Upgrading ChemStation, Q regarding license

[Rick Dubills]

We are attempting to upgrade our version of chemstation (A.03.0x) to version A.10.02 so that we can run the GC with a windows XP machine.

Can we use our license code for our current version or do we have to buy a new license?

Actually, any explanation of how Agilent's license system works would be great. Or is there someone I could call at Agilent that would have this information?

Thanks!
Rick

[Consumer Products Guy]

That's a big jump! Did A.03 software actually have a ten-character Agilent license number? Anyway, the way it used to work (maybe still does) is that Agilent will sell you the latest and greatest software for about $600, no matter what version you were updating from. Or if that A.10.02 is obtained properly, Agilent should be able to supply a 10-character license number to use.

However, this may not be a slam-dunk. I assume that if your GC was using A.03, it is a 5890. That 5890 may not be compatible with newer software, it may have firmware that doesn't match. More important, modern computers use a different size communications board, so your old 82335 HPIB won't fit, you'll need something like a 82341 or 82350 to use a Win XP computer. Our old Agilent stuff was upgraded to use A.06.03 (Y2K software, a free upgrade then) on Windows 95. We have a few units using that software on Windows 2000 (not supported) and it works fine just one error box to click when loading ChemStation. So be warned: this may not be as easy as you think.

[giacomo56]

Why don't you call Agilent directly and get the right answer....1-800-227-9770

[nimbi63]

Agilent (at the time HP) started using license numbers when they switched from shipping software on floppy disks to CD-ROMS. They put all the software (GC, LC, LD-3D, CE, A/D, etc.) on the same CD-ROM, then gave a license number to unlock the specific software you purchased. The license number is an algorithm and check sum on the product number (G2070AA, G2175AA, etc.)
I believe the first license numbers were A.03.01 or A.04.01. The product number is on the license packet, and the algorithm is the same, so the license number you have should still work for that product.