Licensing and Activation Reference
Licensing and Activation (Reference):
Comprehensive technical documentation for all licensing methods, activation procedures, and license management operations.
Related Topics:
- Solution Center (Reference) - Main interface
- License Server (Reference) - Network licensing
- Product Editions
Evaluation Version
Capabilities and Limitations
| Engineering Time | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Runtime Execution | 4 hours max | Unlimited |
| Solution Size | No limit | Per license |
| Features | All enabled | Per license |
| Training Use | Allowed | Allowed |
| Production Use | Not permitted | Permitted |
Licensing Methods
Method Comparison
| Hardkey | USB dongle | Yes | Physical transfer | No |
| Softkey | Machine-locked | No | Via procedure | No |
| Online Activation | Cloud-based | No | Yes (deactivate) | For activation |
| Offline Activation | File-based | No | Via procedure | No |
| License Server | Network shared | N/A | N/A | Network only |
Virtual Machine Considerations
Important: Maintain consistent VM hardware configuration to prevent license invalidation:
- Network adapters
- Video cards
- Hard drives
- CPU configuration
- Memory allocation
Hardkey License
Specifications
| Media | USB flash drive |
| Portability | Move between computers |
| Backup | Not possible |
| Recovery | Must purchase new if lost |
| Detection | Automatic when inserted |
Usage
- Insert USB dongle
- License auto-detected
- Remove to transfer to another computer
- No deactivation needed
Softkey License
Generation Process
- Get Site Code
- Solution Center → License Information
- Click "Get Site Code"
- Save generated file
- Submit for Processing
- Send SiteCode to vendor
- Provide purchase order/contract info
- Wait for license generation
- Install License
- Receive LicenseKey file
- Click "Load License Key"
- Select received file
- License activated
Site Code Contents
| Machine ID | Hardware fingerprint |
| OS Version | Compatibility check |
| Product Version | License matching |
| Request Date | Validation |
Online Activation
Process
- Obtain Credentials
- Serial Number (format: XXXX-XXXX-XXXX)
- Activation Code (format: XXXX-XXXX)
- Activate
- Solution Center → License Information
- Click "Online Activation"
- Enter credentials
- Internet connection required
- Instant activation
Benefits
| Deactivation | Can transfer to new machine |
| Reactivation | Move between computers |
| Management | Online portal access |
| History | Activation tracking |
Offline Activation
When to Use
- No internet connection
- Secure/isolated networks
- Corporate firewall restrictions
Process
- Generate Request
- Click "Get Site Code"
- Save request file
- Transfer via USB/email
- Process Offline
- Submit to vendor portal
- Or email to support
- Receive license file
- Install License
- Transfer license file to target
- Click "Load License Key"
- Select file
- Activated without internet
License Server
Centralized license distribution across network.
Configuration Requirements
| Software | ProView DS installed | ProView DS installed |
| License | Server license (multi-seat) | None |
| Service | TWebService running | Network access |
| Port | 10108 (default) | Same port |
Setup Process
Server Side:
- Install server license
- Start TWebService
- Verify port accessibility
- Check available seats
Client Side:
- Create RemoteLicenseService.config
- Configure:
RemoteServer=<IP>:<Port> - Place in:
C:\Users\Public\Documents\ProView DS\MachineSettings - Restart application
License Types
Type Comparison
| Runtime | No | Unlimited | Permanent | Yes* |
| Developer | Yes | 7 days max | Permanent | Yes |
| Combined | Yes | Unlimited | Permanent | Yes |
| Trial | Yes | Limited | Time-bound | Yes |
*Via remote connection from engineering license
Product Families
Family Comparison
| ProView DS Enterprise | Enterprise | Unlimited | All features |
| ProView DS HMI | OEM | By Display Count | Machine-level |
License Migration Procedures
Computer to Computer
| 1 | Generate SiteCode from original | Identify current license |
| 2 | Receive temporary license | Maintain operation |
| 3 | Install temporary on original | Free permanent license |
| 4 | Generate SiteCode again | Verify temporary active |
| 5 | Generate SiteCode from new PC | Target identification |
| 6 | Receive permanent for new | Final license |
| 7 | Install on new computer | Complete migration |
License Information Panel
Display Fields
| Product Family | License edition | Proview DS |
| Product Model | Point/tag limit | 1500 tags |
| License Type | Dev/Runtime/Combined | Combined |
| Serial Number | Unique identifier | 1234-5678-9012 |
| Engineering Users | Concurrent developers | 5 |
| Expiration | End date (if applicable) | 2025-12-31 |
| Hardkey Status | Dongle detection | Present/Absent |
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
| License not found | Wrong location | Check installation folder |
| Invalid license | Expired/wrong product | Verify expiration and product |
| Hardkey not detected | USB issue | Try different port |
| Network license fails | Connection issue | Check server and port |
| VM license invalid | Hardware changed | Maintain VM configuration |
Best Practices Checklist
Security
- Store license files securely
- Document serial numbers
- Restrict license server access
- Regular backup of licenses
Management
- Monitor expiration dates
- Plan renewals 30 days ahead
- Keep vendor contact info
- Document migration procedures
Virtual Environments
- Snapshot after licensing
- Document VM configuration
- Avoid hardware changes
- Test restore procedures