Curious about Bootable USB keys
Is there a way to clone a bootable usb key? I have a key that is required by a program, It has been bent a few times, although it still works, I am concerned that it is a matter of time before it doesn't. This is an older program, and I cannot afford technical support from the company. Is there a way to fix my trouble?
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Hi,
I think that any disk clone software should do it, you can try, fortunately, cloning your working drive to another with some software available: - clonezilla - PING - easeus disk-copy - ultimate boot CD with numerous tools - macrium reflect or try find "norton ghost bootable cd" and do it like it should be done. |
Thanks
Thank you Lithos, I will try your advice. Since I am new, please give me some time before another update. I will let you know how it works.
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Quote:
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Darn It
I guess I am out of luck then, the program is not on the key, but the key must be plugged in for it to run. Once this one dies, I will not have any way to access my files through the program. Even if I save my files in a format that allows me to view them via other programs, without this program I cannot make changes to them. The program cost to upgrade is more than I can afford. I am going to have a bigger problem soon.
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Have you contacted the company? They might provide a replacement key at a nominal cost since you already have a license.
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Without knowing more I'd say michaelk is right in the assumption that the usb is really a security dongle. A device that in not a usb flash drive but a sort of encryption key.
I'd at least try to mount it to see if the drive is readable in some OS. It may be that there is simply a certificate on it that you have and could copy. Command lsusb may even render some clues. |
Usb vs dongle
I thank you so much for trying to help. This key is several years old, I am not even sure where the paperwork is. I know my license code but as far as anything else... there have been two newer versions come out since the one I have.
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Usb vs dongle
I thank you so much for trying to help. This key is several years old, I am not even sure where the paperwork is. I know my license code but as far as anything else... there have been two newer versions come out since the one I have.
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would you mind sharing the name of the program you're using,
it would be easier to determine the function of the USB key / dongle. Nevermind, just try start the program without USB key plugged in. If it starts and complains about security then it is a "security dongle". |
The program is 20-20, It is good for laying out cabinets; and it you have pricing entered, it will even do job costing/pricing. The project quote file is impressive if you do the work behind the scene (enter all the data needed for each item in the database). I do not think the program will come up without the key. As a matter of fact, if you remove the key, the open program gives an error if you try to do anything.
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By the software specifications I assume that it has a Security device (in your case USB key) to work properly.
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How to copy it I don't know. I would suggest you as "jefro" Quote:
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i would try dd like so:
http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...0/#post4477526 |
Schneidz, the key is most likely NOT a drive, but contains an ASIC or other chip
that the software queries against the licence number. Chances of dd being useful in this context are pretty much zip. And I 2nd the motion to run a lsusb against it, and/or see what "dmesg' can tell us about it ... |
For the faint hearted
Maybe http://sourceforge.net/projects/usbsnoop/ could help if 20-20 runs on win also. If not there might be a way to "emulate" the device...
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