Manual (Trigger Code) Activation using SOLO Server
As an alternative to using LFEdit, Instant Protection PLUS 3, or License Manager for generating activation codes for trigger code (phone/manual/offline) activations, activation codes can also be generated through SOLO Server, which can be done through the author interface or by the customer through the Customer License Portal.
The advantage of using this technique is that the activation will be recorded in the Activation/Installation history for that License ID (shown below), with the Type designated as a "Manual Activation". The Activations Left will also be decremented for that License ID.
SOLO Server assumes that the customer will activate successfully with the Activation Code(s) they are given. If the customer tries to activate the wrong product or if they mistype the Activation Code(s), the activation will fail locally, but it will not reflect this in the SOLO Server activation/installation history.
SOLO Server Author Interface
If a customer provides you their user codes and License ID by phone or email, you can log into the SOLO Server author interface to generate their activation codes:
- Use the menu Customers / Generate Activation Codes. Enter the License ID to activate and click Continue. Alternately, search for the License ID, click the Activations dropdown and choose Generate Activation Codes.
- A page will be displayed with the license details, including customer and product information. Verify the details match the expected values, and if so, enter the two user codes.
- Optionally enter an Installation Name, which will result in an Installation ID being generated. This Installation ID cannot be used to deactivate the installation as it is only storing the Installation Name in this case.
- Click Activate.
The activation results will be displayed at the bottom of the page. If successful, Activation Code 1 and potentially Activation Code 2 will be displayed. If there is an error, the error code and description will be displayed instead. You will give the customer the Activation Code(s) for them to enter into the software.
Customer License Portal
It is possible to allow customers to generate the Activation Code(s) by using the Customer License Portal, which can be accessed by any computer with Internet access. This allows them to activate their offline computers without needing to call or email your support staff, which is especially useful in urgent cases or when there is a drastic timezone difference between your staff and your customer.
To enable this option, go to the menu Configure / Customer License Portal Options, click the Edit button, and check the Allow customers to activate manually option.
The activation instructions for your customers can be similar to the following:
- Log into the Customer License Portal.
- Click on the Licenses & Activations option.
- Click the License ID to be used for the activation.
- If there is at least one Activation Left, click the Activate button at the bottom of the screen.
- Enter User Code 1 and User Code 2 and click Activate.
- Activation Code 1 and potentially Activation Code 2 will be provided. Enter the code(s) into the corresponding software to activate it.