Table of Contents

Offline Activation

Use offline activation when the computer running PDMShell cannot connect to the internet. PDMShell creates an encrypted request file that you email to Blue Byte Systems. Blue Byte Systems processes the request and sends back an encrypted response file that you import on the same computer.

Note

Offline activation is intended for air-gapped or restricted systems. If the computer has internet access, use the regular License Activation workflow.

Open Offline Activation

  1. Open PDMShell.
  2. Select Settings on the toolbar or press Ctrl + O.
  3. Select Offline Activation.
  4. Enter your PDMShell license key.
PDMShell Settings toolbar button

Generate An Activation Request

  1. Enter the license key on the Offline Activation page.
  2. Select Generate activation request.
  3. Save the generated .pdmshellreq file.
  4. Email the .pdmshellreq file to info@bluebyte.biz.

You can use any email subject or message body. The important part is attaching the generated .pdmshellreq file.

PDMShell Offline Activation settings page

Generate A Deactivation Request

Use this workflow when you need to release a license from an air-gapped computer.

  1. Enter the license key on the Offline Activation page.
  2. Select Generate deactivation request.
  3. Save the generated .pdmshellreq file.
  4. Email the .pdmshellreq file to info@bluebyte.biz.

Receive The Response

Blue Byte Systems will process the request and email back an encrypted .pdmshelllic response file.

The reply will come from a Blue Byte Systems email address using one of these domains:

  • bluebyte.biz
  • bluebytesystems.com

The response email includes one attachment. Download the .pdmshelllic file and move it back to the air-gapped computer.

PDMShell offline activation response email with attachment

Import The Response

  1. Return to the same computer that generated the request.
  2. Open PDMShell.
  3. Open Settings.
  4. Select Offline Activation.
  5. Select Import response.
  6. Choose the .pdmshelllic file you received from Blue Byte Systems.

PDMShell imports the encrypted response and updates the local license status.

Important

After the response imports successfully, restart PDMShell so the activated license is fully applied to the current session.

Important Notes

  • Import the response on the same computer that generated the request.
  • Do not edit the .pdmshellreq or .pdmshelllic files.
  • The request and response files are encrypted.
  • If the license is already active on another computer, the response may report that the license is already in use.
  • If the response fails to import, contact Blue Byte Systems support and include the request file name and any message shown by PDMShell.
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