About MapWorks About MapWorks

This command serves as the primary diagnostic, update and license administration utility within the DotSoft MapWorks product.

Keyboard Command: AboutMapWorks

Note: Depending on your CAD platform and specific product variant (e.g., Civil3D or BricsCAD), this command may also respond to AboutC3DTools or AboutBCSTools, respectively.

Note: If typing AboutMapWorks returns "Unknown Command", verify that the application plugin DLL is loaded via the Manual Hookup procedure.

Note: Activation and deactivation processes require your computer to communicate with the online Cryptlex licensing servers. For further information, consult with Carlson Knowledgebase article 1439:
https://web.carlsonsw.com/knowledgebase/kbase05.php?action=display_topic&topic_id=1439

Activating the Software

Newly installed DotSoft applications run for a limited time in evaluation mode until activated with a valid product serial number. Activation binds a seat to the host machine via online license validation.

Step-by-Step Activation Process:

  1. Launch your host CAD application (AutoCAD, Civil 3D, BricsCAD, or IntelliCAD).
  2. Type AboutMapWorks (or AboutC3DTools or AboutBCSTools) in the CAD command prompt and press Enter.

    Note: The key-in is not case-sensitive.

  3. In the dialog box that appears, supply the following (all fields required):
    • User Name: A desired label that identifies the primary user for the computer.
    • Email: An Email contact address for the primary user of the computer.
    • Application Serial: Enter your assigned Product Serial Number provided to you at the time of purchase. The serial number commonly takes the form of ########-#*##**#-######-######.

      Note: The serial number is not case-sensitive but does require the - characters.

      Note: If your organization holds a multi-seat license, a single shared serial number allows up to the purchased seat limit of simultaneous activations across network machines.

  4. Click the Activate button.
  5. Upon successful validation with the licensing server, a confirmation message will indicate that the application is fully activated.

Deactivating the Software (License Transfer)

To move your license to a new computer (for hardware upgrades, workstation reassignments, or home/office transitions), you must first deactivate the license on the currently registered machine.

Step-by-Step Deactivation Process:

  1. Open CAD on the machine where the DotSoft product is currently active.
  2. Type AboutMapWorks (or AboutC3DTools / AboutBCSTools) into the command line and press Enter.
  3. On the displayed dialog box, locate and click the Deactivate button.
  4. Confirm the deactivation request if prompted.
  5. The software will release its seat registration back to the server pool, allowing the serial number to be activated on another computer immediately.

    Note: If the deactivation from the computer is temporary, the software can remain on the computer for future re-use.

Deactivating Unreachable Machines:

If a computer crashes or is decommissioned before you can run the Deactivate button inside CAD, contact Carlson / DotSoft Support to request a server-side seat deactivation. Please include:

  1. the Application Serial Number, and,
  2. the User Name or Computer ID

Product Updates

Periodic updates are made and released for the product. When available, these optional updates can be obtained from the Internet.