Microsoft KB Archive/102172

Knowledge Base

Windows NT Does Not Support Hardware Keys ("Dongles")

Article ID: 102172

Article Last Modified on 11/1/2006

---

APPLIES TO

• Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server 3.1
• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.1

---

This article was previously published under Q102172

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 KB102172

---

Send feedback to Microsoft

© Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.