How to Authorize an iLok

In 2002, iLok developed a seemingly fail-safe method for minimizing the piracy that had proliferated the software business.

An ilok is basically nothing more than a "dongle" which connects to a computer via USB. It conveniently contains all of your software licenses so that they can be used effectively with the corresponding software.

Occasionally, it can become a bit disconcerting when accessing your authorization through the iLok homepage. Since it's not something we would regularly access, the authorization method seems foreign upon every visit.

Here I will offer insight into overcoming the anxieties of using your iLok.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• iLok USB "dongle"
• Internet connection

1. Once you purchase an iLok you will need to visit ILok.com to register for an account (see Resources below).
   
   
   
   Create an account by adding all of your usual personal information, as well as a password and screen name.
2. Register the iLok by including the serial number located on the side of it.
   Once you've established an account, you are now able to freely navigate the site and view your iLok.
3. Synchronize the iLok in order to retrieve your pending software authorizations. This will create a communication between your physical iLok and the iLok homepage.
   
   
   
   Once the synchronization is complete it will acknowledge that there is an iLok present and you will be prompted to proceed. You will then be able to view all contents of your iLok.
4. If you have a pending license, you can transfer it to your iLok only after it has been synchronized.
   
   
   
   Simply select the destination iLok where you would like to move the license and click transfer.
   
   
   
   Upon completion, you will now be able to successfully use your new software.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are in a professional studio environment, it is not uncommon for several users to have individual iLoks in use on the same computer. If you wish to transfer a new license to your iLok, you will need to remove any iLoks not belonging to you. Ilok.com will only be able to synchronize your iLok.