There has been a lot of questions and discussion about the Dongle Key lately. I thought this would be a great time to clarify any confusion about what the key does and when you might want to have one.
I was told that I needed a Dongle Key to use with my Pro software, is it really necessary?
LeAnn M. Green Bay, WI
Every copy of our software needs to be authenticated in some way in order to use all of the software features – this protects our software from being illegally copied and keeps costs down for everyone.
How the Inspiration Studio Software is Authenticated
The standard version of the Inspiration Studio software (the software that comes with your machine) is authenticated by the Inspiration. When your Inspiration is plugged in to your computer and turned on it unlocks all of the features of the software. You can still use the software without having the Inspiration connected, but you will only be able to save your work 5 times before you will have to connect your Inspiration.
How the Pro Software is Authenticated
If you are using the Pro version of software (an optional upgrade you can purchase separately) the software is authenticated through a registration code that comes with the software. Once you install the Pro version of software you will be prompted to register the software using the serial number included on the inside of the case for the software. You will need to be able to connect to the internet in order to complete registration. Once registration is complete you can use the software anywhere regardless of whether your Inspiration is connected or not. However you can only register your software three times (of course we are always willing to work with you if you have special circumstances and run out of registrations). You also can only use the software with one Inspiration, if you connect another Inspiration to your computer the registration will drop and you will have to re-register your software.
What a Dongle Key Is and Why You Might Want It
So what is a “Dongle Key”? You have the option to get the Pro software with a dongle key. The dongle key is about the size of your thumb and plugs in to a USB port on your computer. This key is another way to authenticate your software. As long as it is plugged in to your computer you will be able to use your software. Based on the appearance of the Dongle Key often times customers assume that it is a jump drive, memory stick or thumb drive etc. HOWEVER, although similar in size and looks, the Dongle Key does not have the ability to save any information, back up any of your projects, save you from computer malfunctions, or save you from loss of data. In essence the Dongle Key is just that, a “key” that allows to open our software and design and save images.
Now that you know what a dongle key is, why might you want one? There are really only three circumstances where you would want to opt to use a dongle key to authenticate your software instead of the one time online registration:
- If you will be using multiple Inspiration cutters with one computer
- If it will be very troublesome or impossible for you to get internet access in order to register your software
- If you have had problems registering your software in the past and have spoke to a Pazzles representative that has informed you that I need a Dongle Key
If none of those three scenarios apply to you then you do not need the Dongle Key!!!
A Few More Frequently Asked Questions about the Dongle Key
I get a lot of questions about the dongle key so I would like to answer some more question that I often get asked about it so that everyone can see the answer.
I’m thinking about getting the Pro version of software and want to know if I need the Dongle Key?
If you haven’t been informed by a Pazzles representative that you need one and you only have one Inspiration. Then No, you will not need to purchase a Dongle Key.
I’m experiencing issues with my Pro software and feel like a Dongle Key will help me.
No, the Dongle Key does not make using the software easier nor will it resolve any glitches you may have experienced while designing images.
I was told that I had to have a Dongle Key in order to use the Pro software.
No, this is not true. There are only a few very special circumstances that would require you to have the dongle key.
Will the Dongle save my images I’ve created and back up my Inspiration Studio Pro software in the event my computer crashes?
No, the Dongle Key will not back up your files nor save the software from a computer crash. It is simply a key that allows you to open the program and utilize it while not requiring that you have the Inspiration plugged in to the computer you’re using.
Will the dongle key allow me to cut files while not being plugged in to the Inspiration?
No, it only allows you to open and use the software and save images. In order to cut a project you must have your Inspiration plugged in to your computer to transfer that information from your computer to the Inspiration so that it’s able to cut the project.
I love my dongle key. I can sit any where in the house and with the dongle key in my lap topI can surf through pazzle information until I am ready to actually do a cutting. At that time I can go to my craft room and plug into my pazzle for the actual cutting.
I am having problems with my Pro Software.After doing the update I can only use my Pazzle with the dongle.I could use it without the dongle before doing the update.
If I want to use the software on two separate computers do I need the dongle key? How do I purchase it by itself? I can’t find it on the shop page.