FAQ: New Copy Protection

1. What is "Softron License Manager"?

Softron License Manager is a web-based tool that helps users manage their Softron software licenses. It provides a centralized platform to view, activate, release, and migrate serial numbers securely. Note that it only manages serial numbers, not dongles, for which things remain unchanged.

 

 

2. Why did Softron change the licensing system?

The new system replaces the old method, which could cause serial numbers to be lost due to macOS updates, computer failure, or theft. Now, thanks to activation tracking via minimal internet access, users will be able to reactivate or force release lost licenses if needed, without having to contact us.
 

3. Can I use my software offline?
Yes, but with serial numbers, the software must connect to the internet at least once every 2 days. If you need to be offline for longer periods, consider purchasing a dongle, which don't require any activation/deactivation.
 
 
4. What happens if I don't have internet access?
To activate, or release a serial number, you must have access to the internet, it is not possible without it. Once activated, you can be without internet during 2-3 days. If the application can not connect to our server for more than 2-3 days, the activation will expire, and it will go to demo mode.

 

5. What can I do if the computer with my Softron application can not have access to the internet?

If a periodic connection is not possible on your computer, a dongle option is recommended. Dongle don't need any activation, can be used without an internet connection, and is not impacted by the changes made to Serial Numbers activations.

 

 

6. How do I create an account?

You can register through the Softron License Manager platform or directly from within a Softron application by navigating to “Licenses > Manage Licenses.”

 

Note that the account in "Softron License Manager" is different than the one on the store, and the one of our Support Desk, so you will have to create a new account.

 

 

7. How do I migrate my old license activations?

The migration to the new activation system is made easy for you. Just start the application that uses the new activation system, and you will be offered to do the migration. More info on migration here...

Note that the migration is only possible if you start the new version of the application on the same Mac where the old activation is still valid. When you launch the updated version, the software will detect the existing activation and prompt you to migrate it. Click “Migrate to New Activation” to complete the process.

⚠️ Important:

• The migration will not work if you try to do it on a different Mac that does not have the old activation.
• If the old activation is no longer valid on that Mac, migration will also not be possible. If you have lost your old activation, you will have to contact us for support as old activations can not be force released.
  
   

8. Can I still use the old activation system after importing /migrating my serials?
Yes, importing your licenses into Softron License Manager does not disable the old activation system. In fact, keeping them in the License Manager can help you track which serials are available. If a license is still activated under the old system, you will see the MAC address of the computer it’s tied to. If it is not activated, it will appear as available.

You can continue using the old activation system without needing to remove the licenses from your account. You have the flexibility to switch between the old and new activation systems as needed. You just need to make sure to release (or deactivate) the serial in one of the system before being able to use it in the other.

Note that the limitations of the old activations will continue to apply to the activations done with the old system, even if the serial is imported in Softron License Manager. So make sure to start using the new versions of our applications to have all the improvements.

9. How can I know if a serial is activated with the old or the new Activation System?
When a serial is activated with the old activation system, it will show an "orange" status (instead of yellow for the new one), and you will only see the MAC address of the computer it is activated on, not its name.

 

 

10. How do I activate a license?

• Open your Softron application.
• Go to “Licenses > Manage Licenses” and sign in.
• Add your serial number to your account (if it's not already there)
• Click “Activate” to start using the software.

 

11. How do I release a serial number?

To use your license on another Mac:

• Open the application on the currently activated Mac.
• Go to “Licenses > Manage Licenses” and sign in.
• Click “Release” to free up the license for activation on another machine.
  
   

12. What happens if I forget to release my serial before reformatting my Mac?

If you forgot to release your license before reformatting or your Mac is lost/broken, you can use the “Re-Activate” option in the Softron License Manager.

 

 

13. What if I can’t access the Mac where my license is activated?

If your computer is broken or lost, use the “Force Release” option in the Softron License Manager to remotely deactivate the license. This should be done only when necessary, as frequent use may flag your account for review.

 

 

14. Can I "Activate" a serial in a Browser from a different computer?

No, you can only activate from the "Licenses" window of the Softron Application that you will want to use.

 

 

15. Can I "Release" a serial in a Browser from a different computer?

No, you can only  release properly from the "Licenses" window of the Softron Application that has the serial activated. If you don't have access to it anymore, you can do a Force Release.

 

 

16. Can I view the history of activations?

Yes, but only through a web browser, not within the application. To access the activation history, open Softron License Manager, locate the serial number, and click on the three-dot menu next to it. This will display detailed information, including the history of activations and the list of users assigned to that serial.

 

 

17. Can I share a license with my team?

Yes, the license owner can assign serial numbers to specific users via the Softron License Manager platform (only in a browser, not in the application). Select a serial number and choose to assign a serial to a user. Only users with an account in the platform can be added. If the user does not exists, an invitation email can be sent to them.

 

 

18. What can authorized users do with the serial?

Authorized users can activate, release, and force release a serial number, allowing them to use the license as needed. However, they cannot assign new users to the serial or remove existing users—only the license owner has those permissions.

 

 

19. How do I remove a serial from my account?

If you need to transfer ownership:

• Go to the Softron License Manager in a browser.
• Locate the serial number and select “Remove Serial” (only if it is not currently activated).
• The serial can then be added to another account.
   

20. What happens if I delete my Softron License Manager account?

All licenses owned by your account will become available to others who know the serial number.

Any additional users assigned to your licenses will lose access.

Ensure all activations are released before deleting your account.

 

 

21. What if I encounter issues?

Check the Softron Support Desk (softron.zendesk.com) for troubleshooting articles or contact support directly from within a Softron application under “Help > Contact Support.”