Curious about Bootable USB keys

Shawna88 · 05-29-2012, 03:20 PM

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?

lithos · 05-29-2012, 03:38 PM

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.

Shawna88 · 05-29-2012, 03:42 PM

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.

michaelk · 05-29-2012, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Is there a way to clone a bootable usb key? I have a key that is required by a program,

Does the program run from the USB device or is this just a security/license dongle and the program will not run without it being plugged in? AFAIK a security / license key is not a flash drive and can not be copied as such. Depending on what country you live it may or may not be legal to copy, disable or run the application with out the dongle.

Shawna88 · 05-29-2012, 08:59 PM

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.

michaelk · 05-29-2012, 09:31 PM

Have you contacted the company? They might provide a replacement key at a nominal cost since you already have a license.

jefro · 05-29-2012, 09:46 PM

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.

Shawna88 · 05-29-2012, 11:16 PM

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.

Shawna88 · 05-30-2012, 01:30 AM

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.

lithos · 05-30-2012, 01:53 AM

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".

Shawna88 · 05-30-2012, 02:28 AM

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.

lithos · 05-30-2012, 03:24 AM

By the software specifications I assume that it has a Security device (in your case USB key) to work properly.

Quote:

Notes

• Ensure with hardware supplier the RAM and hard drive can be easily upgraded if required.
• 20-20 does not support any external device plugged onto the same LPT port as the security device (i.e. external zip drive or floppy drive).

So it is a security key not the program stored on it.
How to copy it I don't know.

I would suggest you as "jefro"

Quote:

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.

schneidz · 05-30-2012, 10:15 AM

i would try dd like so:
http://www.linuxquestions.org/questi...0/#post4477526

Tinkster · 05-30-2012, 05:01 PM

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 ...

zhjim · 05-30-2012, 05:17 PM

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...