Although the combined installer from the NatLink SourceForge.net project is the easiest way to install the latest version of NatLink and Vocola 2, it is possible to use Vocola 2 with other versions of NatLink, including older versions and Daniel Rocco's classic NatLink version. Instructions are below. Note that these instructions cannot be used to upgrade from or to combined NatLink installers with version numbers above 1.5 due to non-backward-compatible changes in the NatLink APIs.

Use the following instructions for your first installation of Vocola 2.
Or, see below to upgrade from an earlier version of Vocola 2.

Installing Vocola for the first time

1. Install Dragon NaturallySpeaking, version 3.5 or later, any edition, if not already installed.
2. Install Python if not already installed. Version 2.3 is recommended, with 2.0, 2.2, 2.5, and 2.6 also supported. Earlier and later versions are not currently supported.
3. Install an alternative version of NatLink. Versions we know of:
• Daniel Rocco's classic NatLink version
• Scott Weinstein's installer (called NatPython 1.4.0 and 1.5.0 there), which installs NatLink and an out of date version of Vocola simultaneously. You must have Python 2.3 to use the installer. Afterwards, follow the upgrade instructions below to update the installed version of Vocola to the current version.
• If you're using Dragon NaturallySpeaking 7.0 or earlier, you may download NatLink for Python 2.3, NatLink for Python 2.2 or NatLink for Python 2.0, and follow Joel Gould's instructions (don't bother with the self-tests, which often fail). (If using Dragon NaturallySpeaking 7.0 with Python 2.2 or 2.0, try this version of EnableNL.exe.)
4. Install Vocola if you did not use Scott's installer:
1. Download the latest Vocola zip file.
2. Locate where NatLink is installed. You're looking for a directory named NatLink containing a subdirectory named MacroSystem. Most likely C:\NatLink or C:\Program Files\NatLink.
3. Exit Dragon NaturallySpeaking if it is running.
4. Extract the Vocola zip file into the NatLink directory. For example, if NatLink is installed in C:\NatLink, you should choose C:\NatLink as the folder to extract to. After unpacking you should see folder NatLink\Vocola, with subfolders Commands, Doc, Exec, Samples, and Simpscrp.
5. From the Vocola\Exec folder copy the files _vocola_main.py and VocolaUtils.py to the NatLink\MacroSystem folder. Copying these files activates Vocola's built-in voice commands.
6. Start Dragon NaturallySpeaking.
5. Select a program to edit Vocola command files:
   • Associate the .vcl file extension (used for Vocola command files) with your favorite text editor.
   • You may be able to do this by right clicking on a .vcl file then selecting Open With > Choose Program... and then checking Always use the selected program to open this kind of file and then choosing a program.
   • If/when you start using Vocola include files, you may wish to associate the .vch file extension as well.
   • Note that Scott's installer associates the .vcl file extension with the free editor Notepad2, which it also installs.
   • Emacs users should see these more detailed instructions.
6. Test Vocola.
1. Copy the sample command file for Notepad (Vocola\Samples\notepad.vcl) to the <My Documents>\NatLink\Vocola folder if using the installer under pre-Vista; otherwise, use the Vocola\Commands folder.
2. Say "Start Notepad" to launch Notepad.
3. Say "Test Simple Command". The phrase "It works!" should appear.
4. Say "Edit Voice Commands". Your copy of notepad.vcl should be opened using the editor you picked in step 5.
5. Change the "Test Simple Command" command to type "It really works!"
6. Save the file, say "Switch to Notepad", and say "Test Simple Command". "It really works!" should appear.

Upgrading from an Earlier Version of Vocola

1. Locate where NatLink is installed. You're looking for a directory named NatLink containing a subdirectory named MacroSystem. Most likely C:\NatLink or C:\Program Files\NatLink. These instructions will refer to that directory by <NatLink>.
2. Make a backup copy of your command files (located in <NatLink>\Vocola\Commands and possibly <My Documents>\NatLink\Vocola as well).
3. Update your version of NatLink if desired.
4. Rename <NatLink>\Vocola to <NatLink>\Vocola.old. (Remove <NatLink>\Vocola.old first if it already exists.)
5. Download the latest Vocola zip file.
6. Exit Dragon NaturallySpeaking if it is running.
7. Extract the Vocola zip file into <NatLink>. For example, if NatLink is installed in C:\NatLink, you should choose C:\NatLink as the folder to extract to. After unpacking you should see folder <NatLink>\Vocola, with subfolders Commands, Doc, Exec, Samples, and Simpscrp.
8. From the <NatLink>\Vocola\Exec folder, copy the file _vocola_main.py to the <NatLink>\MacroSystem folder.
9. From the <NatLink>\Vocola\Exec folder, copy the file VocolaUtils.py to the <NatLink>\MacroSystem\Core folder if it exists or <NatLink>\MacroSystem if it doesn't. Both this copy and that of step 8 should replace existing files.
10. Copy all files from <NatLink>\Vocola.old\Commands to <NatLink>\Vocola\Commands.
11. Restart Dragon NaturallySpeaking