Invalid or absent protection key

Question: 

When I try to open a database I receive the error message "Invalid or absent protection key."

Answer: 

This error is displayed if:

  • The protection key is not attached to the (server) computer
  • The protection key is attached to the (server) computer, but the dongle drivers are not (properly) installed.
  • The license string entered in the startup screen is not compatible with the attached key.

Solutions:

  • Check if the protection key is attached to the (server) computer.
  • Run the check SN tool on the computer with the key attached. If the serial number of the key is displayed, the key is recognized. If the key is not recognized, you can download and install the latest Sentinel drivers from the Sentinel website. Choose the Windows operating system option 'Sentinel System Driver Installer for Sentinel SuperPro, UltraPro & SHK'. Make sure you have sufficient privileges to install the drivers on the computer. During installation the key should not be attached to the computer, after installation the key should be attached again.
  • Check the license string entered in the startup screen.
Package(s): 
BIONUMERICS
Applicable for: 
Version 1.0 - 8.1