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*Web-activated licensing* is our automated licensing system and procedure which gives you full control over your [licenses|kb:Licensing]. Once an order is processed, you may immediately and directly license software online, then deactivate, activate, or renew without having to contact {new-tab-link:http://www.csiberkeley.com/}CSI{new-tab-link}.

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h1. Introduction

h2. For which software does web-activated licensing apply?

*ANSWER:* Web-activated licensing will apply to all major releases for most {new-tab-link:http://www.csiberkeley.com/}CSI{new-tab-link} software products beginning August 2012.


h2. What is an activation key and how do I obtain one?

*ANSWER:* The activation key is an alpha-numeric string, emailed to the customer, allowing the customer to activate or reactivate the purchased software through a web-based process.

Your company will receive an email with the activation key, emailed to the address supplied at time of order, once your order has been processed.


h2. How do I license my software using the Web-Activated licensing process and activation key?

*ANSWER:* The Web-Activated licensing process allows the you to license your product directly online. Once you have received your [activation key|kb:Web-activated licensing FAQ#What is an activation key and how do I obtain one?] you can enter it during the software installation process or in the [license activation tool|kb:Web-activated licensing FAQ#What is the license activation tool and where can I access it?] to generate your software license, which activates the software. The generated license file will automatically be stored and saved to the computer or network. You must be connected online during this process.


h2. How long is the software and its activation key valid?

*ANSWER:* The software license is valid for two years at a time and can be renewed indefinitely for as long as your product version and level stay the same.

The activation key is valid for as along as the product is still valid (version, level and license type remain the same). Activation key is required for activating and reactivating the software.

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*NOTE:* Save a copy of the activation key to reactivate the software on a different machine or at a later date.
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h2. Does the activation key stay the same?

*ANSWER:* Yes, the activation key you originally received for your software will remain valid as long as your software is still valid. You will need this activation key to reactivate the software after previously deactivating it.

A new activation key will be provided under the following circumstances:

* *New version* -- A new activation key will be issued when changing product version.

* *Level change* -- If you change product levels (i.e. moving between Plus, Advance or Ultimate), you will receive a new activation key.

* *License-type change* \--If you change license type (i.e. moving between StandAlone and Network), you will receive a new activation key.

h2. Why and when can I deactivate and reactivate my software?

*ANSWER:* Deactivating and reactivating your software is a new feature available with our Web-Activated licensing system. This allows you to easily move your [standalone license license|kb:Web-activated licensing FAQ#How can I move my software without a USB key?] or [network license|kb:Web-activated licensing FAQ#How do I move a network license?] by simply deactivating your software on one machine and reactivating your software on another machine using your [activation key|kb:Web-activated licensing FAQ#How do I license my software using the Web-Activated licensing process and activation key?] and the [license activation tool|kb:Web-activated licensing FAQ#What is the license activation tool and where can I access it?].


Software should also be deactivated in the follow cases whenbefore a new activation key will be issued:
* *Standalone / Network* -- When changing between standalone and network licensing.

* *Software level* -- For level changes, such as when upgrading from Plus to Nonlinear.

This new feature gives you the freedom to control your licenses without the need to contact CSI. 

h1. License renewal

h2. How do I renew my license?

*ANSWER:* Within 30 days of expiration or anytime after the license expires, you can renew the license (if the product is still valid) using the [license activation tool|kb:Web-activated licensing FAQ#What is the license activation tool and where can I access it?]. You will not be required to enter an activation key but must be connected online to renew.


h2. What is the license activation tool and where can I access it?

*ANSWER:* The license activation tool allows you to activate, deactivate, reactivate and renew your license. Depending on your license type you can access the tool as follows:

* *StandAlone* -- For standalone licenses it is called StandAloneKey, and can be found in the CSiLicensing subfolder in the installation folder for your software product (SAP2000, ETABS, etc.). In addition, a shortcut can be found in the Windows Start menu under the product folder.

