Answers Database

Programmable Key: Programs issue XLM:KEY_NOT_FOUND in DOS shell in MS Windows


Record #475

Problem Title:
Programmable Key: Programs issue XLM:KEY_NOT_FOUND in DOS shell in MS
Windows



Problem Description:



Solution 1:




PROGRAM: Any

VERSION: > 5.0 (i.e. those that use the programmable key)

SHORT DESCRIPTION:

Windows drivers may interfere with programmable key

ERROR MESSAGE: (Example from PPR)

ppr [5.0.0]  --  Xilinx Automatic CAE Tools
Copyright (c) 1994 Xilinx Inc.	All Rights Reserved. 
386|DOS-Extender 4.1 - Copyright (C) 1986-1993 Phar Lap Software, Inc.

  *** License checkout for feature "ppr-pc" failed
  *** *** Error [XLM:KEY_NOT_FOUN]
  *** No Xilinx key was found.	Please verify that a Xilinx key with a serial
  *** number beginning with the letter "C" is attached to a parallel port.
  *** Refer to the installation guide for troubleshooting information.
  ***  
  *** ---------------------------------------------------
  *** Execution cannot continue until this error is fixed 
  *** ppr was terminated with a Fatal Error status 


LONG DESCRIPTION:

PROBLEM:

Programs function correctly in DOS alone, but do not recognize the key
on the parallel port when run in a DOS shell under windows.

CAUSE:

Apparently there is at least one software driver loaded by windows programs
that can cause the programmable key to not be recognized. This driver is
called safesrv.drv. This driver emulates keys that normally are hung off
of a parallel port. Because of this, it intercepts all calls to the ports,
and thus the Xilinx key is not visible to the programs.

SOLUTION:

Edit the \WINDOWS\SYSTEM.INI file, drivers section, to remove all calls
to safesrv.drv, then quit and restart windows.




End of Record #475