Knowledge Base

Problem

A user with a software-based (SBLK) license for Observer XT expects an upgrade activation code to move from an older version to the current version, but no upgrade code is associated with their license. Alternatively, Observer XT defaults to upgrading a plugged-in USB dongle instead of the software license.

Details

Upgrade codes in Observer XT are only applicable to USB dongle (hardware key) licenses. Software-based licenses do not use separate upgrade codes; the SBLK activation key itself is used to activate the current version directly. A common complication occurs when a USB dongle is physically plugged in at the same time as a software license is being activated: Observer XT detects the dongle and attempts to apply the upgrade to the hardware key instead of the software license.

Solution

1. If you hold a software-based (SBLK) license, you do not need a separate upgrade code. Your existing SBLK activation key is used to activate Observer XT on the new or upgraded version.
2. Before activating your software license, ensure no USB license dongle is plugged into the computer. Remove any purple (or other Noldus) USB key from the machine.
3. Open Observer XT (or the installer for the new version) and navigate to Help > License > Activate.
4. Enter your SBLK activation key when prompted and complete the activation process.
5. If you previously activated the license on another installation, deactivate it first: go to Help > License > Deactivate on the old machine, then activate on the new one.