It sounds incredibly frustrating to encounter demo limitations when you've already invested in SilverFast. We understand that this can be confusing, especially when switching between different scanners. Rest assured, this is likely not a glitch, but rather a common point of confusion regarding how SilverFast 9 licenses are structured.
This article will help you understand why your SilverFast 9 might be showing a demo version and guide you through the steps to get your fully licensed software up and running on your scanner.
Why is my SilverFast 9 showing a demo version?
SilverFast 9 utilizes a modern licensing system tied to your MySilverFast account and specific scanner models, rather than traditional serial numbers. Here are the primary reasons you might be seeing a demo version:
License is tied to a different scanner model: A SilverFast license is always acquired for and tied to a specific scanner model from a specific scanner manufacturer. If you try to use SilverFast with a scanner model for which you do not have an active license, it will operate in demo mode.
Not yet activated for the current scanner: Even if you have a license for the scanner you're using, SilverFast needs to be activated on that specific system for that scanner.
Internet connection required for initial activation/re-validation: An internet connection is essential for the initial activation of SilverFast and for re-validation approximately every 90 days. If SilverFast cannot connect to your MySilverFast account, it may revert to demo mode.
Logged in on too many systems: You can log in on up to 3 systems with your MySilverFast account. If you exceed this limit, you might need to deactivate a license from another system.
Understanding SilverFast 9 Licensing
MySilverFast Account: This is your central hub for managing all your SilverFast 9 licenses, downloading software, and viewing invoices. You log in to the SilverFast software directly with your MySilverFast account credentials (email and password), not a serial number.
Scanner-Specific Licenses: Each SilverFast license is designed for a particular scanner model. If you own multiple scanners, you will typically need a separate SilverFast license for each one you wish to use with the software. This allows us to provide optimized software versions tailored to the unique hardware capabilities of different scanners.
How to Activate Your Purchased SilverFast License
Follow these steps to ensure your SilverFast 9 is fully activated for your scanner:
Ensure an Internet Connection: Make sure your computer has an active internet connection. This is crucial for connecting to your MySilverFast account for activation.
Connect Your Scanner: Connect the scanner you wish to use directly to your computer. We recommend using a short cable, without extensions or USB/FireWire splitters, to ensure a stable connection.
Install Necessary Drivers (if applicable): For some scanner manufacturers (e.g., Canon, Epson, Plustek on Windows; Canon, Epson on macOS if not found automatically), you might need to install the latest drivers from the scanner manufacturer in addition to SilverFast. SilverFast will often install necessary drivers automatically, but not always.
Start SilverFast 9: Launch SilverFast 9 from your desktop shortcut (Windows) or Dock (macOS).
Log in to MySilverFast: When SilverFast starts for the first time with an unactivated scanner, it will automatically switch to the MySilverFast tab.
Enter the same email address and password that you use for your MySilverFast account at my.silverfast.com.
SilverFast will connect to your account and automatically activate the software for the connected scanner, provided you have a valid license for that specific scanner model.
Select Your Scanner (if multiple licenses): If you have multiple supported scanners and licenses in your MySilverFast account, you can select the desired device under the "Scanner" dropdown menu within the SilverFast welcome screen or settings.
Offline Use: After successful activation, you can use SilverFast offline for up to 90 days. SilverFast will automatically re-connect to your user account to refresh this period whenever an internet connection is available.
What if I don't have a license for my other scanner?
If you've purchased SilverFast for one scanner (e.g., a film scanner) but are now trying to use it with a different model (e.g., a flatbed scanner) and it's showing demo mode, it means you likely don't have a license for that specific flatbed scanner model.
To get a license for your new scanner:
Visit MySilverFast: Go to my.silverfast.com and log in to your account.
Add New License: Navigate to the "Licenses" section. Click the green "+" button to "Add new License."
Purchase or Redeem:
You can select the "Online Store" option to purchase a new license for your flatbed scanner.
If you have a Promotion Code or an Activation Key for a new license, you can enter it here to add it to your account.
Identifying Demo Mode Limitations
When SilverFast is in demo mode, you can try out most functions for 30 days, but images you create will be watermarked. This watermark will be visible on your scanned images. The 1:1 and HQ previews, however, will show the image quality without watermarks, allowing you to assess the tools' effectiveness.
Need further Assistance?
If you've followed these steps and are still experiencing issues, or if you have questions about upgrading your software or adding new licenses, please contact us for further help by using our contact form.