requests it.

  4. Install the Crystal Reports runtime

    Harvester uses the Crystal Reports runtime for supported payroll reports. Download the 64-bit redistributable supplied through the Harvester website.

    Download Crystal Reports Runtime
    CRRedist2008_x64.msi

  5. Download and install Harvester Payroll

    1. Download the Harvester setup ZIP.
    2. Right-click the downloaded ZIP and select Extract All.
    3. Open the extracted folder.
    4. Run the Harvester setup program from the extracted folder.
    5. Complete the setup prompts and restart Windows if requested.
    Download Harvester Payroll Setup
    HarvesterSetup.zip

  6. Open Harvester and confirm the installation

    Start Harvester Payroll and confirm that the program opens correctly. New users can then continue with the applicable registration or setup process.

Update an existing Harvester installation

Use this section only when Harvester Payroll Offline is already installed and working on the computer.

Make a backup first. Create a current payroll backup and keep an additional copy somewhere outside the Harvester program folder before replacing the program file.

  1. Close Harvester Payroll

    Close Harvester on the computer. Make sure no Harvester window remains open.

  2. Download the update ZIP

    Download Harvester Update
    Harvester.zip

  3. Extract all files

    1. Right-click Harvester.zip.
    2. Select Extract All.
    3. Open the extracted folder named Harvester.

    Do not run the updater while the files are still inside the ZIP.

  4. Run the Harvester updater

    1. Double-click HarvesterUpdater.exe.
    2. If Windows displays the blue Windows protected your PC screen, follow the visual instructions below.
    3. Approve the Windows administrator prompt by selecting Yes.
    4. In the Harvester Updater, select Install Update.
    5. Allow the updater to copy the current Harvester program file.

    Blue Windows security screen: what to select

    Windows may show this warning because it does not yet recognise the updater. The updater will not open until both selections below are made.

    Windows protected your PC

    On the first blue screen, select:

    More info
    Confirm the Harvester updater

    Check that the app name is HarvesterUpdater.exe, then select:

    Run anyway
    • The update must have been downloaded from www.harvesteronline.net.
    • The extracted app name must be HarvesterUpdater.exe.
    • After selecting Run anyway, select Yes on the administrator prompt.
    Do not continue if the update came from another website or the app name is different. Cancel and contact Harvester support. Do not turn off Microsoft Defender SmartScreen or other Windows security settings.

  5. Open Harvester and verify the update

    Open Harvester Payroll and confirm that it starts normally and that the expected company data is visible. Keep the downloaded ZIP until the update has been checked.

Additional installation notes

Please download this Windows installation-tips document for customers who need more help. (includes Windows Server installation tips).

Download Additional Install Tips
NBtipsforWindows10install.doc
Offline Overview Help Centre Training Videos Offline Pricing Register for Update Notices

Installation and update FAQs

Is this page for a first installation or an update?

It covers both. New computers should follow the First Installation section. Computers that already run Harvester should follow the Existing Installation Update section.

Which SQL Server version should I install for Harvester Offline?

Use Microsoft SQL Server 2022 Express and keep the default SQL Express instance unless Harvester support has given different instructions.

How do I install .NET Framework 3.5?

Install or enable .NET Framework 3.5 before installing Harvester. Windows 10 and Windows 11 25H2 or earlier can enable it through Windows Features. Windows 11 26H1, build 28000, or later use Microsoft's standalone installer. If Harvester setup offers to let Windows locate or install .NET automatically, select No or cancel, complete the .NET installation first, and then run Harvester setup again.

Should I back up before installing an update?

Yes. Make a current payroll backup and keep a copy outside the Harvester program folder before running an update.

What should I do if Windows shows the blue “Windows protected your PC” warning?

Confirm that Harvester.zip was downloaded from the official Harvester website and that the extracted app is HarvesterUpdater.exe. Select More info, then Run anyway, and approve the administrator prompt. If the source or app name is different, cancel and contact Harvester support.

Need help with an installation or update?

Email: support@harvesteronline.net

WhatsApp text: +260 969 078711

Need the Offline installer or updater? Choose Your Instructions