AD stops issuing activation codes older software

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Rork
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AD stops issuing activation codes older software

Post by Rork » 27 Jun 2019, 13:53

http://www.cgchannel.com/2019/06/autode ... -software/

&

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/ ... 1532330357

So, be careful not to loose any codes.

rob

Moderator edit: removed your double post - HB
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Re: AD stops issuing activation codes older software

Post by Hirazi Blue » 27 Jun 2019, 15:33

We knew this day would come... X(

This way they can eventually get rid of all those pesky perpetual licenses easily... b-(
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Re: AD stops issuing activation codes older software

Post by juanloredo » 28 Jun 2019, 00:54

Autodesk back at it again!....Disappointing but not unexpected. So basically after 2021 if I want to reinstall my OS or buy another PC or update my motherboard or anything related to uninstalling SI I won't be able to activate it again. X( I think this is finally it for me.

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Re: AD stops issuing activation codes older software

Post by Hirazi Blue » 28 Jun 2019, 09:52

If you are on a single user "network license": You can still at least create your own "dongle":
buy an USB Wifi Adapter, figure out its MAC address and "hurry" to registeronce (while you still can)
to create a new license file with that specific MAC address... ;)

Also see this post on the Mailing List by Thomas Helzle
and this post on our own forum by Nolan.
I am not sure what the EULA would have to say about using this "dongle" to move to a new PC, so that might be illegal... :-\
But as a way to get around hardware changes on the same machine this should absolutely work.
I mentioned this method to XSIsupport back in the day
and he didn't protest, implying that, if you can get it to work, it is a totally valid method...
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Re: AD stops issuing activation codes older software

Post by juanloredo » 29 Jun 2019, 08:15

I have a node-locked license. I only have a serial and a product number. I wonder if there's a way to get a code number by activating the license offline? (by phone or something) At least something that I can keep using for reinstalling SI in the same machine.

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Re: AD stops issuing activation codes older software

Post by druitre » 30 Jun 2019, 23:39

Wow. Autodesk. Let's not write what I want to write. Hate is not a pretty thing.

But, on another note: so I can change the MAC address of my network license to that of a USB wifi adapter. If something goes wrong in the process, I'll lose my ability to use XSI. Eternally. That is a very scary idea. I really don't know what to do.

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Re: AD stops issuing activation codes older software

Post by Rork » 01 Jul 2019, 09:33

Hi

You need the help of AD to transfer your license to a another MAC address, e.g. on a different netwerk card or a WiFi dongle. Not sure if that is still possible for the older licenses though. You -could- use software to spoof a MAC address, but for licensing it's not really recommended. There are some ways to keep Softimage running, but that's quite the gray area.

@Hirazi: Regarding the virtual PC backup, just think of that as a backup tool to be able to open your files in the future. For regular work it might end up too 'light' in the graphics dept due to the way VPC's work.
It also does need some 'tinkering' with licensing, as a virtual machine is basically a separate pc with all of it's own settings. For the occasional startup VPC's are great though.

@Druite: how are you doing btw, long time no see ;)

rob
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Re: AD stops issuing activation codes older software

Post by Hirazi Blue » 01 Jul 2019, 09:48

druitre wrote: 30 Jun 2019, 23:39 But, on another note: so I can change the MAC address of my network license to that of a USB wifi adapter. If something goes wrong in the process, I'll lose my ability to use XSI. Eternally. That is a very scary idea. I really don't know what to do.
@druitre: As far as I can tell registeronce is still functioning, so now would be the time to try and move your Softimage 2015 network license to a WIFI dongle...
It is real easy. If LMTools recognises the MAC address, you're "in business" and can go to registeronce to get yourself a new license, just like you'd do if you had other hardware changes...
If LMTools doesn't recognise the MAC address you'd have to buy another WIFI dongle if you want to try again, but in that case you'd still have your current license to work with, as you haven't yet registered the new one.
So, as far as I can tell, there is hardly any risk involved, other than the investment in a WIFI dongle (and they aren't that expensive)...
Rork wrote: 01 Jul 2019, 09:33 You need the help of AD to transfer your license to a another MAC address, e.g. on a different netwerk card or a WiFi dongle. Not sure if that is still possible for the older licenses though. You -could- use software to spoof a MAC address, but for licensing it's not really recommended. There are some ways to keep Softimage running, but that's quite the gray area.

@Hirazi: Regarding the virtual PC backup, just think of that as a backup tool to be able to open your files in the future. For regular work it might end up too 'light' in the graphics dept due to the way VPC's work.
It also does need some 'tinkering' with licensing, as a virtual machine is basically a separate pc with all of it's own settings. For the occasional startup VPC's are great though.
@Rork: As to the "virtual machine"": that makes sense, I removed my "advice".

