Answers to common questions
Activation (or "unlock") codes are specific to
- a computer name
- a product
- the version number of the product
- and, codes are valid for only 7 days before they expire.
A non-working code may simply be too old, or it's for the wrong product or version, or it was used for too many installs.
You can easily request a fresh activation code for a product that you purchased. (If this is a second request for the same computer name, it won't count as another use of the software.)
To get a fresh replacement activation code:
1. Run the add-on (download the free trial if it's not installed)
2. Choose "Activate License"
3. Choose "Step 2. Register this PC and request an Unlock Code.
4. Choose "I have access to the Internet" ...this will bring you to a web page.
5. Type in the Order # and either the Buyer or User email address from the order.
Our server will send you a new code or a status message within a couple minutes.
Many of our older installation kits had a "freshness date" built into them. Apparently we assumed that some of those kits should expire on 12/28/2010 and burned that into the kit.
If you have an expired kit, tthe following steps should fix the problem...
METHOD 1 (if you can change your computer clock):
- Make sure ACT and the product are NOT running
- Set your computer clock back to 1/1/2006
- Re-run (or if necessary re-install) the add-on
- After it has started correctly (just once), close it
- Correct your computer clock
METHOD 2 (If you are unable to change your computer clock):
- Make sure ACT and the product are NOT running
- Use Windows Explorer (or Search) to locate file named Saleswin.ini On XP, it is usually in the Windows folder usually at c:\Windows\saleswin.ini
- Double-click the file to open it in Notepad
- Locate the line that says Lstatus2C=[some funny text]
- Delete that line and replace that line with the following line (simply copy and paste the following):
LStatus2C=gmhCv0Jz3ybDle6sR
- Finally, Click File...Save in Notepad
The above should fix the problem and the software should then start.
NOTE: You will probably next need to click Activate License and Register the PC using your order number and email address. If you get that far, our server will automatically send you an Unlock Code, which you then enter using Activate License.
Most of your customized files and data for our products are stored under My Documents... Northwoods Software. So all those folders and files should definitely be backed up and/or saved in order to move to a new computer.
In addition, a number of customized settings and data files are stored in folders under Application Data. You can get to that area by clicking Open Settings Folder on the Support tab. Then, navigate up one folder to the main Northwoods Software folder. All the folders and files under the Northwoods Software folder should be backed up and/or saved to move to a new machine.
To actually move to a new machine:
1. First, install the free trial on the new machine.
2. Then run the software one time, to create the default settings for any user.
3. Close the software application.
4. Then, move your old settings files to the same place on the new machine, that is, the same folders under Application Data. NOTE: The most essential files to move are: account.xml, settings.xml, and in general any other xml files. Moving all the files should not cause much trouble other than moving old data that consumes a bit of space on the new computer.
5. Finally, ou will need to change any settings that refer to file locations. (Most often that's just the ACT database.) You should be able to easily fix any such remaining incorrect settings by running the software after moving the settings files. Just visit each tab having to do with settings and correct any incorrect file names or settings that you see.
NOTE: The above applies only to our add-ons for ACT 2005 and later. For ACT6 add-ons, the settings are stored in a file called Saleswin.ini. To locate it, Search your hard drive. It will usually be located in the Windows folder, but other copies can be in other places.
|
