Qinsy - Licensing

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When you install the program with a release date beyond the expiry date of your Support & Maintenance agreement

During installation of the new version, the previous version will be uninstalled automatically.
When you then try to start the new version you may be notified that 'The Support and Maintenance period is expired'. You will then have to re-install a version released prior to the expiry date of the Support & Maintenance.
When you don't have access to the Internet or do not have a backup of the previous version at hand, you might run into trouble.

When your Support & Maintenance agreement is about to expire

A banner will show in the Qinsy Navigation Display when Support and Maintenance is going to expire within 30 days.

For example: the user has Support and Maintenance until 30/04/2018

• If current date is 31/03/2018 - banner will not be shown
• If current date is 09/04/2018 - banner will be shown (but can be closed)
• If current date is 01/05/2018 - banner will be shown (and cannot be closed)

How do I upgrade my dongle?

See Upgrading a Dongle.

Dongle issues after upgrading your product on Windows Vista or Windows 7?

See Dongle Issues.

'Dongle not found' after upgrading your product on Windows 7 or higher?

When upgrading from an old version of Qinsy/Qastor/Qimera on Windows 7 or higher, you may run into problems with the dongle.
If you start the program and get the message “No Dongle Found”, please check the following:

1. Check which software is installed as anti-virus software

2. If the anti-virus software is named 'Trend Micro Office Scan': this seems to include some sort of firewall functionality which filters the calls into HASP library

3. Disable this software and choose different anti-virus software.

If this doesn't seem to cause the problem, check how many network cards are installed on your pc.
When more than 8 of these cards are installed, the HASP Loader cannot read the dongle.

How do I upgrade my Softlock license?

I have received the license upgrade code from QPS, where can I enter it?

• From January 2018 the License Manager will replace the HASP Loader. This will not alter the operation of the HASP dongle.
• Should you be using a Softlock, then you may use the How-to document 'License Manager 1.x'.

How do I make sure my pc uses the license I want and not another one available?

Some users have multiple licenses, either on a dongle or on a network server.
To indicate which license should be used, use the Qinsy Console:

1. On the menu bar, select Settings, then Options
2. In the dialog select 'Show the dongle selection dialog when multiple dongles are detected on startup'
3. Press 'OK'

This setting will be stored for future use and can be adjusted whenever a different license is to be used.

Which options are available when acquiring software licenses?

QPS offer software licenses in the following ways:

1. Short software rentals for 1 day or 1 week.
   You can use the software for the rented period. Without extension the rent will automatically end.
   This option allows you access to our Support Desk and to the latest software updates made available on our web site.
   
   
2. Subscription licenses for 1 year.
   You can use the software for the rented period. Without extension the rent will automatically end.
   This option allows you access to our Support Desk and to the latest software updates made available on our web site.
   
   
3. Perpetual licenses with unlimited use.
   You will become the owner of the license and can use the software without limitations.
   When purchasing this type of license, one year of Support & Maintenance service is included.
   This option allows you access to our Support Desk and to the latest software updates made available on our web site within that first year.
   After this period the software will continue to function, but you will no longer have access to either our Support Desk or to the latest software updates.
   The Support & Maintenance service can be purchased for a small annual fee (approximately 10% of the permanent license).

How does QPS protect its software against misuse?

Apart from the type of licenses QPS uses, other measures have been put in place to protect the software.
Licenses are activated using the "License Manager" which is automatically installed with every QPS program.
Using the License Manager you can view the status of your license and its expiry date.

QPS offer the following licensing solutions:

1. The software can be protected with a so-called softlock. This is a protective XML file.
   
   • The license can be activated on one computer and can also be de-activated, so it can be activated on another computer.
   • An internet connection is mandatory for activation and de-activation so our licensing system can keep track of the correct number of activations.
   • License upgrades are carried out using XML files.
   • No extra costs are charged for using a softlock.
2. The software can be protected with a USB key.
   The software itself can be installed on multiple computers but it will only work when the USB key is inserted directly into the computer.
   
   • The USB key will be programmed and shipped by QPS. Or, when the software is to be activated at a later date, an XML license file can be delivered later so the user can install it.
   • USB keys which have been programmed do not need to be re-programmed when used on another computer. The software will be activated as soon as the key is inserted.
   • License upgrades are carried out using XML files.
   • No extra costs are charged for using a standard USB key.
3. The software can be protected with a network license, using a USB key.

• The USB network key needs to be inserted in the USB port of the connected server.
• The license can be used by the programmed maximum number of users as agreed between QPS and the user.
• All computers on the concerning network and which have the QPS software installed can use the software, up to the maximum number of users.
• We advise to contact QPS for advice before using the network key concerning firewall restrictions.
• License upgrades are carried out using XML files.
• The costs of a network license will be charged to the user as the costs of a network USB key are substantially higher than a standard USB key and extra time is needed by QPS to prepare it.