(LMS1) Troubleshooting parallel port dongle

Technical Note 170914

Architectures:

All

Component:

lms

Updated:

11/25/2020 5:25 PM

Note: - This applies to legacy versions of IAR Embedded Workbench (2013 and older) which used License Management System version 1 (LMS1).

Introduction

This technical note gives suggestions on how to troubleshoot a parallel port dongle, when using an IAR Embedded Workbench version that uses LMS1.

Important - a parallel port dongle requires:

  • A 32-bit Windows system.
  • Windows 7 or older Windows system.

Discussion

When a parallel port dongle isn’t detected by the computer, a typical message is:

‘No valid license found for this product’.

The following actions can be tried individually, but often it is best to perform them top down.

Action A: Install IAR License Manager 1.29.1 and dongle driver 7.5.2

Make sure to use the latest software for LMS1:

  1. Important - disconnect the parallel port dongle from the PC.
  2. Install IAR License Manager 1.29.1 as described in Technical Note 14255.
  3. Install dongle driver 7.5.2 as described in Technical Note 200922.
  4. Attach the parallel port dongle.

LMS1 should now detect the parallel port dongle. If Windows does not detect the dongle, continue with next action.

Action B: Repair the dongle driver

Try to repair the dongle driver.

  1. Important - disconnect the parallel port dongle from the PC.
  2. Choose Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs.
  3. Select Sentinel Protection installer 7.5.2.
  4. Perform the Repair action.
  5. Attach the parallel port dongle.

If Windows does not detect the dongle, continue with next action.

Action C: Check the parallel port dongle with the Medic tool and change the port settings

These actions will test the parallel port dongle with a SafeNet tool.

  • For dongle drivers version 5.41.1 and later, download and use SuperProMedic.
  • For dongle drivers older than version 5.41, download and use SentinelMedic.

The information gained from running Medic is summarized below:

  • System Driver Information:  Displays the system driver that is installed on your system, or the error that occurred trying to communicate with the system driver.
    • Note: If you cannot see a version number in the window, this is a strong indication that there is something wrong with the installed drivers.
  • Error/Status and Description:  This area displays the error/status of the search for the key. Medic will display a brief description of the error/status.  
  • Medic Says:  This button will display Medic's recommendations (if any) for fixing the problem.  

Now try to change the parallel port settings in the driver configuration application.

The location and name of the application depend on which operating system and driver version you use. Examples of locations are:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\SafeNet Sentinel\Sentinel System Driver\SetupSysDriver.exe

C:\Program Files\Common Files\SafeNet Sentinel\Sentinel System Driver\SetupSysDriver.exe

C:\Program Files\Rainbow Technologies\Sentinel System Driver\SetupSysDriver.exe

C:\Program Files\Common Files\IAR Systems\License\SDongle\WIN_NT\Setupx86.exe

C:\Program Files\Common Files\IAR Systems\License\SDongle\WIN_9X\Sentw9x.exe

Try these suggestions:

  • Change the driver configuration in the setup program to the same parallel port mode as in the BIOS settings.
    • If this does not help, try changing the settings in the BIOS.
  • If the parallel port is set to [Auto], change to [Enabled].
    • This change usually solves many problems.
  • Set the parallel port mode to lowest possible, that is, uni-directional, standard, AT-Compatible or similar, and use the same settings for the driver configuration.  

On laptop computers – also try this:

  • Connect to main power, but do not connect to the docking station.
  • Turn off energy saving features in Windows and BIOS.

If Windows does not detect the dongle, continue with next action.

Action D: Check the physical parallel port

Try these actions:

  • Check that the parallel port itself is working by, for example, connecting a printer and try printing.
  • Try the dongle as the only device on the parallel port.
  • Try the dongle with a printer connected to it.

The hardware lock system requires that the parallel port fulfills a basic technical standard:

  • The port must be bi-directional (allow both reading and writing). This prevents it to be used with some laptop computers.
  • The port needs to be able to provide a certain voltage level on some pins. Connected equipment, like printers, behind the hardware lock could possibly decrease the voltage level so that the hardware lock fails.

If Windows does not detect the dongle, continue with next action, which is the last of the regular remedial actions for LMS1.

Action E: Remove the dongle driver support for USB dongles

These actions remove the driver sub-system that communicates with USB dongles.

  1. Important - disconnect the parallel port dongle from the PC.
  2. Choose Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs.
  3. Select Sentinel Protection installer 7.5.2 (latest tested version for LMS1)
  4. Click Change.
  5. Click Yes / Next until you get a window with choice of drivers to install.
  6. Click the ‘disk icon’ to the left of the phrase Parallel System Driver.
  7. From the drop-down menu, choose This feature will not be available.
  8. Select Next until the installation application ends.
  9. Attach the parallel port dongle.

Conclusion

The suggestions above usually establish the connection (for LMS1) to the parallel port dongle.

If the parallel port dongle still is not detected, contact IAR Systems Customer Care for assistance. Mention that you have followed the advice in technical note 170914.

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