Config Docs

licensing-and-trial

Licensing and Trial — PacketPilot Config

Trial Overview

PacketPilot Config is available as a 30-day machine-bound local trial.

  • No license key required to start
  • Trial starts automatically on first launch
  • After 30 days: a license key is required to continue using the app

How the Trial Works

Machine Binding

The trial is tied to your Windows machine using a hardware identifier derived from:

  • MachineGuid from the Windows registry (HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Cryptography)
  • A secondary identifier using the machine's host name and network adapter MAC address

This combination is hashed to produce a stable, unique machine ID. The trial state is stored locally at:

%LOCALAPPDATA%\PacketPilot\license.dat

What "Machine-Bound" Means

  • Installing on a new PC = new machine = fresh 30-day trial
  • Reinstalling Windows on the same PC = same machine ID = trial does not reset
  • Uninstalling and reinstalling on the same PC = same machine ID = trial does not reset
  • Moving the installation to a different PC = different machine ID = fresh trial

Grace Period

If the trial expires and you have not entered a license key, Config enters a restricted state:

  • View-only access to the device inventory
  • No SSH sessions
  • No console access
  • Banner prompting for license activation

To restore full functionality, enter a valid license key.

Activating a License

Obtaining a License Key

Contact support@db-electronics.no to purchase a license. You will receive a license key in the format:

PPRO-CONFIG-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX

Entering Your License Key

When you have a key:

  1. Open PacketPilot Config
  2. Click Enter License (shown in the trial banner)
  3. Paste your license key
  4. Click Activate

The license is validated against the embedded local license server in the Analyze bundle (if running on the same network), or validated against db-electronics' hosted license service.

Offline Activation

If your Config workstation has no network access to the Analyze license server, license validation falls back to a cached token. As long as the license was previously validated successfully while online, Config will continue to work offline for up to 30 days without reaching the license server.

License Server (Analyze Bundle)

PacketPilot Config can share a license server with PacketPilot Analyze if both are deployed on the same network:

[Config workstation] ── license check ──► [Analyze license server]
                                              (port 9000)

If the Analyze license server is not reachable, Config falls back to its own cached license state.

The embedded license server in the Analyze Docker bundle handles license validation for both products when they are deployed together.

Future License Server Plans

Currently, the license server for Config is validated against a lightweight local service. In a future update:

  • Config will be able to connect directly to the Analyze bundle's license server
  • A hosted license validation option will be available for teams with internet connectivity
  • Annual license keys will be supported alongside perpetual keys

If you purchase a license, you will be notified of any changes to the validation mechanism.

FAQ

Q: Can I reset the trial by clearing app data? No. The trial ID is tied to the machine hardware, not the app data folder. Clearing %LOCALAPPDATA%\PacketPilot will not give you a new trial.

Q: I bought a new PC. Can I transfer my license? Contact support@db-electronics.no with your license key and new machine details. Licenses can be transferred a limited number of times per year.

Q: Does Config work without the Analyze license server? Yes. Config has its own trial mechanism and can operate independently. If you also run Analyze, Config can share the Analyze bundle's license server if they are on the same network.

Q: What happens to my data if the trial expires? Your device inventory, credentials, and session history are preserved. You cannot launch new SSH sessions or use the console until a license is activated.