InstallShield 2018
Following are frequently asked questions and answers about the activation process for InstallShield.
| • | What is product activation? |
| • | What happens during activation? |
| • | What site is accessed for activation? |
| • | What is product reactivation? |
| • | What happens during reactivation? |
| • | How do activation and reactivation work? |
| • | What information is required for activation and reactivation? |
| • | Does activation affect my software or my computer? |
| • | How do I activate InstallShield? |
| • | How long does it take to activate InstallShield? |
| • | How soon must I activate InstallShield? |
| • | Can I install InstallShield without activating it? |
| • | What happens if I do not activate InstallShield? |
| • | How can I obtain an activation code for activation? |
| • | What is the difference between product activation and product registration? |
| • | Can I uninstall my copy of InstallShield on one machine and reinstall it on my other machine? |
| • | What if I upgrade or get a new machine, and I forget to return my license on my old machine? |
| • | Can I share my copy of InstallShield with others? |
| • | Will I be able to reinstall and reactivate InstallShield if my hard drive crashes? |
| • | Do I always need to be online to use InstallShield? |
| • | What does Flexera do with the InstallShield activation information? |
Answers
Product activation is a quick and anonymous process that confirms the authenticity of your software. This is done to protect you from the adverse effects of pirated software. The process also verifies that InstallShield has not been activated on more machines than allowed by the InstallShield End-User License Agreement (EULA).
After you first launch InstallShield, the activation wizard opens. After a few seconds, the activation wizard disappears if you have not clicked on it, and InstallShield is launched as a trial product. If you want to activate InstallShield right away, you can select the Activate or Purchase InstallShield option, and then click the Next button. The wizard guides you through the activation process, and in seconds, InstallShield is activated.
What happens during activation?
You go through a series of easy steps to activate InstallShield, usually through the Internet (or offline, through a Web site that you can access on a different machine). You enter a product activation code, which is used to authenticate the InstallShield license, thus unlocking the product. The entire process takes only a few seconds.
What site is accessed for activation?
To activate InstallShield and check for updates, your environment needs to have access to the following site:
https://flexerasoftware.flexnetoperations.com
Product reactivation is the process by which an activated product is checked to verify that it is still installed according to the InstallShield EULA, and that it has not been activated on more machines than allowed.
Reactivation is required on each machine on which InstallShield has been successfully installed and activated. Reactivation must occur a certain number of months after the last activation or reactivation occurred; otherwise, InstallShield stops working.
Reactivation offers more flexibility than licensing models that do not require it. With the reactivation model that is used for InstallShield, a license is not permanently tied to a specific machine; this allows users to periodically update and replace hardware and the machines on which InstallShield is installed.
Important • For specific time frames and other details on reactivation, see Knowledge Base article Q200867 (https://flexeracommunity.force.com/customer/articles/en_US/INFO/Q200867).
What happens during reactivation?
Reactivation typically occurs automatically, without any interaction on your part. Several weeks before reactivation is required, the activation wizard sends a reactivation request for your activation code to the activation server silently (that is, without displaying any user interface). The server receives the reactivation request, and it validates the request. If the reactivation request is successful, the server automatically notifies the activation wizard about the status, enabling the wizard to reactivate InstallShield for you.
If reactivation cannot be automatically performed when needed (for example, if you do not have an Internet connection), the activation wizard is displayed when you launch InstallShield. At that point, the activation wizard lets you reactivate InstallShield using the same wizard that is used for activation. The wizard first attempts an online reactivation. If online reactivation is unsuccessful, the wizard enables you to use the offline method.
Important • For information on how often reactivation is required, see Knowledge Base article Q200867 (https://flexeracommunity.force.com/customer/articles/en_US/INFO/Q200867).
How do activation and reactivation work?
For an explanation, see Overview of the Life Cycle of a Node-Locked License.
What information is required for activation and reactivation?
Activation and reactivation require your InstallShield activation code. No personal information is needed.
Does activation affect my software or my computer?
No. Activation has no effect on the performance of your computer or software.
How do I activate InstallShield?
After purchasing InstallShield (and subsequently receiving your activation code), you simply enter the activation code in the designated field that is displayed in the activation wizard when you launch InstallShield, and then click the Activate button.
Typically, activation is completed in just a few seconds through the Internet (online activation). In some cases, offline activation is required. If so, this is accomplished through a Web site that you can access from a different machine. To learn more, see Activating Through a Web Page.
How long does it take to activate InstallShield?
Internet activation (online activation) typically takes seconds to complete. It is dependent on the type of Internet technology that you are using. The amount of data being transmitted is very small, so high-speed connections are not required.
How soon must I activate InstallShield?
You have a limited number of days to activate InstallShield after the first launch. The activation wizard shows the number of days that are left in your trial period. The activation wizard is displayed every time that you launch InstallShield during the trial period (before you have activated InstallShield). In addition, the About InstallShield dialog box in InstallShield shows the number of days remaining. To access the About InstallShield dialog box: On the Help menu in InstallShield, click About InstallShield.
Can I install InstallShield without activating it?
Yes. After installation, you can use InstallShield for a limited number of days without activating it.
After that trial period has ended, you need to activate InstallShield in order to use it.
What happens if I do not activate InstallShield?
InstallShield will stop working at the end of the trial period if you do not activate it.
How can I obtain an activation code for activation?
When you purchased and downloaded InstallShield from the InstallShield online store, you should have received your activation code through email. If you cannot find your activation code, contact your InstallShield sales representative.
What is the difference between product activation and product registration?
Product activation is a mandatory, anonymous process that verifies the activation code for your copy of InstallShield. Product registration is a process that entitles you to product updates and special offers.
Can I uninstall my copy of InstallShield on one machine and reinstall it on my other machine?
Yes. The recommended method is to first return your license on the current machine and install the product on a new machine. Once you have installed it on the new machine, you must activate InstallShield on the new machine.
For more information, see Returning a License to Your Account on the Activation Server.
What if I upgrade or get a new machine, and I forget to return my license on my old machine?
If you are planning to upgrade or get a new machine, it is important that you first return your license. If you do not do this, your account on the activation server still reflects that your license is activated on your old machine. As a result, when you install the product on your new machine, you will not be able to activate it, and you will need to contact InstallShield Support. If this situation has occurred frequently, you may be denied another activation.
Can I share my copy of InstallShield with others?
No, InstallShield should not be shared with other users. Do not share the activation code that you used for activation, since it is required to reactivate your product.
Will I be able to reinstall and reactivate InstallShield if my hard drive crashes?
Yes. However, in most cases, the InstallShield license will still be activated. If you attempt to reactivate but it fails, contact InstallShield support at:
https://flexeracommunity.force.com/customer/CCContactSupport
Do I always need to be online to use InstallShield?
Once you have activated InstallShield, you do not need to be online to use it. When InstallShield needs to be reactivated, the activation wizard attempts to reactivate silently (that is, without displaying any user interface). If your machine does not have an Internet connection when reactivation is attempted, the activation wizard is displayed, allowing you to perform an offline (email) reactivation.
What does Flexera do with the InstallShield activation information?
The information that is used to activate InstallShield is used within the capacity outlined by the InstallShield End-User License Agreement (EULA). For additional information, review the privacy policy on the Flexera website:
https://www.flexera.com/enterprise/company/terms/tab/privacy
InstallShield 2018 Help LibrarySeptember 2018 |
Copyright Information | Flexera |