Golden Software has two numbered licensing systems: product keys and serial numbers. Both product keys and serial numbers are used to activate or unlock Golden Software products. This article will help you understand the difference between serial numbers and product keys, and help you locate the serial number or product key for each software.
The difference between serial numbers and product keys
Whether you have a product key or serial number will depend on the product you have and when it was purchased. Surfer and Grapher licenses purchased prior to December 2016 and Strater licenses purchased prior to March 2018 are most likely serial numbers. All Voxler, Didger, and MapViewer licenses are also serial numbers.
Product keys are in the form XXXXXXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXXXXXXXXXX
If the input exceeds 15 characters, it is recognized as a product key. To utilize this key for activation, ensure you have a version of the software compatible with product keys installed. The interface for entering the product key appears as follows:
If you have the wrong version installed, you can easily remedy this by downloading the latest installer for your specific license from My Account, within the My Products tab.
Serial numbers are in the form XX-XXXXXX-XXXX (For example, VX-123456-abcd)
If the value you're entering is less than 15 characters, it is identified as a serial number. For activation using this serial number, ensure the corresponding version of the software is installed. The interface for inputting the serial number is displayed as follows:
Locate your serial number or product key
To access your Golden Software serial number or product key, there are several methods available. When you purchase a new license, be sure to register your product key to receive unrivaled technical support and for streamlined license management.
Here are a few locations where your serial number or product key can be found:
Golden Software My Account
- Log into My Account
- Select the My Products tab on the left panel
- Here, you'll find all your registered serial numbers and product keys, as well as download links for you products
Original download instructions
For those who have obtained a download-only version of the Golden Software product, the serial number or product key is provided within the download details sent to your email by our sales team. If you no longer have access to this email, or do not have access My Account, please reach out to our Customer Success Team and our legendary support agents will assist you in finding your serial number or product key, and can provide download instructions for older versions of our software.
Locate your product key within the activated products
For Surfer versions 13+, Grapher versions 12+, and Strater versions 5+, you can find your product key within your activated products by navigating to the File | License Info command. A License information dialog will open and the product key will be displayed, as shown below in the drop down "Example" menu.
Locate your serial number within the activated products
Please note: serial numbers were issued for Surfer and Grapher licenses purchased prior to December 2016, Strater licenses purchased prior to March 2018, and all Voxler, Didger, and MapViewer licenses.
For Surfer versions 7-13: locate your serial number by opening the software and navigating to Help | About Surfer. The About dialog box will show the serial number, as shown below.
For Grapher versions 3-12: locate your serial number by opening the software and navigating to Help | About Grapher. The About dialog box will show the serial number, as shown below.
For Strater versions 1-4: locate your serial number by opening the software and navigating to Help | About Strater. The About dialog box will show the serial number, as shown below.
For Voxler versions 1-4: locate your serial number by opening the software and navigating to Help | About Voxler. The About dialog box will show the serial number, as shown below.
For Didger versions 2-5: locate your serial number by opening the software and navigating to Help | About Didger. The About dialog box will show the serial number, as shown below.
MapViewer versions 4-8: locate your serial number by opening the software and navigating toHelp | About MapViewer. The About . The dialog box will show the serial number, as shown below.
Physical location of your serial number
Label on the installation CD sleeve
Starting in 2011, the serial number is located on the sticker label on the installation CD sleeve.
Registration card
The serial number is on the registration card glued either on CD sleeve (for software purchased in late 2009 or 2010), or inside the front cover of your User's Guide, Getting Started Guide or Quick Start Guide (for software purchased before mid-2009). Please complete the registration card and return to Golden Software or register online at our web site.
Locate the full version of your software
You can view the version of software you are running in 3 places. Please see the locations below and complete the steps to view the full version of your software.
If your install location was the default install location (if you used default settings during install, or used custom settings but did not change the install folder), you can locate your full version number by following the steps below.
- Open your file explorer
- Navigate to C:\Program Files\Golden Software\Surfer, C:\Program Files\Golden Software\Grapher or C:\Program Files\Golden Software\Strater
- Right click on the program you are locating the full version info for and click Properties in the drop down (as shown below in gold boxes)
- In the Properties window, navigate to the Details tab
- The full version number will be displayed in this tab (as shown below)
You can also locate your full version number through the Apps & Feature program within System settings. Please follow the steps below to view your full version number.
- In the Search bar located on the toolbar at the bottom of your desktop, start typing "Apps & features"
- Click on the Apps & Features program at the top of the search window
- Steps 1 and 2 are shown below in gold boxes
- Steps 1 and 2 are shown below in gold boxes
- In the Apps & Features window, navigate to the search bar and start typing the program you want to view the full version number (shown in gold box below)
- The full version number will be displayed under the program in the "App list" as shown below
If you are within your active trial period, you can view the full license version by following the steps below.
Please note: if you are unable to open the program due to no viable license (the trial license expires 14 days after installing the software) and are having issues activating your product key, then this path with not work for you. Please see the directions above to find your full version number.
- Open Surfer or Grapher
- Click File | About Surfer or File | About Grapher
- Full version is displayed below in the gold box
Additional assistance
If you still need further assistance in locating your serial number or product key, or or do not have access My Account, please reach out to our Customer Success Team and our legendary support agents will assist you in finding your serial number or product key, and can provide download instructions for older versions of our software.
Updated August 2023
Comments
Hey there,
Navigating through software licenses can feel like diving into a maze sometimes, huh? Here’s the scoop on Golden Software's serial numbers and product keys.
First off, knowing the difference between the two is key (pun intended). Product keys and serial numbers are like cousins – similar but not quite the same. Product keys unlock your software, while serial numbers, well, they do the same thing, just with a different name.
By the way, having worked at Andersen, I've gained valuable experience in simplifying complex software procedures. So, let me break it down for you - your serial number or product key. First, look in your Golden Software My Account. It's like the headquarters of your software. Log in, open the "My Products" tab, and that's where they are.
You don't have access to your account? No problem. Contact Golden Software's customer support team. They're ready to come up with your serial number or product key and even give you instructions on how to download older versions.
Got it? Great! Now go forth and conquer those licensing woes.
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