General:

What is ChessBase 17?

ChessBase 17 is a ‘database management’ software. Databases are similar to folders – they contain games. You can create databases according to your needs: for your tournament games, opening repertoires, collection of favorite grandmaster games, etc. The choice is yours!

What do I need to run ChessBase 17?

While ChessBase software can run on low end systems, for a smooth experience, we recommend an i5 Processor (or AMD equivalent) of the latest generation. 16 GB RAM (8x2) will greatly boost search functions. An RTX graphics card is needed for Ray-Tracing features, however, these are optional and ChessBase will work with standard cards.

How do I use ChessBase 17?

The manual provided with ChessBase 17 (also accessible with the question mark button) is extremely helpful. You can also refer to this video. It is easiest to understand with experience!

How do the ChessBase 17 Serial Keys work?

For nearly all ChessBase products, the provided Serial Key can be used simultaneously on three different systems. It can also be used thrice on the same computer if the key is lost due to some fault in the system. Hence, it is recommended to keep one usage spare in the case of hardware failure so that you can still use ChessBase 17.

Before uninstalling/reinstalling ChessBase 17 for whatever reason, it is imperative that it is DEACTIVATED first. To do this, go to File > Activation > Deactivate Program in the main window upon opening.

For issues pertaining to serial keys, please scroll down to the ‘Troubleshooting’ Section.

Does ChessBase 17 run on a Mac?

No, the current version of ChessBase 17 does not run on MacOS. This is due to the shift to Apple Silicon chips, for which no support is currently provided. Options such as dual boot and Crossover/Parallels exist, however, you may use these at your own discretion.

Does ChessBase 17 run on mobile phones?

No. With the exception of ChessBase Account and certain DVDs, none of the ChessBase software work on mobile devices.

Does ChessBase 17 come with games?

No, ChessBase 17 does not include a database of games with it. Instead, it includes an online database using which you can access games. To open the online database, open a Board Window and press ‘Enter.’

To access millions of the latest games, please purchase Mega Database.

What is Mega Database?

Mega Database is a massive collection of over eight million games as well as the latest tournament games. Included are instructional videos and opening outline, as well as some annotated games. This is essential to use ChessBase 17 to its full potential.

How do I open Mega Database?

ChessBase 17 is the best and intended way to view Mega Database. The integration allows for quick and easy filtering for games by player, year, opening, endgame, tactic, etc. It can be opened on ChessBase Reader also, but is extremely limited.

How do I use Mega Database in ChessBase 17?

There are two main ways to use Mega Database.

The first is the more common approach, which is to import it into ChessBase 17 in the reference window. To do this, open any new board in ChessBase 17 after installing Mega Database and select it in the dropdown for reference databases. You may need to allow it to build a search booster.

The second is to open it in the main window. In the list of games, you can filter according to your needs using Ctrl + F. You can also click on the ‘text’ tab for videos and annotated games, along with other material for openings.

What is the validity of my Mega Database?

The base database is valid for life. Mega Database of a certain year will receive periodic updates of tournament games played within that year. For example, Mega Database 2023 will not receive updates for new games in 2024. The base database with no updates is equivalent to the previous year’s Mega Database fully updated.

How do I update Mega Database?

To receive the latest games, click on ‘New Games’ in the bottom left in ChessBase 17. You will be asked for the Mega Database activation key, upon which you can select the relevant entry and download selected games.

A common query is the location of new games. These new games are not visible if Mega Database is opened and simply scrolled to the bottom. You need to filter by ‘Date’ to view the newly updated games, since they may be appended to a random location otherwise.

Troubleshooting

ChessBase 17 will not open due to missing files.

Always first attempt a reinstall in case of any issue, as it can sometimes fix the problem. Do not forget to deactivate first.

If it is a single .dll file that is missing, they may be missing from your system files. You can search for the relevant .dll file and download it to your ChessBase Directory. This can be found by right clicking on the desktop shortcut and selecting ‘Open containing folder.’ If it is still unable to open, you may need to install the Microsoft .NET framework 4.8 from the official website and install, alongside the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable 2022.

ChessBase 17 keeps asking me to enter the Serial Key upon opening.
First, attempt to enter the Serial Key in the dialog box. If you get a message that says ‘Already in Use’ or ‘Invalid,’ then you may have exhausted all of your keys.

If it is accepted, then close the software and re-open. If the box appears once more, follow these steps:
1. Close the software completely.

2. Right click the desktop shortcut and click on ‘Open containing folder’

3. Run the ‘ChessBase Admin Tool’ and attempt to deactivate/reactivate there, which will fix the problem.