This article will help you if you want to:
- update your software when a new version is released (included with NoldusCare),
- upgrade your software to another package,
- add a new module to your existing software (legacy scenario).
When you get access to new software you have to take some steps to start working with it. The good news is that in most cases, this is a quick and largely automatic process. This article walks you through it.
Before you start, two things to know:
- Upgrading your license is not the same as updating the software itself. To start using a new version, you'll need to download and install the software from MyNoldus.
- The steps depend on which kind of license you have. Noldus offers two:
- Software-based license keys (SBLK) — activation codes typed into the software. This is what most customers use today.
- Hardware license keys (dongles) — USB devices that plug into the computer when the software is in use.
Pick the section below that matches your license.
Jump to:
- Upgrading a software-based license (SBLK)
- Upgrading a hardware license (dongle)
- Adding a new module to your license
- Still need help? Ask Noldi
Upgrading a software-based license (SBLK)
Software-based licenses come in two flavors:
- Floating licenses: shared across multiple machines, requires an internet connection.
- Fixed (computer-locked) licenses: activated on one specific computer, can be used offline.
If your NoldusCare contract is active, newer software versions are unlocked for your license automatically. In most cases, all you need to do is download the software from MyNoldus and install the new version and launch it.
Floating license (with internet)
- Go to MyNoldus and download and install the latest version:
- Launch the software.
- Your license upgrades on first launch. That's it, no codes to enter.
Fixed license, online (with internet)
The process is the same as for floating licenses:
- Go to MyNoldus and download and install the latest version:
- Launch the software.
- The license picks up the upgrade automatically.
Fixed license, offline
If your computer doesn't have an internet connection, there's an extra step to refresh the license:
- Go to MyNoldus and download and install the latest version:
- In the software, go to Help > Deactivate License and choose offline activation.
- Follow the QR code procedure with your smartphone.
- Reactivate the license in offline mode.
Once reactivated, your upgraded license is good to go.
Upgrading a hardware license (dongle)
If you use a USB dongle, your dongle itself needs to be upgraded with a code so it unlocks the new version. Before you start, make sure the dongle is plugged into a free USB port. If everything's installed correctly, a small red LED inside the dongle will light up.
Where to find your upgrade code
Your upgrade code is available under the Licenses tab in MyNoldus.
Step-by-step: upgrading to a newer software version
- Go to MyNoldus and download and install the latest version first. Ideally, uninstall the previous version before you do this.
- Launch the new version with the dongle plugged in.
- Enter the upgrade code when prompted. Make sure you're entering it in the new version, not the old one.
That's the full upgrade. You don't need to edit the Name or License number fields — leave those exactly as they are. If only one key is provided, it's fine to leave the second field blank.
You can confirm the upgrade worked by going to Help > About and clicking License Info (depending on the software, this may also be visible on the same screen).
Minor updates vs. full version upgrades
You only need an upgrade code for full version upgrades — for example, moving from version 17 to version 18. Minor updates within the same major version (such as 17.0 to 17.1) don't require a code. Just install the update and carry on using your dongle as usual.
Adding a new module to your license
Adding a standalone module to an existing license is less common these days, but if you've purchased one, here's how it works:
- Software-based licenses (floating or fixed, online): No action needed. The module is added to your license automatically the next time you launch the software.
- Software-based licenses, offline: Deactivate the license via Help > Deactivate License, follow the offline QR code procedure, then reactivate in offline mode.
- Dongle licenses: With the dongle plugged in, open the software and go to Help > Upgrade (or Help > License > Upgrade, depending on the product). Enter the code you received. Leave the Name and License number fields untouched, and leave the second field blank if only one key was provided. The window closes when the code is accepted.
Still need help? Ask Noldi
If anything goes wrong, your upgrade code isn't where you expect it, or you're not sure which license type you have, ask Noldi, our chatbot in MyNoldus. Noldi can help you find it or loop in our support team if something needs a closer look.