I was running 2.7, saw the upgrade to 2.8.3 which I need for the 720p25 support. As far as I can make out my system is eligible.  I managed, with some help from Avid, to figure out how to register with the Download Centre.  I just downloaded and installed it.  When I try to start it I get the above message.

I am sure this has happened to other people, but couldnt find any ref to it in a search. 

Any advice?

Graham

(The specs below are wrong before any one points this out - we also have MC on an approved system and it was running just fine)

 You need to run the dongle updater. Then, your license key will be transferred to the new software.

I'll check but I am sure somewhere the readme said no dongle update was needed.  Hmm.  Thanks for response though.

Wouldnt the dongle updater be included in the download zip file?

 Not in front of my Avid right now, but I think it's in the utilities folder on the system drive.

 From the 2.8.3 dwonload page

"Users running Avid Media Composer 2.7 and above do not need to update the dongle to run Avid Media Composer 2.8.3"

So did I install the 2.7 upgrade?  I certainly bought and paid for it.  But I also got the Xpro 5.7 or .8  upgrade at around that time and I know I installed that.   Oh buggar.  Is there anyway I can tell what version I was running, now that 2.8.3 has uninstalled the previous version? 

If we assume I didnt install it, will the dongle updater I must have got with 2.7 work now? 

 I would be dangerous if I had a brain. 

 The way I understand it, the conversion from XPRO 5.7 is made to MC 2.7 first, then the upgrade is made to MC 2.8.3. I'm not an expert on this by any means, but something must have happened to the dongle's license key that is causing the problem. If I were in your shoes, I would contact Avid tech support and get their recommendation on how to proceed before experimenting.

Anyone else out there have an idea on this one? BLKDOG?

Sorry Larry I am not being clear  - I'm not upgrading from Xpro.  My partner has  been running MC 2.6 for about 9 months already.  I thought I upgraded it to 2.7, but as I said now I begin to doubt it.  I have my 2.7 download, and presume it has the updater - can I just update now with 2.8.3 installed?  I suppose its safest to uninstall 2.8.3, install 2.7, update and then reinstall 2.8.3?  Oh well what else am I going to do on a really nice warm sunday evening. 

 If your dongle was only licensed to run 2.6, it needs an update to run 2.7-2.8.

 You don't need to install 2.7. You can go straight to 2.8.3

 Ha - many thanks Dom - maybe I'll get a beer in yet this evening - and I'll have another one for you guys as well. 

Cheers to you both

Graham

 Looks like Dom pinpointed your problem. I'd follow his advice.

No beers just yet. 

I am trying to update the dongle but the registration form wants not only my dongle info (System Id and Serial Number) but also the upgrade key - which apparently can be found on the box.  It was a download though.  I am sure I have been through this before but cant remember how to get around it..  I have checked my emails, but cant see anything from Avid with the upgrade key.  What next? 

 Time for a dongle dump. Do a search for it, I can't remember precisely where it is.

Also, the console window will give you the system ID and Dongle ID numbers.

 Well you purchased 2.7/2.8 upgrade right? If you did log back on the Avid store. It is there. They should have also mailed confirmation of your purchase. That email too has the the number.

If you just downloaded the patch from the website - then you are out of luck. That patch is for people already licensed to run the software. You need to purchase the upgrade ($50 AFAIK).

 I have the system ID and serial number - but the consol window is out (cos I cant run Avid cos the dongle isnt updated - catch 22?)  I'm not sure what a dongle dump does but dont you have to be running avid to be able to do it?  And will this give me the upgrade Key?

 I don't think you need to have the application open to run the dongle dumper, but you're right about accessing the console window - that is within the app. The dongle dump will give you all the pertinent info about the state of your dongle now. I don't believe it will have an upgrade key. The way I understand it, that's what the dongle update contains.