Unlocking & Activating | Dolphin Computer Access

How to try, unlock and activate Dolphin software products

Step 1: Run a free trial of any Dolphin software product

Trial Download iconTry a 30-day free trial version of any Dolphin product. You can download a free trial from the Dolphin website or request it on a DVD from our sales department by calling 01905 754 577. This gives you plenty of time to get to know your Dolphin software and decide if it’s right for you. Each free trial is fully-functional, with support from the Dolphin Technical Support Team so you get the full product experience during the trial.

When you install the trial of the Dolphin software product, you will need to agree to the terms of the End User Licence Agreement. The product displays a countdown to tell you how many days of your trial are remaining. Once the 30 days run out, the trial ends.

You can buy a software licence at any time to unlock the trial into a full product.

 

Step 2: Buy a Dolphin software licence and unlock your product

Open PadlockYou can buy full Dolphin product software licences at the Dolphin website. Simply visit the relevant product page, click the Buy button and follow the steps to purchase online. If you prefer to talk to someone, you can buy over the phone by contacting the Dolphin Sales Team in the UK. Or, If you are based outside the UK, you can purchase from a trusted Dolphin Dealer.

When you purchase and download the full product, you immediately receive a 25-digit unlock code. Type this into the product when prompted to unlock the trial version into a fully-licenced product. This process also creates your unique serial number.

Please note: If you buy the full product on DVD, it is posted to you there's no unlock code as automatically unlocks during setup.

 

Step 3: Activate your Dolphin software licence

TickFinally, you must activate your Dolphin software licence within 30 days of unlocking your product. This step allocates one of your software licence activations to the device you install it on. As you have previously unlocked your product (Step 2), it will prompt you to activate each time you run it. Please note that your product will stop working after 30 days if it's not activated.

You need to activate the software licence on each computer you install the product on. You can activate as many copies as permitted by your software licence.

You can activate online or by phone:

Activate online

When prompted by the product, activating online is quick and easy. When your computer is connected to the internet, simply choose the ‘activate over the internet’ option when prompted by the product.

Activate by phone (manual activation)

If you don’t have an internet connection to activate your product online, please choose ‘manual activation’ when prompted by the product. You’ll need to call Dolphin or your local Dolphin Dealer and tell us the product key number displayed on screen, and we will give you an activation number. You then type this number into the product, and you’re ready to go.

 

Other useful things to know

What information is sent to Dolphin when I activate my product?

Your product serial number and a hardware identification number for the device you’ve installed it on are sent to Dolphin. This protects your copy of the product.

Can I transfer my activation codes to other computers?

No. You cannot de-activate a product once it’s been activated, as activation codes cannot be transferred to another computer.

Once you’ve used up all your activation codes you won’t be able to activate the product on any more computers. You’ll need to buy another licence from Dolphin or your local Dolphin Dealer.

Can I share my product with other users?

No. Your software licence is personal to you, and your activations are for you personally to use. You may not share your product activations with other users. You agree to this when you install your product by accepting the End User Licence Agreement.

Can I buy a multi-user licence?

Yes. If you need to install and activate many copies of the product for different people to use you can purchase a multi-user licence from Dolphin or your local Dolphin Dealer.  

The multi-user licence is based on one serial number and uses the same unlock code for each installation. The number of activation codes you receive prevents you from making too many installations.

What if I’ve changed my computer?

You can reinstall the trial version of your purchased product, and use the same unlock code from your original installation. This ensures that the same serial number applies to your new or upgraded computer, and your software licence will still be active.

What if I’ve upgraded components on my computer, or upgraded my operating system?

If you’ve made only small changes to your hardware you can re-use your existing activation code. You will need to reactivate your product with that code when it reminds you to do so.

If too many components are changed at the same time, or you’ve done a major upgrade, the product may see it as a new machine. In this case you can’t re-use your existing activation code, and you will have to use another of your activation codes to activate it on the computer with its changed components. If you’ve used up all your activation codes you may need to purchase another licence from Dolphin or your local Dolphin Dealer.

What if I’ve upgraded my Dolphin product?

Your product will transfer your software licence from your old version - as long as the product serial number matches - so you will not need to reactivate it.

What if I’ve reformatted my PC and have to reinstall everything?

Simply reinstall the software and activate it as before – it knows it is the same installation so will not use up an additional activation from your licence.

What if my computer is stolen or I no longer use it?

If you no longer use your computer because it was lost, stolen or your circumstances have changed, please call us.

In many situations we can check that your product is no longer in use, and we can deactivate your old product remotely, and re-issue you with the product and a new activation code to get you going again without losing any of your activations.

What if I’ve lost or forgotten my unlock code?

We recommend that you keep your trial software and unlock code safe. But if you need help, please contact Dolphin or your local Dolphin Dealer.

What if the product isn’t for me?

Please make the most of your 30-day trial period to test the product. It’s fully functional so you can test it thoroughly. If you decide to buy it, please don’t activate it until you’re completely happy. Our 30-day money back guarantee means you can request a refund as long as you haven’t activated your product. Please contact us if you have any queries or concerns and we’ll be happy to help.


More information