LW backup

[akstylish]

I think this thread will be deleted soon, but I gotta ask some questions about copying this software(NOT FOR PIRACY). I want to make an image of LW 9 as a backup in case my dvd is damaged, but I don't understand what sentinel protection is, even after checking faqs on that website. Will it prevent me from using the image of LW9? Also, when installing LW, I noticed it didn't ask for the serial number, yet the instructions say I need to get a NEW license key within two weeks after installation. I'm confused.

[kopperdrake]

Sentinel protection is to do with the dongle that came with LightWave. Just by copying your copy of LightWave does not mean you can use that copy as you will only ever be able to use it in a computer with that dongle plugged in.

Someone else may be able to clarify, but the licence key is attached to the dongle. Best thing to do is phone NewTek directly and talk through the registration process with them - they'll tell you what they need from you in order to send a licence key out to you. Once you have that it sits in a text file in your LightWave directory (I think) and as long as you have the dongle plugged in you can use LightWave :)

Good luck :D

[akstylish]

Huh? I took out the USB and LW still works...:? Anyways, what if my dvd is broken AND I formatted my computer?

[akstylish]

Sorry...that was a stupid question. What if I have the image and the USB?

[akstylish]

One more question...do I have to connect the USB EVERYTIME I open LW?? This sucks...:(

[2BitSculptor]

Having to protect your software investment ALWAYS sucks... but it is a necessary evil these days. If you have LW on several computers that you use at different times, the dongle insures that only one copy of LW can be run at a time , but allows you to have many copies of the software for safe keeping. Its better than having to purchase a LW for EACH of the computers... like Microsoft does with its operating system.

Chuck

[Cageman]

Most people have their dongle sitting in the USB or Parallel port and never touch it. I suggest you do the same; you don't have to pull it out everytime you know. Just plug it in, and let it be. If you are going to use LW on another computer, lets say... you install LW at work, you simply just take the dongle with you. And here is where a hardware-based copyprotection is superior to most software solutions. There is no limit to how many computers you can install LW on. If you have 1000 computers, you can install it on each one, since the dongle limits you to use only one at a time. However, you seem to have discovered the magic "dongle shuffle trick" which means that, if you have 1000 computers you can start LW on each of them, as long as you bring the dongle, put it in, start LW, pull the dongle and move on to the next machine... and so on.

Now, do some comparsion to other 3D-vendors solutions to copyprotection and you will find that it isn't that bad at all. :)

...and... Merry X-mas! :)

[kopperdrake]

If you ever lost your original installation discs you can simply log into your account at NewTek and download the version of LightWave you own. You can remove the USB dongle whilst LightWave is running and it will keep running okay until you turn your PC off. You need it in there to start LightWave. Just be thankful it's not tied to the CPU like some software.

[Hopper]

Edit: Kopperdrake already posted what I had in mind. :tongue:

No need for backup unless you have no Internet connection. Without content, you can make a backup on just about any size media these days. I have all versions LW 7.5 - 9.3.1 on a single jump drive. Otherwise, every version you are entitled to is available directly from the NewTek site.

[akstylish]

Edit: Kopperdrake already posted what I had in mind. :tongue:

No need for backup unless you have no Internet connection. Without content, you can make a backup on just about any size media these days. I have all versions LW 7.5 - 9.3.1 on a single jump drive. Otherwise, every version you are entitled to is available directly from the NewTek site.

I know I'm quite paranoid, but that's not enough for me...what if this website is suddenly gone for some reason? :(

This is a little off-topic, but I don't know what kind of protection the cd has, so I made the image assuming it has securom(new). Will it work even if it actually had no protection?

[RudySchneider]

Oi! So do like I do --- download it from the Newtek site, and do periodic backups --- like you're SUPPOSED to do! It's NOT rocket science!

[akstylish]

Oi! So do like I do --- download it from the Newtek site, and do periodic backups --- like you're SUPPOSED to do! It's NOT rocket science!

But where do I download it? I checked my downloads, but there are only trial versions for LW 9.3, and I'm using 9.2.

[oldtekerr]

But where do I download it? I checked my downloads, but there are only trial versions for LW 9.3, and I'm using 9.2.

on the home page where it says select your product, select Lightwave 3d.
Then put in your serial number...
then you should be able to download it...

[akstylish]

on the home page where it says select your product, select Lightwave 3d.
Then put in your serial number...
then you should be able to download it...

I already did while registering LW...is it in my downloads or somewhere else??

[Hopper]

I already did while registering LW...is it in my downloads or somewhere else??
Odd. If you're registered and it doesn't show up in your "My Downloads" page, then send an email or call NewTek and make sure your info is correct on their side. These things happen. They'll make the correction and you should have your list soon.

There's nothing special about the CD/DVD. If for some reason you can't get it to copy correctly, simply copy the contents of both install CD and content DVD to your hard drive, then copy them to a new CD/DVD respectively. Then, if you're still paranoid, make an additional copy and store them at a friends house / bank vault / Fort Knox, etc...

And keep in mind, the "protection" is the hardware dongle. Make as many backups as you like. Make 500 CD copies and use them as drink coasters if you like - you can (should) only run one instance of LW on one box at a time.

[zapper1998]

Before I do the 0nce a year reformat,
I just burn a copy of my LW Files to DVD,
On a DVD-RW, then reformat the C Drive,
And Usually every reformat goes good,
I just hate the reinstall of the Other SoftWare,
like Adobe Photoshop, PSP Pro X,
and the other software that you have to reinstall using the Install CD's.

I like Lightwave, you can Copy the folder to another HD,
reformat, cut and Paste it back,
cut and paste the shortcuts back,
and walla u back to rock and rolla.

Another Reason to Love Newtek....

Michael