Flexlm USB Key Drivers on Windows 10

Updated 12-18-2020

We recently ran into a problem using a Flexlm USB license key (dongle) on Windows 10 to secure our applications.

Upon inserting the USB key into the computer and running lmtools.exe (the 11.14 version 64 bit) we were able to see the USB key's serial number. We naturally assumed that Windows 10 either natively supported the USB key or it had somehow downloaded and installed the appropriate key driver.

We then installed one of our older applications (built using MS Studio 2008) and it licensed correctly using the USB key.

We followed by installing a more recent application (built with Microsoft Studio 2015). When we got to the licensing step, the installation program reported successful licensing -- however upon running the program we got a licensing error

error_message_on_win10_without_USB_driver_installed.png

This did not seem to make any sense. What went wrong?

Solution

We are not entirely sure what is going on. Why do some applications see the USB key correctly and others don't?

It appears that our applications compiled under MS Studio 2008 don't have any problems.

When the installer checks for a valid license, it uses a utility that was built under MS Studio 2008. That's why it did not report any problem. [this utility will be updated.]

Problems showed up on apps built under MS Studio 2015 -- which is the Windows environment for all new and updated software.

It might also be related to our transition from Flexlm libraries 11.13 to 11.14.

In any event, the problem is solved by installing the USB Type 9 key drivers.

You can find instructions on this page: Download and Install Flexera ID-9 Drivers for Windows.