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


THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Last reviewed: May 8, 1997
© 1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.