# Activation and Trial limitations

## Trial limitations

### bcpViewer

Only the *first 50 elements* will display full informations (names, properties, references). The Folder structure is shown completely.\
No access to additional Checks e.g. File existence check, etc.

### .NET library

In trial mode, BCP-packages can be created and all its *metadata* can be fully imported into Vault.\
Please note that since *no real files* will be imported into Vault, opening them will fail!

### Cmdlets

In trial mode, BCP-packages can be opened and manipulated without limitation.\
However the [export](</code_reference/commandlets/export-bcppackage>) of a package will contain only the *metadata*, independent of a specified *-NoSourceFiles* parameter.

```powershell
Export-BcpPackage -To ...

# in trial mode same result as:
Export-BcpPackage -To ... -NoSourceFiles
```

Keep in mind that since links to your *real files get removed* in the exported package, opening the files later in Vault will fail!

## Activation

The license must be activated on computers where your create productively used BCP packages using powerLoad (bcpToolkit) - in other words your "export machines".\
Separate build and testing machines do not require a license.

Therefore you must activate environments where you *execute* .NET projects - that reference the bcpDevKit [.NET Library](</code_reference/net_library>) - in order to create BCP packages with *real files*.\
The same applies when automating load operations via scripts using our PowerShell [](</code_reference/commandlets>).

Follow these simple steps to activate powerLoad (bcpToolkit) on completely **new computers**, together with all other products included in your subscription:
 * [How to activate coolOrange products](<inv:licensing#index:product activation>)

After successful activation, all these products can be used on the computer until your licences expire.

:::{note}
If an Internet connection is available, no further activation steps are necessary from now on:\
neither after the annual licence renewal nor after unlocking additional products in your subscription.
:::

As your subscription allows it, you can also [activate additional machines](<inv:licensing#index:activate products on multiple computers>) with your customer key.

### Other methods of activation using a serial number

The classic way to activate powerLoad (bcpToolkit) is by using a serial number.

Use this activation method, for example, if there is no internet connection or if you want to activate an older powerLoad version (v20 and v24).\
Further details can be found in the second section on activations via serial numbers "[For products with version 20.x - 24.x](<inv:licensing#index:product activation>)".

To [register the serial number](<inv:licensing#activation_via_serialnumber>) for this product, the bcpToolkit specific License Information dialog is required:

Open it via the Start Menu and navigate to "_All Apps_ → _coolOrange_ → *License Manager*" and search for "*powerLoad*".\
Then click on the "*Trial*" link (or on the already displayed serial number).

Alternatively, you can launch the [bcpViewer](</getting_started/using_the_bcpviewer>) and navigate to the '*Help*' menu, click on '*About*' and then use the '*Licensing Information*' link:
```{image} /img/bcpviewer_license.png
:width: 400px
```

The last option is to start it via the [command line](<inv:licensing#index:activate products on multiple computers>):
```
"C:\Program Files\coolOrange\bcpToolkit\License.exe" --Serialnumber="XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX" --StandAlone
```

Depending on whether you have an internet connection on the export machine or not, you can register a [signed licence file](<inv:licensing#index:offline activation>) or the [serial number](<inv:licensing#activation_via_serialnumber>):

* Register the **serial number** of powerLoad (bcpToolkit) if an internet connection is available.<br>
<br>
* For an **offline activation** you need a signed license file.\
  You can download it from another device using this link: [Offline Activation of bcpToolkit](<https://app.cryptolens.io/Form/A/KQUp8tVv/369>). Again you need the serial number of powerLoad (bcpToolkit), as well as the *Machine Code* which is displayed in the License Information dialog on the export machine.

    :::{note}
    Please note that after the annual licence renewal this offline activation must be updated on your export machines. Further information can be found [here](<inv:licensing#index:offline activation>).
    :::

## Are you having problems with the Activation?

To check on a computer whether the products of your subscription are activated, you can open the Licence Manager via the Start Menu by navigating to "_All Apps_ → _coolOrange_ → *License Manager*".\
For further information about the powerLoad (bcpToolkit) license, open the License Information dialog to see the remaining days until the licence expires.

The user will see additional notifications about the coolOrange subscription that needs to be renewed, in the last 30 days before this licence expires.

:::{admonition} License expired
:class: warning

If the powerLoad (bcpToolkit) license expires, the bcpViewer and the Cmdlets will switch back to Trial mode, whereby only BCP packets without *real files* are generated.\
The .NET library can no longer be used and throws an exception.
:::