Offline License Activation

In air-gapped systems or corporate environments where direct access to authentication providers (like Microsoft, GitHub, and Google) or to DBCode servers is restricted, you can use the offline license activation process.

Overview

The offline license activation process involves the following steps:

  1. Generate a machine key on the air-gapped or restricted machine
  2. Use the activation URL on a connected device to sign in and generate a license
  3. Install the license on the air-gapped machine

Flow Diagram

Offline License Activation Flow Diagram
Overview of the Offline License Activation Process

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Generate Key (on the air-gapped machine)

  1. Open Visual Studio Code
  2. Open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P or Cmd+Shift+P)
  3. Type and select DBCode: Generate Key for License
  4. An activation URL will be displayed along with your machine key
  5. Copy this URL to transfer to a connected device (via USB drive, etc.)

Step 2: Generate a License (on a connected device)

  1. Open a web browser on any device with internet access
  2. Visit the activation URL you copied in Step 1
  3. Sign in using one of the following providers:
    • GitHub - Use your GitHub account
    • Google - Use your Google account
    • Microsoft - Use your Microsoft account
  4. After signing in, your license will be automatically generated and displayed
  5. Copy the license key shown on the page
  6. Transfer this license to your air-gapped machine (via USB drive, etc.)

Step 3: Install the License (on the air-gapped machine)

  1. Open Visual Studio Code on your air-gapped machine
  2. Open the Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P or Cmd+Shift+P)
  3. Type and select DBCode: Install License
  4. Enter the license key that you copied from the web activation page
  5. If successful, you will see a confirmation message that the license has been installed

Troubleshooting

Invalid License

If you receive an “Invalid License” error:

  • Verify that you’ve copied the entire license without any missing characters
  • Check that the machine key used to generate the license matches the current machine
  • Ensure your subscription is active
  • Make sure you’re using the license on the same machine where the key was generated

Expired License

Offline licenses are tied to your subscription period. If your subscription expires or renews, you’ll need to:

  1. Generate a new machine key on your air-gapped machine
  2. Visit the activation URL on a connected device
  3. Sign in and generate a new license
  4. Install the new license on the air-gapped machine

Machine Key Changes

If your machine’s hardware configuration changes significantly, a new machine key might be generated. In this case:

  1. Generate a new machine key using DBCode: Generate Key for License
  2. Use the new activation URL to generate a new license
  3. Install the new license on your machine

Can’t Access the Activation URL

If you cannot access the activation URL on a connected device:

  • Verify the URL was copied correctly and includes the full machineId parameter
  • Try accessing the URL from a different browser or device
  • Ensure the connected device has internet access

License Management

  • Each license is valid for a single machine and is tied to your machine’s unique identifier
  • You can generate one offline license every 30 days
  • Licenses are valid for the duration of your subscription period
  • If you need to generate licenses more frequently, please contact help@dbcode.io