Last Modified October 1, 2026
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Custom Activation - Logic Flow Overview
The Custom Activation method implements a 2-step approach to Activation with GUI screens of your design to capture license information, and
provides detailed control over the License Activation and Re-activation process.
Each step is described in the following sections.
At Application Start-up
Authenticate the DNA Library (optional)
Set the CDM License File location and DNA Properties
Check if there is a valid CDM License File with DNA_Validate
- Yes, then run the application
- No, proceed to Activation / Re-Activation
Activation / Re-Activation
Get a License Activation Code from the User and use DNA_Query to determine if this is an
Activation or Re-activation of a Single-User or Multi-User License.
Based on result of DNA_Query, get additional info from the User (such as Email
address and License Code Password) with appropriate dialog screen(s).
Activate / Re-activate the License and start
To De-Activate the License
Runtime Guards (optional)
- Call
DNA_Validate() API during runtime
See Runtime Guards
for details.
Many alternative implementations are possible. Several of these such as "Silent Evaluations"
are described under the Custom Activation Alternative Implementations
article.
You have full flexibility to decide what actions to take if any step is not successful. For example,
if the application is not successfully activated:
- The application could stop executing
- The application could run in DEMO mode, and provide a Activate Now
button or menu item
- The application could display a Evaluate button or menu item
- The Software could display again the "Activate" dialog box
For most of the API calls, you will use the <Product_Key> for your Product.
The <Product_Key> is emailed to you when you create a Product Configuration in the DNA Control Panel
and is available under Product Configuration in the DNA Product Control Panel.