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My question is about building MK-5 HMIs on WindowsXP using the original GE software supplied with the WindowsNT 4 operating system.

We have built several HMIs using WindowsXP and TCI 1.08.02 and Cimplicity 4.01. Everything works just fine for extended periods.

However, we have found that Cimplicity will lose its license anytime the PC configuration is altered. For example, if you go into the BIOS
and change the boot order, Cimplicity loses its license. If you put in a new card (change an arcnet card for example) Cimplicity loses its
license.

I'm curious how many people have done this (Upgraded HMIs to XP without GE involved) and if you experienced this problem?

Is the license file completely lost? Do you have to contact GE for an new authorization code or does the existing code allow the licence file to be regenerated?

I have to completly uninstall/reinstall to be able generate a key to re-register from the FANUC web site.

Of course FANUC is unwilling to troubleshoot because they no longer support 4.01.

I believe this problem is associated with the "router" service of Cimplicity during automatic startup.

Automatic startup consisted of loading a Cimplicity screen object before the service objects have time to load.

I am making assumptions on your startup sequence.
Please correct me if I am wrong.

If you are loading a Cimplicity screen during startup i.e. in the Windows startup folder instead of being loaded as a Windows service, the problem may be there.

Instead of loading a Cimplicity screen from the startup folder, try allowing the computer to boot up to Windows and then start the Cimplicity screen.

I realize that this causes problems with automatic screen startup, but it may help find your culprit.

Send more info on your testing.