Knowledgebase

Question

"What is an XCVault?" "What is Personal.xcvault?" "When I log into my account, I'm given an option to download my serial key. What does that mean?" "What is the benefit to using a vault file, rather a than serial key?"

Explanantion

From version 5.5 and builds 308, we switched to a new serial key paradigm and protection system. With this system, we were able to offer both the standard serial key method of licensing the application, as well as using a license file to license the application. This license file is called an "XCVault" file (XCVault meaning "XChange Vault"). This is applicable to the following products:

The XCVault (also referred to as just "the Vault/vault") file contains the license information and serial key. When double left-clicked, with builds 308 and later installed, the vault will license all products for which the license contained within is valid. For example; if PDF-XChange Editor, PDF-XChange Lite and PDF-Tools were installed on a user's computer, double-clicking the vault would 'activate' the PDF-XChange Editor and PDF-XChange Lite, but not PDF-Tools (as a license for the Editor will not license PDF-Tools). The benefit to this method is that if you previously had the free version of the software installed (provided you have installed build 308 or later) then there is no need to reinstall and supply a license key during installation. Instead, you can simply double-click the XCVault file and all products covered under your license will then be licensed. The Vault file is available from your account page at the location detailed below:

FOR SYSTEM ADMINISTRATORS

It's important to note, in some instances, where the license information is stored. We store this information within the Windows Registry and, depending on the method used to license the application, it can also be stored in different areas. When using the XCVault file, this information is stored in both HKCU\Software\Tracker Software\Vault and HKLM\SOFTWARE\Tracker Software\Vault. It's also important to note that the license information is stored as a hexadecimal value:

It is strongly recommend to take a look at the online help site for information on MSI/EXE switches and installation.

(Select specific product manual --> Introduction --> Switches for exe/MSI installers)

Or take a look at the KB article(s) below:

KB#468

KB#439

If you experience any problems with the above, or have any questions, then please feel free to contact us at support@pdf-xchange.com.