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Matlab Download

Matlab 2009a is the current version offered by The Mathworks.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This software is licensed to Cornell University and its use is strictly limited to subscribed Cornell faculty and staff at the main campus and affiliate facilities.

Due to the large file sizes and inconsistent performance of creating Zip files for Matlab software, we are distributing in ISO format.  ISO is a standard disk image format, which will allow the creation of DVDs or virtual mounting to your desktop using Daemon Tools.

If you wish to create your own DVDs, you must have a DVD recording device and your own DVDs.

CU Software recommends the use of Daemon Tools, which once installed, will act like a CD/DVD drive and install software.  Below is link to download Daemon Tools and we have provided instructions for install and use.  Please READ and FOLLOW the instructions, since it will help prevent problems.

Download Daemon Tools

Install Daemon Tools (Instructions)




Quickly Update Matlab 2007a/b Single-User Installations

For those who already have Matlab installed and have reordered their license, you may quickly update your Matlab license by doing the following:

  1. Download the new Matlab license file from the menu above
  2. Unzip the license file and open it using Notepad, Wordpad, or some other text editor
  3. Locate your current "license.dat" file and open it (Find the file within your Matlab directory. Windows users will find it in the /bin/win32 directory)
  4. Select all of the license information in the "license.dat" file and delete it
  5. From the new license file, select all information from the #BEGIN line and below. Copy & Paste it into your now empty "license.dat" file and save.
  6. Start Matlab and you should be good to go

Quickly Update Matlab 2008a/b or 2009a Single-User Installations

  1. Start Matlab
  2. Select the "Help" menu >> "Licensing" >> "Update Current Licenses"
  3. A Mathworks License Update window should appear >> Click "Update"
  4. An Update Confirmation window should appear >> Click "Yes"
  5. Matlab will connect with The Mathworks to validate the new license.
  6. An Update Complete window should appear >> Click "Ok"
  7. Click "Close" on the Mathworks License Update window
  8. Matlab must be restarted >> Click "Ok" and restart Matlab to finalize the license update.

Windows/Macintosh/Unix/Linux New Installations of 2008a/b & 2009a

Download the OS appropriate files from the menus above (make sure that you download the license files as well). Unzip the Windows files or burn the ISO to a DVD, and mount the Unix/Linux/Mac files.

With the release of Matlab 2008x, The Mathworks requires all computer systems to communicate with The Mathworks license server for activation purposes. This does not mean that your system must be online and communicating with The Mathworks for Matlab to function. It is only for license activation.

  1. Detailed installation instructions.
  2. You will need Cornell's Activation Code and License Number, which was emailed to you after ordering Matlab

Technical Support

Please contact The Mathworks:

Support is available Monday - Friday

Phone: 508-647-7000

Technical Support, Press 5

8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. ET

Customer Support, Press 4

8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. ET