cannot find the security key that matches the passcode

[termagator 8]

ive been using Flexi starter 8.5 with latest Flexi 8.6 for many many years. Occasionaly I would get this message: "cannot find  the security key that matches the passcode", It would appear after my computer had been ;eft on for a long period of time or maybe after an update. Im using an all in one computer with windows 11. I use to just reinstall Flexi and over-write the program and everything was fine.

Well after several attempts this is no longer working for me. I even uninstalled Flexi  , reinstalled and still get the error message. Has anyone else experienced this and is there a fix?  Do these programs have a lifespan and just give up after a while, I was pricing new programs but its looking  like a monthly subscription is involved. I might go months at a time without cutting vinyl so i dont want to get wrapped up with that.

Is there another inexpensive program out there that could take the place of Flexi starter, and could also read FS file, cause I have a ton of those Id like to be able to have use of if needed?

thanks

[slice&dice 2,469]

I'm sure MzSkeeter will chime in here, she's well-versed on FlexiStarter.

For your needs, maybe just run SignBlazer to cut with the machine (MH?)

The reading of FS files will be an issue, since those are proprietary to FlexiStarter and won't be accessible to SB.

[MZ SKEETER 4,727]

I use Flexistarter 8.6 everyday for years.  You are not mentioning about the USB dongle. Does your version have the USB dongle?  The USB dongle stores your serial number and password.  I am aware that some versions, for specific cutters do not have a USB dongle. What is your version?  If with a dongle,  you would have to reinstall the dongle driver, which is found online.  Or it's a longshot, do a system restore, back to when the software did work, if no dongle. 

[slice&dice 2,469]

Whenever the word "dongle" appears, I just giggle.

[termagator 8]

Yes mine has the dangle too

[termagator 8]

Mz sweeter, do you use a laptop to program and cut with? I was thing about using a used laptop to do my cutting. I also have a bootleg copy of flexi 7.5, its on a 3.5 floppy disc. It still works on and old computer and i can design on it, but that old computer doesn't have the ability to cut. If I use it to design,  I save the design on a jump drive and transfer it over to the current computer. 

Thanks for your comments and help

[MZ SKEETER 4,727]

Yes, I use a 2006 Toshiba laptop with Windows XP. Always have since 2006. Sounds like you just need to reinstall the dongle driver and reboot your computer. Put the dongle in last. Your dongle will light up then. If you have to change USB ports on your computer, do so. This has the download at the bottom, see if it works for you.  If that doesn't work for your dongle, there are other sites, with the drivers. 

https://supportportal.thalesgroup.com/csm?id=kb_article_view&sys_kb_id=e88691ba37edcb08cc47261953990e80&sysparm_article=KB0016514

[termagator 8]

Ok, giving it a try. My all in one is very slow, I was suspecting that may be part of the problem 

[termagator 8]

down loaded the drivers but still no change

[slice&dice 2,469]

I'll drift back into this one and tackle this request head-on:

"Is there another inexpensive program out there that could take the place of Flexi starter, and could also read FS file "

My first reaction to this was "no" (MzSkeeter didn't directly confirm, but I suspect her opinion is the same).
So, we're left with your primary issue right now, which is getting your MH cutter running (again, an assumption since this is the Refine thread, you've got an MH?)

Let's start with that, OK? The Flexi conundrum is secondary, and not mission-critical right now, in my view.

[MZ SKEETER 4,727]

 

down loaded the drivers but still no change

You downloaded and then what?. How do you know that the dongle drivers actually installed? Do you see the Safenet in your device manager list under UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS CONTROLLER?  Open that list up and look for it when it is plugged in? I am showing mine. If it is, go into properties of the driver and make sure no question marks, and that it is working.   Did the dongle light up? No other program will read FS files, Just Flexi products, just like no other program will read Signblazer files.   

[termagator 8]

 

 

Let's start with that, OK? The Flexi conundrum is secondary, and not mission-critical right now, in my view.

Yes, mh871

[termagator 8]

 

You downloaded and then what?. How do you know that the dongle drivers actually installed? Do you see the Safenet in your device manager list under UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS CONTROLLER?  Open that list up and look for it when it is plugged in? I am showing mine. If it is, go into properties of the driver and make sure no question marks, and that it is working.   Did the dongle light up? No other program will read FS files, Just Flexi products, just like no other program will read Signblazer files.   

 

[termagator 8]

Maybe it didn't get to the dongle?

[MZ SKEETER 4,727]

What does the VIEW Details about the installed driver files say? > DRIVER DETAILS.  What happens for UPDATE DRIVER?     I am referring to the sections on the properties on the right side that you have posted.   Have you tried this set up on another computer?  Did the dongle ever light up when plugged in? Did you try a different USB port? If not, maybe the dongle is broken. Not much more that I can add. Other than try it on a different computer.

[termagator 8]

Here's driver details, update driver results.  I haven't tried it on another computer cause I'd probably be looking at buying one if this won't work.  I d try a different USB port.  Hope these images are viewable.  Fixing to try another over-install and reboot.  Then surrendering.

[termagator 8]

Oh yeah, green light is on and stays on till I unplug it.

And thanks again for all your help

[MZ SKEETER 4,727]

Your welcome,   Have you tried turning off your antivirus or firewall? Did you ever try a system restore to back when it was working? Never seen a problem with the green light on.   Plenty of info here, But pretty much what I covered.. Nothing else I can add.  Hope you can find the problem.     https://www.google.com/search?q=My+Flexistarter+dongle+light+is+on+as+it+should+be%2C+but+the+software+says+no+password&oq=My+Flexistarter+dongle+light+is+on+as+it+should+be%2C+but+the+software+says+no+password&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCjQwNjI4ajBqMTWoAgiwAgHxBV9qmdCaC1Ti&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

[slice&dice 2,469]

My only suggestion at this point is to remove the USB key, and blow/puff into the USB connection itself. I know, it sounds dumb, but I've had USB sticks that wouldn't be recognized, but literally work fine after a few lip-pursing blasts of air. I don't know why.

 

[termagator 8]

im back in business. all it took was a new computer

but it was inexpensive. $239 on amazon(laptop)

[haumana 1,228]

Might be a good idea to export your most important files into some kind of generic vector file, so it can used in another program in a bind.

[termagator 8]

 

Might be a good idea to export your most important files into some kind of generic vector file, so it can used in another program in a bind.

Good idea, thanks

[slice&dice 2,469]

All it took was blowing a few 'huffs and puffs' into your wallet!

Good to see this one resolved. Congrats.