License Activation

ProductManager requires a valid license to access all features. This guide covers how to activate, validate, and manage your license.

License Tiers

Tier Features
Trial Limited functionality for evaluation
Basic Core features for small stores
Pro Full features including AI and multi-store
Enterprise All features plus priority support

Opening License Management

Access the License window using one of these methods:

  • Menu: Help > License
  • Startup: Automatically shown if no valid license exists
  • Settings: Tools > Settings > License tab

Machine ID

Each license is tied to a specific machine using a unique Machine ID.

Finding Your Machine ID

  1. Open the License window
  2. The Machine ID is displayed in the Machine Information section
  3. Click Copy to copy it to your clipboard

When You Need Your Machine ID

Provide your Machine ID when:

  • Purchasing a new license
  • Requesting license transfer to a new computer
  • Contacting support about license issues

Activating a License

Step 1: Obtain a License Key

Purchase a license from the ProductManager website or your reseller. You'll receive a license key that looks like:

XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX

Step 2: Enter the License Key

  1. Open the License window
  2. Paste your license key in the Enter License Key field
  3. Click Activate

Step 3: Confirmation

On successful activation, you'll see:

  • License tier (Basic, Pro, Enterprise)
  • Customer name
  • Activation date
  • Expiry date (if applicable)

Validating a License

To check if your current license is still valid:

  1. Open the License window
  2. Click Validate
  3. The system checks with the license server
  4. Status message confirms validity

When to validate:

  • After a long period of offline use
  • If you see license warning messages
  • After system date/time changes
  • When troubleshooting license issues

Deactivating a License

Deactivate your license to use it on a different computer:

  1. Open the License window
  2. Click Deactivate
  3. Confirm the deactivation
  4. The license is freed for use elsewhere

Important:

  • You must have internet connection to deactivate
  • Deactivation removes the license from this machine
  • You can then activate on a new machine
  • Contact support if you cannot access the old machine

Current License Information

When a license is active, the License window displays:

Field Description
License Key Your activated license key
Tier License tier (Basic, Pro, Enterprise)
Customer Registered customer name
Activated Date and time of activation
Expires Expiration date, or "Never" for perpetual licenses

License Storage

License information is cached locally:

  • Location: %LocalAppData%\HFProductManager\license.db
  • Format: SQLite database (encrypted)
  • Backup: Automatically synced with license server

Offline Use

ProductManager can work offline with a valid license:

  • License is cached locally after activation
  • Periodic validation required (configurable)
  • Extended offline use may trigger re-validation prompt

Troubleshooting

"License key not valid"

  • Check the key is entered correctly
  • Ensure no extra spaces before/after the key
  • Verify the key hasn't been used on another machine
  • Contact support if the key should be valid

"Machine ID mismatch"

  • License is tied to a different machine
  • Request license transfer from support
  • Deactivate from the other machine first (if accessible)

"License expired"

  • Your subscription has ended
  • Renew your license to continue using all features
  • Basic functionality may still work (check your tier)

"Cannot connect to license server"

  • Check your internet connection
  • Verify firewall isn't blocking the connection
  • Try again later (server may be temporarily unavailable)
  • Offline cached license should still work

"License validation failed"

  • Your license may have been revoked
  • Contact support for assistance
  • Check if payment is up to date (for subscriptions)

"Already activated on maximum machines"

  • Your license has a machine limit
  • Deactivate from unused machines
  • Contact support to increase machine count
  • Consider upgrading to a higher tier

Moving to a New Computer

To transfer your license to a new computer:

  1. On old computer: Open License window, click Deactivate
  2. On new computer: Install ProductManager
  3. On new computer: Copy your Machine ID
  4. On new computer: Enter license key and click Activate

If you cannot access the old computer, contact support with:

  • Your license key
  • Old Machine ID (if known)
  • New Machine ID
  • Reason for transfer

License for Multiple Users

For team use:

  • Each user/machine needs a separate activation
  • Consider Enterprise tier for multiple seats
  • Volume licensing available - contact sales

Subscription vs Perpetual

Type Description
Subscription Monthly/annual payment, includes updates
Perpetual One-time payment, updates for 1 year

Check your license tier for details on your license type.

Getting Help

For license issues:

  • Email: support@example.com
  • Website: example.com/support
  • Include your Machine ID and license key (first 8 characters only)

See Also