Compatibility of line printer port (LPT, parallel port) dongles (Cubase VST, Nuendo 1)

Problem

You cannot connect the Cubase VST/Nuendo 1 dongle because your new computer does not provide an LPT (Line Printer Terminal) resp. parallel port.

Solution 1

Give your contemporary computer a contemporary Cubase/Nuendo version that comes with a USB dongle, the so called USB-eLicenser.

Solution 2

Equip your computer with an LPT port by installing a corresponding PCI card. However, the compatibility of an upgraded LPT port with the Cubase VST dongle cannot be guaranteed. USB-based LPT port emulations are generally unsuitable!

Solution 3

We can provide you with an activation code as a replacement. With this code you can download a license for Cubase VST 5, Cubase VST Score 5, Cubase VST/32 5, Cubase VST 5, Nuendo 1.x, Nuendo Surround Edition or Nuendo Dolby Digital Encoder onto a USB-eLicenser.

Please note that a replacement is only possible with the blue LPT dongle which comes with one of the named Cubase VST 5 versions! Previous Cubase licenses on red LPT dongles cannot be replaced!  

For the conversion to a USB-eLicenser you'll need:

• Any computer running Windows XP with internet access and a USB port.
• The blue LPT dongle with a valid Cubase VST 5, Cubase VST Score 5 or Cubase VST/32 5 license - or a white LPT Dongle with a Nuendo 1.x, Nuendo Surround Edition or Nuendo Dolby Digital Encoder license.
  
• A USB-eLicenser. If you do not already own one, you can get it from your local Steinberg dealer or via our Online Shop.
• The eLicenser Control Center. You can download the latest version here.

And this is how you do it:

• Damage the dongle in a way that it becomes obviously unusable. For example, two or three hammer blows on the dongle wrapped in a newspaper should do the trick.
• Send a picture of the destroyed (!) dongle to this address. Please make sure that the label showing the Cubase version can be seen clearly.
  
• Now some patience is required. Your application will be reviewed and once you have received the Activation Code, you may proceed.
• Install the eLicenser Control Center on a suitable computer (see above).
  It is not necessary to install Cubase VST in order to be able to download the license!
• Plug in the USB-eLicenser.
  When Windows notifies that new hardware has been connected dismiss the suggested search for software. Click on [Next] and let Windows Hardware Detection automatically install the driver.
• Start the eLicenser Control Center via Start > Programs > eLicenser. 
• Click on "Enter Activation Code" and enter the activation code you've received.
  
  Important: The license download can only be processed online!

              The blue Cubase VST 5 LPT Dongle and his USB successor, the USB-eLicenser.

After the transfer is completed you can use the USB-eLicenser to activate any Cubase VST 5 installation (corresponding to the license) on any suitable computer.

Last but not least: Solutions 1 and 3 do not exclude each other. Of course you can transfer the Cubase VST 5 license to a USB-eLicenser that came with a current Cubase version that you've purchased.