Notes
- Softimage does not support Python 3, so install Python 2.6.x or earlier.
- We recommend using pywin32 212 (there’s a problem with 214 can cause a crash on exit).
Three easy steps:
- Install Python.
- Install the corresponding version of pywin32.
For example, if you installed Python 2.5 on 32-bit Windows, then install pywin32-212.win32-py2.5.exe. - Check that the Python path is included in your PATH system environment variable.
If your PATH doesn’t include the Python install folder, then Python won’t show up in Softimage.
You can get the 64-bit versions (Linux and Windows) of Python for Softimage here.
The most recent install of pywin32 determines which version of Python is available in Softimage. If your version of pywin32 doesn’t match up to an installed version of Python, then Python won’t show up in Softimage.
eX-SI 
“Install Python” is a bit broad isn’t it? I mean, they could decide to install Python 3.x from that download page.
I was told by SI Support that Python 3 (Py3K) was not yet supported in Softimage and should not be installed. If that is still the case, then shouldn’t the instructions should be more specific: Install Python 2.6.x with corresponding PyWin version… correct?
-Daniel
Updated post.
I see the added note, thanks! I think that will help. 🙂
One other thing (whenever you get time)
The Windows 64bit and Linux 64bit download files from the Autodesk web site both seem to be a few builds behind… files are dated 2008. (That 2.6b2 is actually a beta release). Can those files and attached READMEs be updated to the latest Python 2.6.4 version released in 2009 with the corresponding PyWin version when time allows? I’m only highlighting this, as I know there were some critical bug fixes in the latest 2.6.4 version, which is now in bugfix-only mode.
I think it would also be helpful to add to those README notes the important part about: The most recent install of pywin32 determines… and must match up, etc. This would be helpful IF they decided to start updating things later on.
-Daniel
Thanks for taking time to review and comment!
I’m going to check whether we still need that autodesk.com download page for 64-bit Windows. When we put that package together, you couldn’t get a 2.6 pywin32 anywhere else, but now you can.
Re: Thanks for taking time… not a problem at all. 🙂
Re: if we still need that download… On one hand I think it’s convenient to be able to download all of the needed files in one spot from the Autodesk site, BUT on the other hand it’s only helpful if those files and readmes are kept up to date.
My vote would be to take those Autodesk pages down to reduce future upkeep, but ALSO make sure the Softimage Wiki is updated and that the Python installation instructions are updated in the next version of the “User Guide” and “SDK Guide”. The instructions in both Guides are currently incomplete (as you already know) for 64bit Python installs as they both reference broken softimage.com links.
I was having trouble with Autodesk’s pythoninstall64.rar package not working for me. Instead, I needed to install the following files, and all worked fine. (Windows 7 64-bit, Intel Core 2 Quad CPU @ 2.4 GHz)
– python-2.6.5.amd64.msi
– pywin32-214.win-amd64-py2.6.exe
These files are available at:
http://www.python.org/download/releases/2.6.5/
http://sourceforge.net/projects/pywin32/files/
Hopefully Softimage 2011 will have Python built in automagically, and we won’t have to do these extra installs. 🙂
I’m running Softimage 2012 64bit and can’t get a python updated to work, so I can add a serial library.
Any one know how?
I’ve tried changing registry entry on external python install and tried to get softimage to recognise an external editor but nothing seems to work.
SI 2012 x64 have not python in preferences. I thought python instal with softimage automatically.
Python is installed with Softimage. Is this on Windows or on Linux ?
Win7 x64. Try reunonce.bat – same result. Have not n preferences and did`t work scripts on python.
Usually runonce.bat should do it. Did you check to see if runonce.bat reported any errors?