Avid Knowledge Base

How to convert your dongle license to software license using Avid Link

Converting Dongle License to Software License using Avid Link

Last Updated : April 18, 2023
Products Affected : Media Composer, Media Composer Ultimate

I currently use a dongle for Media Composer, and due to upgrading, I am unable to use the USB dongle anymore. How do I switch to software activation?

You can switch to software activation using the dongle conversion process.

Since dongles are a USB hardware key for Media Composer perpetual license, the dongle conversion process will take the same perpetual license you have been using and make it accessible via software activation. Thus, the physical dongle will be rendered useless and you will no longer need it, and can be discarded. Your license will behave very much the same as it always has but using the 16-digit Activation model (xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx).  

Notes:
1. Any additional options you may own such as ScriptSync or PhraseFind need to be activated but the activation code that came with the Option(s), the Activation ID can be found inside their Avid Account if they own either of these options.
2. Some customers with dongles, may have had their Symphony and/or NewsCutter options blasted into their dongles as well. Once the dongle conversion process takes place, they would need to activate these Options, if they own them, through activation IDs. The Activation IDs can be found in their Avid account if they own either of these options.

CAUTION:  Once a dongle license has been converted into a software-based license, the USB dongle will be disabled and will no longer be functional and should be discarded. Note that once the dongle is converted, the dongle can not be resurrected back to a dongle license.

Using Licenses List:

1. Launch the Avid Link application. Go to the Profile icon and sign in.

Important: In Avid Link, you must be logged using your Avid account credentials which are the same as those used on your Avid Account at account.avid.com 

Dongle Activated

.

3. Click the drop-down arrow located on the right-hand side of the

dongle-activated

Media Composer then choose “License”.

4. In the Licenses list, look for the dongle system ID that has the “AVAILABLE” status and click the drop-down arrow on the right side of it.


5. Click the “Dongle Convert” button.


6. The “Hardware Key Deactivation” prompt will come up as this will finalize the dongle conversion process. Click “Ok” to proceed with the conversion process.


7. Activation prompt should appear once conversion is successful.

Using Manual Entry:

1. Launch the Avid Link application. Go to the Profile icon and sign in.

Important: In Avid Link you must be logged using your Avid account credentials which are the same as those used on your Avid Account at account.avid.com 

2. Click the “Products” tab and connect the physical dongle key to your computer. Once Avid Link detects the dongle, it should indicate that the Media Composer is

Dongle Activated

.

3. Click the drop-down arrow located on the right-hand side of the

dongle-activated 

Media Composer column then choose “License”.

4. In the Licenses list, click the “ENTER MANUALLY” option that is located in the top right of the Avid Link screen.


5. Click the “Dongle Convert” option then click again the “ENTER MANUALLY” option.


6. Enter the System ID and the Activation ID.


7. Click the “Convert” button.


8. Activation prompt should appear once the conversion is successful.

How to check if the dongle-converted license is running a software-based license?

1. Unplug the dongle from the computer. The Media Composer should now show a status of “Activated.”


 

If you have followed the recommended steps for dongle conversion and you are having issues with the process, either go to the Avid forums ( here ) and log in, then create a post asking for help. An Avid Support representative or a forum moderator will assist you. You can also create a support case from within your Avid account at account.avid.com by accessing the Avid Support Portal. You can also contact support at https://www.avid.com/learn-and-support#Contact-Support

You can switch to software activation using the dongle conversion process.Since dongles are a USB hardware key for Media Composer perpetual license, the dongle conversion process will take the same perpetual license you have been using and make it accessible via software activation. Thus, the physical dongle will be rendered useless and you will no longer need it, and can be discarded. Your license will behave very much the same as it always has but using the 16-digit Activation model (xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx).Notes:1. Any additional options you may own such as ScriptSync or PhraseFind need to be activated but the activation code that came with the Option(s), the Activation ID can be found inside their Avid Account if they own either of these options.2. Some customers with dongles, may have had their Symphony and/or NewsCutter options blasted into their dongles as well. Once the dongle conversion process takes place, they would need to activate these Options, if they own them, through activation IDs. The Activation IDs can be found in their Avid account if they own either of these options.1. Launch the Avid Link application. Go to the Profile icon and sign in.3. Click the drop-down arrow located on the right-hand side of theMedia Composer then choose “License”.4. In the Licenses list, look for the dongle system ID that has the “AVAILABLE” status and click the drop-down arrow on the right side of it.5. Click the “Dongle Convert” button.6. The “Hardware Key Deactivation” prompt will come up as this will finalize the dongle conversion process. Click “Ok” to proceed with the conversion process.7. Activation prompt should appear once conversion is successful.1. Launch the Avid Link application. Go to the Profile icon and sign in.2. Click the “Products” tab and connect the physical dongle key to your computer. Once Avid Link detects the dongle, it should indicate that the Media Composer is3. Click the drop-down arrow located on the right-hand side of theMedia Composer column then choose “License”.4. In the Licenses list, click the “ENTER MANUALLY” option that is located in the top right of the Avid Link screen.5. Click the “Dongle Convert” option then click again the “ENTER MANUALLY” option.6. Enter the System ID and the Activation ID.7. Click the “Convert” button.8. Activation prompt should appear once the conversion is successful.1. Unplug the dongle from the computer. The Media Composer should now show a status of “Activated.”

Attachment(s)

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