Frequently Asked Questions About Product Activation
What is Product Activation?
Product activation is a secure, simple process to ensure that customers have received a valid copy of Pervasive software. Activation occurs at the end of installation process, verifying that the copy of software is legitimate, correctly licensed and on the appropriate hardware and software platform.
What Pervasive software requires activation?
Trial downloads, e-commerce and shrinkwrapped (software purchased direct from Pervasive or from one of our Distributor, ISV, or Reseller partners) versions of Pervasive PSQL v10 require activation.
How do I activate my software?
There are two simple ways to activate Pervasive PSQL:
Online - First, make sure your system is connected to the Internet. Then a) Start the Pervasive Software License Administrator in Pervasive PSQL, or b) paste or type the key into the Key field. Then, click Activate
Remote - Use remote activation when the machine where the database engine is installed has no Internet connection, but it is networked to another machine that has an Internet connection. Install Pervasive PSQL client on the machine that has the Internet connection. Use the License Administrator on the client machine to connect to the server and activate Pervasive PSQL.
To learn about other ways to activate Pervasive PSQL, read the Product Activation whitepaper.
What happens during product activation?
Step1: Key Generation and Delivery - A unique key is generated during a request for a trial download or an e-commerce order submission. When PSQL is purchased from a Pervasive partner, the key is included with the media.
Step 2: Key Registration with Pervasive Server - A copy of the key is stored in a Pervasive server to be used as part of the validation and activation process.
Step 3: Key Entry - Launch the Pervasive Software License Administrator utility and input the key number. Once the key is input, the software sends a licensing request to the Pervasive server. The request includes information about the product, version and user count details of the software, the operating system and hardware platform where the software has been installed.
Step 4: License Validation and Software Activation - The Pervasive server receives the system and key information, validates the key/software/hardware combination and activates the software.
What happens to the information collected during activation?
Information collected during activation is stored on the Pervasive server and used to authenticate valid software installations.
What information is sent to the Pervasive server during Product Activation and Validation?
The information sent includes but is not limited to:
1. Information about Pervasive keys installed on the computer
2. Information about the computer:
- MAC address, IP address
- CPU
- Hard drive/volume assignment
- Mother board
- BIOS
- OS
- Memory
- Machine Name
Why is information about the computer where PSQL is installed being collected?
In order to make sure that keys are used on only one computer at a time, each key is associated with a single machine (which is identified by a set of computer specific attributes such as MAC address, CPU, BIOS, etc.). The key/machine association is stored in the Pervasive licensing server. Until the key is deactivated (removing the key association with a specific computer), any attempt to use that key on another computer will fail.
Can I change or upgrade my computer?
Yes, but always deactivate they key before making changes. When the PSQL engine starts, it checks to confirm that the machine configuration associated with that installation of Pervasive PSQL is unchanged.
What machine configuration changes may result in my Pervasive PSQL license being disabled?
Before making any of the following configuration changes to your computer, deactivate the Pervasive PSQL key on the computer.
- MAC Address
- CPU
- Hard drive/volume assignment
- Mother board
- BIOS
- OS (service pack upgrades are ok)
- Memory
What happens if I don't activate my software?
You will not be able to use the software until it is activated..
If I uninstall and reinstall the software on a separate machine, do I need to reactivate the software?
Yes. The software will need to be deactivated and uninstalled from the first machine, then reinstalled and reactivated on the second machine.
Can I transfer my PSQL license to another server?
The Pervasive PSQL license agreement prohibits transferrinig of PSQL licenses to different sites. Any PSQL license transfer to a different site or division requires approval from Pervasive. Please contact your Pervasive sales representative to ensure you are in compliance.
Where can I find more information on product activation?
Read the Product Activation whitepaper. More information can be found on the Pervasive website and in the Pervasive PSQL User's Guide in the License Administrator chapter.
If you have additional questions, please call or email Pervasive.