* *Network* -- For a network license, the tool is called NetKey and can be found in the Sentinel RMS 8.5 Utilities installation folder. In addition, a shortcut can be found in the Windows Start menu under the Sentinel RMS 8.5 Utilities folder.


h2. Do I need the activation key to renew my license?

*ANSWER:* The activation key is not necessary for [license renewal|kb:Web-activated licensing FAQ#How do I renew my license?].


h2. What happens when the license expires after two years?

*ANSWER:* Thirty days before expiration and after the [license|kb:Licensing] has expired, the software will prompt you to renew the license using our [license activation tool|kb:Web-activated licensing FAQ#What is the license activation tool and where can I access it?]. You will not need to contact CSI or your dealer to renew your license.


h2. Why is there a two-year expiration if the software is valid indefinitely for that version and level?

*ANSWER:* Licenses are issued for two years at time for security reasons, protecting our users from unauthorized use. It also allows us to ensure compatibility with the current software and hardware available.


h1. Software evaluation

h2. How do I evaluate the software?

*ANSWER:* Evaluation versions will become available with the next major release of each software (starting August 2012). Evaluation versions will be valid up to one year. The evaluation version is fully functional except limits exporting and printed output capabilities.

A separate Evaluation Portal is available for the download of Evaluation versions. You may register at this portal and download and install the Evaluation version of the software without the need to contact {new-tab-link:http://www.csiberkeley.com/}CSI{new-tab-link}.

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*NOTE:* Please note the Evaluation version is not for professional use and files created in the Evaluation version are not compatible with a professional version(and visa versa). As a result, a licensed professional version cannot serve as a pre-processer or post-processer for work done using an Evaluation version.
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h2. Can I have an Evaluation version on the same computer as a licensed version?

*ANSWER:* Yes, since Evaluation versions have a separate installation from professional, licensed version, both versions may be installed on the same computer.


h1. Moving software

h2. Does the software still lock to a USB key?

*Answer:* Software will no longer lock to a USB key or Disk ID, but instead to a Machine code. Our Web-Activated licensing process will determine this locking-criteria using identifiers which are unique for each computer and server. The automated licensing process and installation wizard will not require you to enter the Machine code at any time.


h2. How can I move my software without a USB key?

*ANSWER:* Software may be deactivated from one computer, then reactivated on another computer by entering the activation key given at the time of purchase. Deactivation and reactivation will be required to [move network licenses|kb:Web-activated licensing FAQ#How do I move a network license?]. If you did not retain the email with the activation key, or if you do not know who received the email, feel free to contact our Sales Department at sales@csiberkeley.com.


h1. Network license

h2. Which license manager version is required?

*ANSWER:* The latest version of the license manager, v8.5.0, is required to serve network licensing. Please uninstall an older version of the license manager before installing v8.5.0. Before uninstalling the license manager, ensure all licenses and commuter licenses have been checked in.


h2. How do I install a network license?

*ANSWER:* To install a network license, the license manager must be connected to the internet during installation and when entering the activation key. Version 8.5.0 of the license manager will be installed with the installation wizard. Workstation installations may be installed at any time and do not require internet connection.


h2. How do I move a network license?

*ANSWER:* Before uninstalling the license manger/server you MUST first deactivate all network licenses. Your activation keys will not be valid for reactivation on the new server unless they have first been deactivated from the previous network server. Once the license manger has been installed on the new server, you may reactivate your licenses using your [activation keys|kb:Web-activated licensing FAQ#What is an activation key and how do I obtain one?] and the [license activation tool|kb:Web-activated licensing FAQ#What is the license activation tool and where can I access it?].

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*NOTE:* Be sure to deactivate all network licenses PRIOR to uninstalling the license manager.
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h1. Commuter license

h2. Can I still use the commuter license?

*ANSWER:* Changes have not been made to the commuter license. Note that commuter licenses are only available with network licensing.


h1. See Also

* [kb:Commuter license] article

* [kb:Network license check out] article

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* {email:date=10/26/2012|from=bm|to=office|subject=Web-activated licensing|comment=Announcement of web-activated licensing|id=9896004}
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