Knowledge Base

Problem

After Observer XT is reinstalled on a new computer, the software displays a 'Read-Only' status and does not allow the user to save backups or modify project files.

Details

Occurs when Observer XT is reinstalled and the license type or activation state is not correctly confirmed on the new machine. Read-only mode may indicate that the software is running without a valid active license, or that the user is opening a project file from a network or external drive location with insufficient write permissions. Reported after hardware replacement or OS reinstallation.

Solution

1. Confirm which license type is in use (USB dongle or software-based activation code).
2. If using a software-based license: ensure the activation code has been entered and the license is active on the new computer (via Help > License Manager or equivalent). If the license was previously activated on the old computer, deactivate it there first or contact Noldus Support to release it.
3. If using a USB dongle: ensure the dongle is connected and the correct HASP/Sentinel driver is installed.
4. Check that the project file (.odx) and associated folders are stored in a local directory where the current Windows user has full read/write permissions. Avoid opening projects directly from external drives, network shares, or cloud-synced folders without confirming write access.
5. If the file location is correct and the license is active but read-only persists, right-click the project file > Properties > confirm 'Read-only' attribute is not checked.
6. Contact Noldus Support if the issue persists after confirming license activation and file permissions.