USB Dongle Licenses

SpatialAnalyzer can be licensed using a USB hardware lock or dongle. A hardware lock is a USB device that does not have any writable memory and is only used as a license for the product.  

Our USB hardware locks use a driver (Sentinel) to read the USB key. Sentinel is included in the SA installation process and must be installed before using SpatialAnalyzer. Sentinel is provided as part of the software install and can also be downloaded from our website: https://www.kinematics.com/ftp/SA/Install/Driver%20Downloads/Hardware%20Lock%20Driver/

 

Meta-key File Installation

USB Licensing uses Meta files (*.met) to upgrade or extend the expiration date of a key. A new USB License does not need a Meta file as the key contains the initial Meta file.

When software licensing is extended, or renewed, a user will receive a new Meta file. Users need to double-click the Meta file(s) when received and they will auto-extract into the correct directory. Should an issue occur or you need to retrieve the file, it can found in: C:\Analyzer Data\License.

 

Below is an example meta file: 

 

Meta-keys filenames come as “License####.met,” where the 5-digit number must matches the serial number on the key. These files are found by name so if you rename the file or if the fie is imported as “License####(1).met,” it will not work.

 

License files can also be sent with the *.mez extension. These are a special zip file format that can contain more than one license. SA automatically recognizes both *.met and *.mez extensions and will install either format by double-clicking on the file.

 

To install an SA Meta-key File:

  1. Double-click the *.mez or *.met file you received and SA will automatically install it (SA must be installed on your machine first for this to happen correctly).

  2. Ensure that the hardware lock with the matching serial number is installed in the USB port. This is still your license. The Meta file only updates the expiration date.

  3. Run SpatialAnalyzer.

  4. Within SA choose the Help Tab >Maintenance Status to verify your license was updated successfully.

 

Important Note...

 

Troubleshooting

  1. Double check that the USB key is plugged in to the local machine and that the power light turns on. You might try a different USB port and be sure windows pops a message informing you that the USB key is recognized.

  2. Go to Apps >Installed apps (Programs and Features) and make sure that the Sentinel Protection Installer 7.6.9 is installed and that there is only one version of Sentinel. The Key Driver can be downloaded here: https://www.kinematics.com/ftp/SA/Install/Driver%20Downloads/Hardware%20Lock%20Driver/

  3. Other USB devices plugged into your system can cause conflicts. Try removing other USB devices or even docking stations just as a test.

  4. USB Dongles do not support remote connections or USB emulation devices. Be sure to disconnect any of these connections.

  5. If none of that helps then we should write a License Diagnostic file out that should help. Try going to the hidden system directory C:\ProgramData\New River Kinematics and look for a LicenseDiag.dat file. If you have one please send that to us and it should help us track down the problem.