This article covers the Lucen Timeline add-in for PowerPoint on Windows. Using the browser-based app instead? See Lucen Timeline Online help.
Overview
When you update Lucen Timeline to the latest build, the installation can sometimes fail to complete, or Timeline may not reappear in PowerPoint afterward. Most of these issues come from a previous version not being fully removed, or from a PowerPoint add-in setting. Enterprise installs managed through Software Center can also block certain builds.
This article covers the most common cases and how to resolve each.
Symptoms
After updating, you may see one of the following:
Lucen Timeline is no longer visible in PowerPoint
An error referring to an older VSTO-based installer
An Error 1001 message when uninstalling or upgrading
The install fails when you try to put an older build on a machine that already has a newer one
Software Center (enterprise) shows an older build as already installed and blocks the install
Solution
Timeline is missing from PowerPoint after updating
Close and reopen PowerPoint.
Go to File → Options → Add-ins.
At the bottom, set Manage: COM Add-ins and select Go.
Make sure Lucen Timeline is checked, then select OK.
You get a VSTO installer error
This usually means an older installer is being used. Download and run the latest version of Timeline from the Lucen Timeline updates page.
VSTO stands for Visual Studio Tools for Office, a Microsoft technology used by some older installers. It is not a Lucen product.
You get Error 1001
The previous version likely did not uninstall cleanly. Fully uninstall the older version of Timeline, then install the latest build. See how to uninstall Timeline.
Transition to Credentials-Based Login
Lucen has transitioned from product-key activation to a credentials-based login system. To use this new system:
Install the latest version of the Lucen Timeline Add-in.
Sign in using your Lucen account credentials. This change simplifies user management and enhances security.
Installing an older build (advanced)
Most people should stay on the latest build. If you specifically need to roll back to an earlier version:
On a personal machine
Uninstall the newer version currently installed (for example, build 14.22).
Once it is removed, install the older build (for example, build 13.25).
If Software Center blocks the install (enterprise)
Software Center may incorrectly report the older build as already installed.
Download the installer for the exact build you need directly from the official source (for example, build 13.25.1).
Run that installer to complete the installation. Note: The MSI installer for Lucen Timeline has a stable download link, making it suitable for automated deployments, such as through Intune.
You need permission to install or uninstall software on your machine. If the problem continues, contact your IT administrator or the Timeline support team. On IT-managed installations, your administrator controls how and when updates are applied; see the enterprise deployment guide.