# Questions about using MLife

**URL:** <https://forums.nlr.gov/t/questions-about-using-mlife/1435>\
**Category:** Computer-Aided Engineering Software Tools\
**Created:** [August 26, 2016, 3:08pm UTC](https://forums.nlr.gov/t/questions-about-using-mlife/1435 "2016-08-26T15:08:48Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Xing.Wei](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/b9bd4f/32.png) [@Xing.Wei](https://forums.nlr.gov/u/Xing.Wei)\
**Post date:** [August 26, 2016, 3:08pm UTC](https://forums.nlr.gov/t/questions-about-using-mlife/1435/1 "2016-08-26T15:08:48Z")

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Dear All

I am trying to use MLife to calculate the average equivalent loads (DEL). After I read through the MLife User’s Guide. I followed the instructions to add Source, Source\datatablepackage, and Source\Rainflow folders to the MatLab search path. Then, I changed the current directory to CertTest folder and run “mlife\_certification\_tests.m”. However, the error appears as in the following picture.

 ![1.PNG](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/nrel/original/1X/4849e7b492bcdc4cf668aa785d78f9d62f11ebc0.png)

I checked that I do not have Visual Studio 2010 SP1 run-time libraries installed on my computer but I have Visual Studio 2012. Whatever, I installed Redist\vcredist\_x64.exe (win64). But the error is still there. Excepting asking why I have this error and how to solve this, I am wondering why we need install Redist\vcredist\_x64.exe (win64) and what it is used for?

I am also wondering if running mlife\_certification\_tests.m is the first step before I use the MLife to calculate DEL for my own data? If I am using my own data, I am wondering if I just need to type “[Fatigue, Statistics]= mlife( settingsFile, dataDirectory, outputDirectory )” with setting all the parameters in MATLAB command window or I need to do anything else? I used MATLAB 2015a by the way.

Thank you very much!!!

Best wishes

XING WEI