Sentinel/HASP Driver Installation Fails or USB Dongle Not Recognized After Installation
Last updated: Nov 01, 2026
Problem
After installing EthoVision XT, the USB hardware dongle is not recognized, or the HASP/Sentinel driver installation reports an error or appears to succeed but the dongle is still not detected.
Details
This can occur when the Sentinel Runtime (HASP driver) is not properly installed, fails silently, or conflicts with other software. Symptoms include EthoVision launching in Analysis Mode despite the dongle being connected, activation prompts appearing when a dongle-based license is used, or the driver reporting success but the dongle remaining undetected. Affected versions include EthoVision XT 15 and others using dongle-based licenses. In some cases the PC hardware (e.g., no dedicated GPU, slim form factor) may make EthoVision unsuitable for full acquisition use. Distinct from the general 'USB Hardware Dongle Not Recognized – Driver Installation' article because it covers the scenario where the HASP setup appears to succeed but the dongle is still not recognized, requiring reinstallation of the Sentinel environment separately.
Solution
1. Disconnect the USB dongle before proceeding.
2. Go to Add or Remove Programs and uninstall any existing 'Sentinel Runtime' or 'HASP' entries.
3. Restart the PC.
4. Navigate to the EthoVision installation directory (e.g., C:\Program Files\Noldus\EthoVision XT\) and locate the PackageCache or Sentinel folder. Run HASPSetup.exe (or the Sentinel Runtime installer) as Administrator.
5. Alternatively, install the Sentinel Environment first before installing EthoVision: run the Sentinel installer from the EthoVision installation package before running the main EthoVision setup.
6. After the Sentinel Runtime is installed, reconnect the USB dongle. Windows should detect it automatically.
7. Launch EthoVision and confirm it starts in licensed mode rather than Analysis Mode.
8. If the PC lacks a dedicated video adapter or has a slim form factor preventing a PCIe GigE card, note that such hardware may not meet EthoVision's recommended specifications for acquisition use.