Recording License Keys in MainBoss,
Version 4.2.1

Ideally, you should install any new MainBoss license keys as soon as you receive them. This will ensure that no difficulties occur when you install new updates of MainBoss software.

However, there's one exception to this rule: if you are running an older version of MainBoss and you license a MainBoss module that is newer than the version you are running, do not enter the keys for that module until you have installed the newest version of MainBoss.

For example, suppose you license the Web Access module. That module was introduced in MainBoss 3.2 Update 1. If you are running a version of MainBoss older than 3.2 Update 1, you should not enter the Web Access license key. Update your version of MainBoss to the newest version, then enter the key. Otherwise, the old software will give an error message and mark the key as unusable. From this point on, MainBoss will ignore the key.

In order to get around this problem, you must delete the key, install the newest version of MainBoss, then add the key again.

If you install a new version of MainBoss and you find it won't work with your existing license keys:

You will receive an error message saying "Licenses cannot be used as found" or "No valid license keys found". MainBoss will then go to its "Select MainBoss Organization" window.

These messages typically mean that your existing license keys are out of date. You must enter new ones before MainBoss will work. If your annual support is current, you should have been mailed new keys; if not, contact support@mainboss.com for help.

To enter license keys in this situation, follow these steps:

  1. In the "Select MainBoss Organization" window, click on the name of your database in the list of databases. (Most users will only have one name in the list.)
  2. Drop the arrow beside Open Organization and click on Administration.
  3. MainBoss will start running with an abbreviated control panel. Go to Administration | Licenses.
  4. Press F1 or click the Help button at the bottom of the window for further information on entering keys. (You can click Update Licenses to enter several keys at once.)