When I open Chief Architect, the following message displays:
The program then closes. Why is this happening?
Chief Architect uses license security which places limits on how many times the software can be launched simultaneously. There are two different methods of license security: the current and only option available at this time is called Software Lock Security, while a legacy and deprecated option was called Hardware Lock Security. Chief Architect, Inc ended support for Hardware Lock Security with the release of version Chief Architect X10/Home Designer 2019.
To prevent your Chief Architect or Home Designer files from becoming locked and inaccessible, do not try to work in them or save them until this issue is resolved.
Before continuing, first check to ensure that you're running the most current build available for your software by selecting Help> Download Program Updates. If an update is available, download and install it, then restart your computer. Once the system reboots, test to see whether or not the issue is resolved. If the error persists, then continue with the troubleshooting instructions below.
If your license uses Software Lock Security, this error indicates a problem with the license you're attempting to use. To resolve this issue, please contact us with your proof of purchase and valid Product Key.
This error has been associated with copies of the software downloaded from unreliable sources. If you feel that this could be the case, we recommend that you uninstall the software immediately and perform an in-depth virus scan on your system.
If your license uses Hardware Lock Security, this error indicates a possible problem with your USB hardware lock, or possibly the port that it's plugged in to. To resolve this issue, you can try these steps:
Note: Over the years, the hardare lock manufacterurs (Aladdin and SafeNet) have changed hands several times and have come to be acquired by a single owner. To locate the correct drivers for your hardware lock, we recommend that you visit https://supportportal.gemalto.com/csm/.
If your hardware lock is found to be failing or broken, you will need to switch to Software Lock Security as Chief Architect no longer offers replacement hardware locks.
