Activate and Validate a DriveErase License

Applies to: All editions

Activation

DriveErase uses a product license associated with the activated computer and user context. Initial activation requires internet access to the Probativa licensing service.

To activate:

  1. Start DriveErase with administrative rights.
  2. Open the activation window by selecting Help > License.
  3. Enter the product key exactly as issued.
  4. Submit the activation request.
  5. Confirm that the expected edition is shown.
  6. Restart DriveErase when instructed.

Store product keys according to your organization’s credential and software-asset controls. Do not include a full license key in tickets, reports, screenshots, or public documentation.

Validation

DriveErase validates the license before permitting protected features and before creating a sanitization job. Validation confirms the active edition and whether the current environment is permitted.

Successful online validation refreshes protected local license data. That local data supports temporary offline operation for up to 14 days. When the local validity period expires, DriveErase must contact the licensing service again before a new operation can be approved.

Environment checks

License validation can also enforce environment restrictions:

  • Standard and Pro do not permit Windows Server or virtual-machine operation.
  • Enterprise and Audit permit supported Windows Server and virtual-machine use.
  • Feature controls in the signed sanitization job must match the active edition.

Changing the operating environment can therefore require a higher edition even when the product key remains otherwise valid.

Validation failures

When validation fails:

  1. Confirm the computer’s date, time, and time zone.
  2. Confirm internet access, DNS resolution, proxy configuration, and firewall policy.
  3. Re-enter the key without added spaces.
  4. Confirm that the key is intended for DriveErase and has not been deactivated or exhausted.
  5. Confirm that the edition permits the detected environment.
  6. Preserve the displayed error and contact Probativa Support when the issue persists.

Do not attempt to bypass license validation by copying local license data between computers or user profiles.