Connect a parallel license key to a USB port on the PC
Seaky
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jee pee Posted messages 9458 Registration date Status Moderator Last intervention -
jee pee Posted messages 9458 Registration date Status Moderator Last intervention -
Hello everyone,
I am currently working on virtualizing old programming software for businesses.
Everything is going well for most of the software, but I have a big problem now.
To put it simply, the software requires a physical license key to launch. Basically, the software asks you to connect the key (which is a small box) before continuing.
The key is a small box that connects to a parallel port (DB25). If you want an image, type "parallel dongle protection key" on Google.
So the thing is, I bought a simple parallel to USB converter thinking it would work.
But no, the key is not recognized. The converter is recognized by the PC, but not the key connected at the other end.
I have done a lot of research online but haven’t found anything that could help me. I suspect that I may need to install special drivers, but I have no idea which ones.
If you have any tips or even a tiny idea of how to solve the problem, I'm all ears!
PS: Software requiring the key: Portadoc for SMC automation
I am currently working on virtualizing old programming software for businesses.
Everything is going well for most of the software, but I have a big problem now.
To put it simply, the software requires a physical license key to launch. Basically, the software asks you to connect the key (which is a small box) before continuing.
The key is a small box that connects to a parallel port (DB25). If you want an image, type "parallel dongle protection key" on Google.
So the thing is, I bought a simple parallel to USB converter thinking it would work.
But no, the key is not recognized. The converter is recognized by the PC, but not the key connected at the other end.
I have done a lot of research online but haven’t found anything that could help me. I suspect that I may need to install special drivers, but I have no idea which ones.
If you have any tips or even a tiny idea of how to solve the problem, I'm all ears!
PS: Software requiring the key: Portadoc for SMC automation
2 answers
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To all that can be read here and there, it's dead because a converter only emulates an LPT port.
In principle, it will only work in the presence of a physical parallel port.
Some professional software for controllers now use USB dongles, it remains to be seen if the supplier has planned one in the case that interests you. -
Hello,
Which virtualization hypervisor are you using?
I'm using VmWare and I already see two ways to mount the key:
- connect the key as a USB to the VM, but it is generally not automatically mounted since the USB can only be associated with one machine, either the physical or the VM
- or configure a parallel port on the VM, then it would be the physical machine that makes the connection between the USB and the parallel port, seen as physical in the VM, not an emulated USB port
After all, these dongles were true black boxes. Some could not be mounted on a cable connected to the machine's ports because they sent signals on unconnected pins (often only flat cables had the 25 wires)
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