Frequently Asked Questions

(Note: AES software programs always start in DEMO mode).

1.You're not licensed for this particular program.

In order to use the program in its fully functioning mode, you are required to pay a license fee. Once paid, you'll receive a Hardware Key and an Authorization Code. The Hardware Key is installed into a parallel port (LPT1) on the back of your computer. If the program detects the Hardware Key installed into LPT1, it will prompt you to enter the Authorization Code. If no code is entered, or the code is entered incorrectly, the program will start in DEMO mode.

Typically, we send licensees ALL of our software disks, including those they have not paid license fees for. This gives them the opportunity to try our software in its DEMO mode. So, just because a program is on your computer, it doesn't necessarily mean you're licensed to use it.

This is a new update to a program you've had before. If so, more than likely you copied it into the same directory as your previous version. If you did this without deleting the appropriate existing files, the program will start in DEMO mode. (Sometimes it's hard to tell what the "appropriate" files to delete are because the programs themselves create several temporary files during their execution. It's these temporary files that cause the problem).

The solution is to put this new program into its own sub-directory (C:\AES\RATOC, for example). Make sure there are no other files in this sub-directory when you copy the new files into it. Once you execute the program, it should prompt you to enter the Authorization Code.

2.The Hardware Key that came with your software isn't installed properly.

Try the following check list:

A. It needs to be seated (pushed) all the way into the parallel port (LPT1).

B. If you use a printer with this computer, you probably have installed (plugged) the printer's cable into the back of the Hardware Key. If this is true, sometimes the printer needs to be turned on before starting the program. (This is typically only true before you have entered the Authorization Code for the first time).

C. The hardware key must be installed into a parallel port. Some SCSI (pronounced "scuzzy" and stands for Small Computer System Interface) cards look like a parallel port. A Hardware Key plugged into the SCSI card won't be recognized by the software.

3.You're using the wrong Authorization Code.

Each program has a unique Authorization Code. This Code is changed each year. Make sure the Code you're entering at the prompt is for the correct year and the correct program.

4. You may not have the most recent version of AES / HydroWIN for NT.

Please give us a call for more information.

You need to log on as an administrator when you boot up your PC.

For AES 2001/2002 users:

Use Windows Explorer to go to the "sentinel drivers" folder in C:\AES200[1,2] directory and double-click on the application "rainbowssd539" to install the driver.

For AES 2000 users:

Step 1: Use Windows Explorer to go to the "sentinel drivers" folder in C:\AES2000 directory.

Step 2: Go to Win_nt folder and double-click on the application "Setupx86" to start installation of the driver.

Step 3: Click the Function button on the top left corner in the new Dialog Box.

Step 4: Click Oakes to all the questions asked.

Step 5: After confirmation of the driver has been installed, then close out the application.

After the installation of the hardware key driver, please reactivate the HydroWIN to enter your authorization codes.