FAQ: Invalid Key
I get an “Invalid Code” message when I enter the registration key I was sent. What is wrong?
Most Arkansoft software uses a customized registration key based on the “device name” of your particular
handheld computer. On Palm OS devices, this is called the HotSync Name. On PocketPC devices, this is called
the Owner Name.
In most cases, if your key doesn’t work it’s because you did not give your device name correctly at time of
purchase. See “Information on locating your correct device name” below...
Another possibility is that you tapped a wrong button while entering the code. If so, tap the Reset button and try
again.
If you have a PocketPC and your key won’t work though you are SURE you gave your correct device Owner
Name at time of purchase, you may have a blank space at the end of your Owner Name. See “Special
PocketPC Considerations” at the bottom of this page for more on this.
You may be trying to enter a code for one program into the registration screen of a different program. For
example, don’t try to enter a WMD SWAG code into BioChem. It won’t work.
Finally, it’s possible that you are entering a old key into a newer version of the software, or that you are entering
a newer version key into an older version of the software. If you think you might not have the latest version of the
software, it’s always available for download. Click HERE to learn more about downloading Arkansoft software
from the website.
Information on locating your
correct device name:
For Palm OS Devices (scroll
farther down this page to see
help for PocketPC devices): We
must have your EXACT device
HotSync Name in order to
generate the correct registration
key for your device. In HotSync
names, capitalization counts and
spaces count. If your key does not
work, you have possibly entered
the code incorrectly or perhaps
you provided an incorrect HotSync
name at the time of purchase. If
you don't know your device's exact
HotSync name, tap the HotSync
icon on the handheld computer.
Your HotSync name is shown in
the upper right corner of the
HotSync Screen.
Also, if you get an 'Invalid Code'
message, many Arkansoft
programs offer a [Help] button
shown in the lower right corner of
the 'Invalid Code' message. Tap
that [Help] button and a special
code will appear, something like
L-114-93-127...etc. If you send
us this code EXACTLY as it
appears in the message screen,
that will help us in generating the
correct code for your device.
For PocketPC Devices (scroll up on this page for help on Palm OS devices): We must have your EXACT device
Owner Name in order to generate the correct registration key for your device. In Owner Names, capitalization
counts and spaces count. If your key does not work, you have possibly entered the key incorrectly or perhaps you
provided an incorrect Owner Name at the time of purchase. If you don't know your device's exact Owner Name,
you can find it on the PocketPC 'Main Menu' (Today Screen), near the top of the screen, under the date and to the
right of the text 'Owner.
Also, if you get an 'Invalid Code' message, many Arkansoft
programs offer a [Help] button shown in the lower right corner of
the 'Invalid Code' message. Tap that [Help] button and a special
code will appear, something like L-114-93-127...etc. If you send
us this code EXACTLY as it appears in the message screen, that
will help us in generating the correct code for your device. Return
to Support FAQ Page
Special PocketPC Considerations
We have found several instances where PocketPC users had created a device Owner Name with a blank space
at the end of the name without realizing it. This blank space is considered part of the Owner Name and is
significant in generation of a registration code. If you use a PocketPC, and you are SURE that you provided your
correct Owner Name at the time of your software purchase, and the registration code provided to you will not
work to register your software, you might have a blank space at the end of your User Name. To check:
Start the new software you purchased from Arkansoft.
Tap the [Register] button on the startup Trial Screen.
Tap the [Submit Registration] button at the bottom of the Registration Screen.
Tap the [Help] button in the lower right corner of the message you receive.
Check the numeric code presented in the next message. If the code ends with the number 32, then you DO have
a blank space at the end of your Owner Name. Remove it and your registration code should work.
To remove the blank space:
Go to your PocketPC's "main menu" Today Screen.
Tap on your Owner Name near the top of the screen.
The Owner Information screen will appear. Tap with the stylus well past the end of your name in the upper
section, so the insertion point (cursor) is placed past the blank space at the end of your name.
The on-screen keyboard will appear at the bottom of the screen. Tap the <= backspace button in the upper right
corner of the keyboard to "back over" the blank space, erasing it.
Finally, tap the (ok) button in the extreme upper right corner of the screen to save the change.
Your registration code should now work.
Return to Support FAQ Page