But why is MAC address spoofing not recommended for licensing?
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Re: AD stops issuing activation codes older software

Post by Rork » 01 Jul 2019, 10:16

MAC spoofing could be an option, but having hardware is simpler to deal with. You can do it software wise, as long as you know what you're doing and understand the process involved. ;)

There's one gotcha regarding virtual machines I forgot to mention, and that is they are based on the underlying tech. What I mean is that swapping a virtual machine from a Intel based pc to a AMD one will probably not work. OR you need to tinker to get it up and running again.
I know the software (e.g. Oracle virtualbox, VMWare etc.) is the same for the OS, the virtual machine is linked to the hardware, which is logical. I had issues in the past where I had to re-do some of my VPC's after moving them to another PC/hardware. Some would run after some 'resetting' , some would just crash until I completely re-installed them. Maybe the tech has improved since then, but keep it in mind to avoid issues in the future ;)

And VPC's are also a great way to keep that 'not often used software' cluttering your system and settings. Or keep old software or OS's running :)

rob
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Re: AD stops issuing activation codes older software

Post by Hirazi Blue » 01 Jul 2019, 10:37

Aren't "node-locked" licenses based on MAC address as well?
(Probably a combination of MAC address & Computer Name, like with network licenses)
If so, MAC address spoofing may be the only way forward for them, once AD stops issuing activation codes...
And I understand that's of questionable legality, but one could ask, if Autodesk's move to end activation for perpetual licenses isn't as well... X(
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Re: AD stops issuing activation codes older software

Post by Rork » 01 Jul 2019, 10:53

True.

Just see it a s another way to keep things running when other options are not available anymore ;)
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Re: AD stops issuing activation codes older software

Post by druitre » 01 Jul 2019, 17:50

And just to be sure: If I transfer my license to the MAC address of a USB wifi-adapter, I will be able to run the license from another computer? (with the USB adapter plugged in of course). I'm concerned that the mini-pc I'm using now might stop working at some point, it's a cheap little thing that has been running as a server for almost ten years already.

@Rob: yeah, it's been way too long! We need to catch up :-)

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Re: AD stops issuing activation codes older software

Post by Hirazi Blue » 01 Jul 2019, 19:10

druitre wrote: 01 Jul 2019, 17:50 And just to be sure: If I transfer my license to the MAC address of a USB wifi-adapter, I will be able to run the license from another computer? (with the USB adapter plugged in of course). I'm concerned that the mini-pc I'm using now might stop working at some point, it's a cheap little thing that has been running as a server for almost ten years already.
Legally, that's problematic... =(( I only advocate the method for hardware changes on the same machine... Using it to install it on a new machine probably would be in violation of the EULA...
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Re: AD stops issuing activation codes older software

Post by Hirazi Blue » 03 Jul 2019, 09:56

I am no lawyer, so I can't pretend to know, if the following is true/legal/valid, but "jcdeblok" posted the following on the "Autodesk Knowledge Network", which might be of interest for residents of the EU:
Re: Remove DRM for when activation is no longer supported
I don't expect OS hardware compatibility to be an issue for the next decade or so. Windows has a pretty good track record of being backwards compatible. I guess 3ds max 5 will still run fine. I've moved to Houdini and just want to keep 3ds Max around for legacy stuff and being able to access older files and assets.

But that's all besides the point, I don't expect Autodesk to release a tool to remove the license check because that would be, shock and horror, consumer friendly.

Which leaves the option of user removing the DRM themselves for which the follow appies:

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content ... 32009L0024
(13)

The exclusive rights of the author to prevent the unauthorised reproduction of his work should be subject to a limited exception in the case of a computer program to allow the reproduction technically necessary for the use of that program by the lawful acquirer. This means that the acts of loading and running necessary for the use of a copy of a program which has been lawfully acquired, and the act of correction of its errors, may not be prohibited by contract. In the absence of specific contractual provisions, including when a copy of the program has been sold, any other act necessary for the use of the copy of a program may be performed in accordance with its intended purpose by a lawful acquirer of that copy.
For those in the EU:

This: "This means that the acts of loading and running necessary for the use of a copy of a program which has been lawfully acquired, and the act of correction of its errors, may not be prohibited by contract. "

This basically means it's ok to remove DRM as long as you have a valid license to use the software. The moment Autodesk stops activation it becomes "necessary" to crack the software for loading and running it.
The way I read this, this would mean that methods like "mac address spoofing" would be more or less "legal" (for owners of legal licenses) IN THE EUROPEAN UNION once AD stops activation of licenses...

But, like I already stated (standard disclaimer ^#(^): "I'm no lawyer, don't take my word for it, use this info at your own (legal) risk and, if possible, check with your own legal department first!" :D
Stay safe, sane & healthy!


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Re: AD stops issuing activation codes older software

Post by Hirazi Blue » 03 Jul 2019, 20:28

I invested way more money in 3D software than I so far have invested in ebooks... $-)
But the trend is troubling indeed... :-ss
Stay safe, sane & healthy!

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