Windows NT Does Not Support Hardware Keys ("Dongles")

 Last reviewed: May 8, 1997
Article ID: Q102172

The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1

SUMMARY

Some MS-DOS-based applications require that you plug hardware keys into an LPT port for copy-protection purposes. These hardware keys (sometimes called "dongles") are not supported with Windows NT.

MORE INFORMATION

Hardware keys usually require a device driver that has direct access to hardware. Software vendors who use hardware keys need to write a special MS-DOS-based device driver and a virtual device driver (VDD) to allow their applications to run with Windows NT.

The following products require such drivers:

  • Micro Focus COBOL uses a hardware key and does not have device drivers available at this time to support Windows NT.
  • Tango Schematic
  • Tango PCB (printed circuit board)
  • Tango Route
  • Clarity fails under Windows NT 3.51 because it cannot locate the hardware key.

The listed products are manufactured by vendors independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding their performance or reliability.

Additional query words: prodnt
Keywords : kb3rdparty kbbug3.10 ntdosap
Version : 3.1
Platform : WINDOWS

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Last reviewed: May 8, 1997
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