Gavotte, I was just doing some checking with some other folks that have had some issues. Here is a list of the trouble shooting tactics they did that helped solve the issue (these are not sequential steps): 1. reset preferences from the file pull-down menu and restart Carrara (always recommended after a program update) 2. reboot machine (this one had the greatest success - Eovia tech indicated this one as a favorite remedy too.) 3. Double check another program is not using port 5020 - if it is designate new port for Carrara (I suspect this one will do nothing for you but is worth a look) Please post back whatever your results are for the record - hopefully positive! When people have similar issues and search the posts here, they can see what's transpired.