Chromperfect Windows Compatibility: Version History and Alignment

Introduction

Chromperfect has been in continuous development for more than forty years.

The first Chromperfect system shipped in 1982, and since then, operating systems have evolved dramatically — from MS-DOS, through early versions of Windows, to Windows 11.

What has not changed is a core engineering principle: every major Chromperfect version is designed, built, and tested for a specific generation of Windows. That relationship is deliberate, and it is central to system stability, data integrity, and long-term support.

This article accompanies the video below and provides a written reference for laboratories planning upgrades, system replacements, or long-term support strategies.

▶ Watch the video: Chromperfect history and Windows compatibility

Origins: our engineering heritage

Chromperfect was founded in 1982 by Jeff Justice, with the first system shipping the same year.

Before starting his own company, Jeff was the first employee of Nelson Analytical in the early 1980s, where he served as chief engineer for the widely deployed Nelson 2600 series chromatography data systems.

When Nelson Analytical was acquired by PerkinElmer, Jeff took the opportunity to build an independent chromatography data system — one focused on robustness, longevity, and disciplined engineering. That company was Justice Innovations Incorporated, and its first product was Chromperfect.

Those early engineering priorities continue to influence Chromperfect today.

The MS-DOS era

The earliest Chromperfect systems were developed specifically for MS-DOS. In total, six distinct versions were released for DOS, and it was during this period that the core integration and calibration algorithms were established.

Many other design principles developed during this era — including long-term file compatibility — still exist today. These foundations allowed laboratories to retain access to historical data even as computing platforms evolved.

Transition to Windows

Around 1992, Justice Innovations introduced Chromperfect for Windows version 1.0, representing a world first in bringing a chromatography data system to the Windows platform.

The term “Chromperfect for Windows” was used through versions 1 through 3 and covered platforms including Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT.

By this stage, MS-DOS was no longer widely used in laboratories. The DOS-based products were retired, Windows became Chromperfect’s exclusive platform, and the distinction “Chromperfect for Windows” was no longer necessary.

Product names and deployment models

During the early Windows years, a number of product names were used alongside version numbers. These included:

• Chromperfect LSi and SL for single-instrument or small laboratory installations

• Magellan as the core product

• Voyager and CS for client-server environments

These names reflected deployment models, not software generations. They are included here purely for historical reference and are no longer used.

Growth through Windows generations

Following Jeff Justice’s retirement in the late 1990s, the company continued as Justice Innovations, doing business as Justice Laboratory Software.

Under new management, Chromperfect progressed through successive Windows generations:

• Versions 4 and 5 were designed for Windows XP

• Version 6, marketed as Chromperfect Seven, targeted Windows 7 and Windows 8

• Version 8 was designed and validated for Windows 10

Throughout this period, the company remained headquartered in California, and the core design philosophy remained unchanged.

Chromperfect LLC and licensing evolution

In 2025, the business formally transitioned to Chromperfect LLC, with operations moving to New Jersey.

This transition marked the first major rethink of Chromperfect’s licensing model in decades. Older product structures based on installation size — such as small lab, client-server, and enterprise editions — were retired.

A simpler and more flexible model was introduced, where each Chromperfect CDS license includes a single instrument connection, with the option to add additional connections at the time of purchase or later.

This change simplified system configuration and provided a clear expansion path as laboratory layouts evolve.

The non-negotiable technical rules

Each major Chromperfect version is developed and tested for a specific version of Windows.

Older Chromperfect versions are not tested on newer operating systems. As a result, when upgrading Windows, a Chromperfect software upgrade is often also required.

In laboratories with multiple Chromperfect systems, mixed major versions on the same network are not supported. This is due to changes in file structure as new features are introduced. For this reason, systems operating on the same network must be upgraded together to maintain consistent software versions.

Where we are today

Today, all new systems ship with Chromperfect 10, designed and actively developed for Windows 11.

Chromperfect 8 remains supported but is no longer under development. All older versions are not compatible with Windows 11, are no longer supported, but can be upgraded.

Understanding Chromperfect Windows compatibility is essential when planning operating system upgrades, hardware refreshes, or system expansions.

Closing

Chromperfect has consistently led the evolution of chromatography data systems, advancing new capabilities while maintaining long-term stability.

From MS-DOS to Windows 11, every Chromperfect generation has introduced new innovations and industry firsts, setting the direction for chromatography data systems while ensuring long-term data integrity.

If you would like more information, please visit www.chromperfect.com, where you can contact our team.