SECURITY KEY / DONGLE

One can be purchased from the software manufacturer, otherwise this is not the site for illegal activity such as duplicating or bypassing dongles

Does anyone know if an I Button dongle can be duplicated or bypassed ????

Yes it can, but what is the application (you don't mention if it is a computer software dongle key, a hardware key, a biometric security key, etc)? If it is a convenience issue with a legally-purchased piece of existing hardware/software you can either ask the manufacturer for another dongle (depending on the application) or perhaps add a network hub to allow multiple computers to conveniently use the same dongle (one at a time of course).

If you want to use multiple copies of the same software simultaneously on different computers you will very likely need to purchase multiple copies of the software (check your software usage rights), that after all is the whole point of having a single dongle protected software application!

Commercial software and hardware dongle bypass methods will not be mentioned here as these are illegal in most applications.

What is the application?

Software is for operating (instrument control) lab equipment (loaded into PC) Dongle is installed onto PC. Reason for trying to find an alternative way around the dongle is because replacing dongles is very expensive. Just looking for a way to keep cost down on my equipment. I have had dongles misplaced, lost or stolen before. It gets expensive.

Are you using multiple PCs or just one? If using one PC you could try installing the dongle in an inaccessible place to prevent removal (and accidental loss) such as on the back or inside the computer case (via a USB or similar extension lead).

For multiple computers, a network hub (or similar) may be the best bet. One of those simple switches that allow you to rotate a mechanical switch to select which outgoing computer is connected to a single dongle (similar to one of those old printer selector boxes). You could build your own fairly simply but you would need to be careful how long the cable run is (USB, etc have cable length limitations).

Hi Guest, and I think you may also be the thread starter? Welcome!

Can you say why you need so many Dongles? You should not need more than a couple?

Can you explain how many computers and what you are using the Dongles to communicate. Between each computer or from Lab Equipment to a single computer?

Usually a Dongle is a wireless communication device. Is this the case with you?

More info' please?

Good luck

Hi bb,

The PM about a dongle opener is applicable here though maybe not ethical

The OP should seek legal/ethical work around of this dongle issue.

Hi wire,

Really appreciate you reply post, thanks.

This request sounds both odd and suspicious to me! But, hey I am only the messenger.

I cannot see that the cost of a Dongle, compared to the cost of other computer and printing paraphernalia is of any consequence, but I am not complaining about the cost am I!

I have never seen this request before anywhere, and doubt I will see it again. I do not own a Dongle, ............. Well I do, and it is not very big, however, I do not think "own" is the correct term............ I think you can see that I may be sailing a little close to the wind with this so I better leave it at that!

I am slowly slipping away, bye bye! My 'reputation' almost shot! Perhaps the 'good tidings of the holiday will make other accept this as a joke and my reputation will be in tact after the holidays, rather than "tatters"?

Good luck my friend.

A Dongle is a special "Key" that allows only the computer where the "key" is inserted (on a printer or USB port usually) to run a particular software.......but the software can be installed on many PCs simultaneously.....but only used on one (at a time!)

Yes they are able to be duplicated but only if you were the original creator in programming the iButton as a means to provide security entry to the application. Presuming you are, then all you need to do is make a duplicate when you create the original for safe storage. We use the process to make SCADA logged software secure from unauthorised modification. It is the same iButton security you will find in hotels for secure room access, and the hotelier can reset the code after checkout - not unlike a magnetic stripe card.

If the iButton dongle is a one-off key which enables a developer to create a software run-time version, the dongle is part of the software purchase, then protect it with your life. In this case though the dongle is not normally left in the machine for fulltime running, but only for the creation or revision for the runtime version. If it is needed to allow some equipment to operate, build a high security cage around it, cos you wouldn't be using it for another machine and wouldn't need to access it.

Software is for operating (instrument control) lab equipment (loaded into PC) Dongle is installed onto PC. Reason for trying to find an alternative way around the dongle is because replacing dongles is very expensive. Just looking for a way to keep cost down on my equipment. I have had dongles misplaced, lost or stolen before. It gets expensive.

Sure its nice to have the convenience of duplicate expensive dongles. But its also expensive to create the software program.

But the way it sounds duplicating dongles will not solve your problem, if you are losing, misplacing or getting the dongle stolen. Your problem is carelessness. Those misplaced, and stolen dongles are being used. Thats piracy, and getting duplicates even though unintentional due to carelessness, puts you in that group.

No, carelessness is not a good reason for duplicating software keys. Call the software distributor. and order extras or be more careful.

p911

Hi pheonix911,

I agree with all you say. But no doubt the OP will find a site to help in their theft and piracy?

Take care and goos post BTW!

Good steer

Hi phoenix911,

GA to you Sir for your honest and IMHO the correct way to go. This is a very touchy subject and I do not believe the OP's reasoning, that Dongles are too expensive.

There is a serious mismanagement problem here where any and all Dongles are not accounted for. The OP may just as well print out in A0 his passwords for every account and licenced prog'.

Take care.

There is a serious mismanagement problem here where any and all Dongles are not accounted for.

Not necessarily the may only be required to account the loss of devices depending upon the nature of the disclosure or usage.

You you not neglected at some point to return a hotel key when departing? The dongle programing will expire true? The OP may be experiencing tangible loss or manipulation of the system.

You you not neglected at some point to return a hotel key when departing? The dongle programing will expire true? The OP may be experiencing tangible loss or manipulation of the system.

But not to the extend by having copies made of hotel keys. There is a difference between a rare occasional mistake that happens, to actually issues of what seems to be a chronic problem.

p911

Sure...

Right on Brother!

I personally feel that the original poster just wants to find a way to use software illegally, multiple times.......as I simply do not believe that he keeps losing/letting them get stolen, nobody is that daft surely????

If that is not the case, then he should correct his original post for us......into something legal.....

I never intentionally aid any illegal venture it is that which I will not up with put.

bwire, We know that.

You understand that I was not getting at you personally, but at the OP?

Yes thanks...

Hi wire,

See how much we care about you!

And have you noticed.................. Not a word in reply from the OP! Kinda says it all really?

Happy holidays my friend!

YUP, it was a someone trying to do something completely illegal, with not a lot of brain power either!!!! If he had thought clearly for at least 2 seconds, he would not have asked here......

It appears he joined this month just to do something illegal. I suspect now long gone!!!

Hello there, SCIFI2007.

Can you tell us more about the ibutton mentioned twice in your original post? Is it, indeed, a Dallas Chip? If yes, where does it fit into the scheme? Is it integral within the USB, as an authentication device?

In any case, your comment that a number of dongles have been misplaced or stolen indicates a real problem may be in your hands, if you are the security administrator.

Does anyone know if an I Button dongle can be duplicated or bypassed ????

Why of course follow the link for example:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBX_BcFEcAI