License Activation

Activate your ArgentOS license — key entry, hardware fingerprint, and verification.

Overview

License activation binds your license key to your specific ArgentOS installation. This is a one-time process per machine.

Activation Flow

License Key → Activation Server → Hardware Fingerprint → Verification → Features Unlocked

Step 1: Enter Your License Key

argent license activate ARGENT-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX

Or through the dashboard: Settings > License > Activate.

Step 2: Hardware Fingerprint

ArgentOS generates a hardware fingerprint based on:

Machine ID
OS type
CPU identifier
Network interface MAC address

This fingerprint uniquely identifies your installation without collecting personal information.

Step 3: Server Verification

The license key and fingerprint are sent to the activation server:

POST https://api.argentos.ai/v1/licenses/activate
{
  "key": "ARGENT-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX",
  "fingerprint": "sha256:abc123...",
  "hostname": "my-server"
}

The server verifies the key is valid and not already activated on another machine, then returns an activation token.

Step 4: Local Storage

The activation token is stored locally:

~/.argentos/license.json

This token is used for periodic verification without needing to re-activate.

Verification Schedule

ArgentOS verifies the license periodically:

On startup: Checks the local token validity
Daily: Contacts the server to verify the license is still active
On feature use: Some features check license tier before executing

If verification fails (network issues), a grace period allows continued use.

Transferring a License

To move your license to a different machine:

# On the old machine
argent license deactivate

# On the new machine
argent license activate ARGENT-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX

Deactivation releases the hardware fingerprint, allowing activation on new hardware.

Troubleshooting

"License already activated"

The key is bound to another machine. Deactivate it there first, or contact support.

"Invalid license key"

Verify the key format: ARGENT-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX. Check for typos or extra whitespace.

"Verification failed"

Check your internet connection. If persistent, the activation server may be temporarily unavailable. ArgentOS will use the grace period until connectivity is restored.

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