Introduction

Several issues related to the installation and licensing of the Pro-Router autorouter are covered here.

Supported Operating Systems

Note, Windows under ARM is not supported.

How do I license ProRouter?

The Prorouter is licensed using a hardware key (dongle) . You will be given an authorisation code which is responsible for installing the links within Easy-PC to ProRouter, including the hardware key drivers, and the second serial number which is responsible for enabling ProRouter itself.

Hardware Key:

The biggest problem that can occur with a hardware key is where the user can't resist the temptation to plug it in and see what happens. What happens is that Windows detects new hardware, decides it's a plug and play device, and installs the wrong set of drivers. These effectively prevent the correct drivers from working! If you've done this, see below, but otherwise, leave the key out until the rest of the installation is complete.

Once the installation is complete, run Easy-PC, and with a pcb design open, check on the [Tools] menu for an entry for [ProRouter]. If it's present, it's safe to plug the key in, as the correct drivers will be present. Once in, there's no need to remove it unless required for other reasons, and no special precautions needed as to when to plug it in or remove it.

Installing the software

Run Easy-PC, and go to [Settings], [Optional Features]. Tick the box marked 'Prorouter', then click on [Apply]. You'll be prompted for the first authorisation code. This and the second code will be in a file on the media supplied or included in an email sent to you. Just copy and paste the ten digits into the box, and click on [OK]. You will see a message indicating that the drivers are being installed, followed by a request for the second authorisation code. Again copy and paste this into the box and click on [OK]. The installation will complete. There is no need to reboot your PC.

The key was put in too early

This will also give an error message of 'Failed to authorise' when ProRouter is run. The message does not always come to the front, so if ProRouter appears to fail, check the Windows status bar in case it is hidden.

If ProRouter has not started, please see the FAQ  'What to do if Pro-Router will not run'.

If the drivers are working, but ProRouter still fails to authorise, there may be a mismatch between your authorisation code and either the system serial number or the HaspID code as appropriate. You will need to contact technical support to have the numbers checked if this is the case.

Note: A few version 7 releases did not install HaspID.exe and Hinstall.exe with Easy-PC. If this is the case, these files can be found on our web site under the [Technical] [Tools] page. If in doubt, please contact technical support.