Knowledge Base

Problem

A user or institution wishes to convert their existing FaceReader license from a physical USB dongle to a digital software-based license key (SBLK), and needs to know the process and any implications for data or security.

Details

Applies to users currently using a USB hardware dongle for FaceReader license authentication who want to switch to a software-based key for convenience or to eliminate hardware dependency. Customers may have concerns about data privacy (whether Noldus can access stored files) and about whether the conversion counts as a new purchase. This is a license conversion, not a new sale, and is handled by Noldus Support rather than Sales.

Solution

1. Confirm with the user that this is a conversion of an existing license (not a new purchase); no additional license fee is required for the conversion itself.
2. Reassure the user that converting to a software-based key does not change data storage behavior — Noldus has no access to the user's project files or data at any point.
3. Obtain the existing license number (e.g., FR100-XXXXX-XXXX) and the registered user details.
4. Submit a conversion request to the Noldus License/Back-Office team, specifying the license number and requesting conversion from dongle to SBLK.
5. Once the SBLK has been generated and added to MyNoldus, inform the user. They can then download their activation credentials from MyNoldus.
6. Instruct the user to activate the SBLK via the Noldus License Manager or within FaceReader (Help > License > Activate), using the new software key.
7. The physical dongle should be retained by the user until the SBLK activation is confirmed working, then the dongle is no longer required.
8. For subsequent use on a different machine, refer to the existing KB article 'Switching FaceReader License Between Fixed and Floating Activation' or 'FaceReader License Locked to Unknown or Old PC' as appropriate.