Serial number entry and activation

Serial number entry

Serial numbers are assigned to a computer and then compared to the serial number database. If the serial number is available, activation unlocks the software on the computer.

If the serial number is not valid or has already been activated on another computer, an error message is returned explaining the problem.

NO PERSONAL INFORMATION IS TRANSMITTED DURING SERIAL NUMBER ACTIVATION

Enter your serial number

When a single serial number or multiple-computer serial number is purchased, it is sent to the purchaser by e-mail.

To enter a serial number:

  1. From the Help menu, select Enter Serial Number
  1. Copy and past the serial number received by e-mail in the Enter Serial Number dialog box

When the OK is clicked, the Activate dialog box is displayed.

Serial number activation

The serial number entered in the computer and unique information that identifies the computer's hard disk is compared to the serial number database using the internet. When the serial number is verified as available, the software is unlocked.

  1. From the Help menu, select Activate.

Activation can be done either online or manually.

Activate online

Activating online is a single-step process.

To activate online:

  1. Open an internet connection
  2. Click Activate online...

When activation is complete, the Deactivate option in the Help menu becomes available.

Note: If the computer is on a network protected by a firewall that prevents outside internet access, or if an open network connection is not available, manual activation is required.

Activate manually

Manual activation creates an internet shortcut to connect to the serial number database. Use this shortcut when either an internet connection is available or the shortcut is put on a computer that has an internet connection.

The shortcut connects to the serial number database to verify the serial number's availability. If the serial number is available, a text file "Activate.txt" is created and should be download. This text file contains the unlock key.

Note: It is important that "Activate.txt" is copied to the computer being activated before clicking Finish.

To activate manually:

Manual activation is a three-step process.

  1. Click Create shortcut
  2. When the Activate shortcut is on a computer with an internet connection, run the shortcut
  3. When the Activate.txt is on the subject computer, click Finish

Note: Running the shortcut assigns the serial number (or an iteration of the serial number) to the subject computer in the serial number database. Clicking Finish unlocks the software on the subject computer.