Software Security Keys (LPT type) 4

[Umfaffa]

Howdy Everyone,

Hoping someone has run across a solution for this problem.

Just finishing up the upgrade from win9x to xp pro on all of the office computers. Finally working out the buggies on the lan/vpn stuff.

Ran into another (unanticipated) problem. Seems win xp pro doesn't have any drivers for the LPT port security key for CONCAP. Now, for any other program...we might just pitch it, and move to something else.

But the learning curve for civil engineering software is fairly steep, so I'd rather figure out a way to use it.

Has anyone run across a program/set of drivers that will fix this? The program itself should run, and it does start, but XP doesn't know to look at the LPT port for the key in order to start the program.

 

[linney]

Have you explored this side of things?

307091 - Certain Programs Do Not Work Correctly If You Log On Using a Limited User Account

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307091&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

285909 - How to Troubleshoot Program Compatibility Issues in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;285909&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

If you want to spend some more money you could look at Virtual PC 2004.

Virtual PC
thread779-818502

 

[bcastner]

See if using Devcon.exe as discussed in this article helps:

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=313644

 

[dearingkr]

I had a similar problem ith a different program that used an LPT security key.

I contacted the vendor of the software, they issued us a USB key. All is well now.

MCSE CCNA CCDA

 

[smah]

Yes, most all software developers that use this type of security are going to USB keys instead of parallel. At the very least, the company that makes CONCAP will know who manufactured the parallel port dongle and should be able to get drivers from them.

 

[Umfaffa]

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll go thru each one in order.


So far, it looks like we might be buying the upgrade for CONCAP...they've got one that allows use of the security key.

Seems kinda chicken-sh!t to charge for something like this, when the program isn't being updated or changed in any major way.

Oh well, guess I'll have to learn programming to keep from getting screwed by software developers and their upgrades.

Another idea that came up today was an interesting one. Some feedback would be appreciated.

-There are USB dongles available that are kind of like the old "gender bender" connectors. They convert the LPT port key to USB. Since this new dongle would have it's own software/drivers...and those would point at the LPT key stuffed in the end...

You guys think this will work?

Thanks again for the suggestions, I love this site!

(by the way, every American should watch the video of that young guy that died for you today...see it on ogrish.com)...WARNING...THIS IS NOT FOR CHILDREN!!!

 

[dearingkr]

The LPT/USB dongle may not work because the software is usually looking for the key on LPT1. From experience, I can tell you that the USB dongles create 'virtual' LPT ports, usually 2, 3, or 4.


MCSE CCNA CCDA