Security Options

Each license for Chief Architect that you purchase uses a security system that allows you to run the program on one computer at a time. This will be either a Hardware Lock Security System or a Password Security System.

USB hardware lock

Hardware Lock Security System
The Hardware Lock Security System consists of a small device called a hardware lock that attaches to a port on your computer. The lock must be in place for Chief Architect to operate on any given computer. It is a simple matter to install and remove the lock.

Using a hardware lock gives you the freedom to move from one computer to another and back again, at any given time, by simply removing the lock from one computer, and placing the lock on another computer. This makes presenting plans to your customers, or going to the job site and entering data a snap!. Simply place the lock in your laptop, start Chief Architect and go. When you are done you can then transfer your plans back to your main computer, replace the lock, and continue working.

There are two types of hardware locks, one operates in a Parallel port and one operates in a USB port - you must specify which type you need at the time of your purchase. With a parallel port it is recomended to turn your computer off before installing or removing the lock. A USB lock can be replaced while the computer is running. Also, since many new computers no longer have parallel ports, we highly recommend the USB hardware lock.

Some common problems with hardware locks are listed below:

Problem: The lock has come loose.

Solution: Simply remove and replace the lock using the recomended procedure and it will start working again.

Problem: You have upgraded to an operating system that is newer than the drivers that came with the Chief Architect CD.

Solution: See our knowledge base article no. 209 then download and install the latest driver.

Problem: The operating system seems to have "forgotten" that you have a USB lock plugged in.

Solution: Unplug the lock and plug it into a different USB port.

If you are still experiencing problems with your hardware lock please visit our knowledge base articles on hardware locks.

Password Security System
Password For Chief Architect:

The Password Security System uses a "consumable" CD-Key to obtain a password from the internet. The CD-Key can only be used once to obtain a password. Once you have obtained a password you will need to uninstall Chief Architect while connected to the internet to release the password. Once released you will then be able to connect to the internet and install Chief Architect on a different computer.

Important: Always connect to the Internet before starting Chief Architect for the first time. After entering your CD-Key Chief Architect will use your CD-key to automatically get a password from the Internet.

If you are using the password version of Chief Architect, your information will be registered online, your password will be entered automatically, and Chief Architect will be ready to use. Click "Finish" to complete the Registration Wizard and open Chief Architect.

Problems Getting a Password for Chief Architect:

If you are using the password version and do not have Internet access or were not able to obtain a password online, a screen will appear with information to contact us. Password versions are not recommended without Internet access. Leave this screen active and call Chief Architect Password Department at 1-800-482-4433.

If you have internet access and are behind a firewall you may also be prompted with a screen indicating you should contact us. If this is the case contact your network administrator to find out how to disable or get around your firewall. Chief Architect will work with standard firewall configurations but in some cases firewall security will prevent Chief Architect from connecting to the internet. It is recomended in situations like this to use hardware lock security instead of password security.

For more information about using Chief Architect with password security view our knowledge base articles on passwords.



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