Reactivating an SeL Product

Cubase versions such as AI and LE, which are bundled for free with various hardware, and certain retail products such as Sequel and Wavelab Essential 6 are protected with a Soft-eLicenser (SeL) instead of a USB Steinberg Key.  The SeL is a software component that can hold certain Steinberg licenses, and it is specific to your machine.

Because of this, you will need to create and register a new SeL if you buy a new computer.  You might also need to do this if your computer's hardware configuration changes.  Perhaps you reformatted your system, or had to replace a hard drive.  In this case, your old SeL number may not work, because it no longer recognizes the new hardware configuration.

The good news is that you can manage this yourself from within your MySteinberg account.  Follow these steps to register your new SeL and get a new license activation code.

Step 1 - Reinstall your Steinberg software.  

This will typically install the Syncrosoft license control software and create an SeL if one isn't there already.  (It's also a good idea to grab the latest version once that's done.)  You're going to need the Syncrosoft software open so that you can get your new SeL number and download your license once you get an activation code, so fire it up before you get started.

Step 2 - Log into your MySteinberg Account.

The login is located at www.steinberg.net/registration.  Log into the account you used when you requested the previous license for your product.  The main window should look like this:

Step 3 - Select the product you wish to reactivate.

Click the name of the product you wish to activate in the list above.  This will bring you to a screen that looks like the one below.  Note that the options may vary depending on which product you select.  Click on the "Reactivation" option.

Step 4 - Enter your new SeL number and your old activation code.

Your SeL number will be visible in the main window of the Syncrosoft eLicenser Control (eLC) software.  The main window looks like this (version 6 shown, previous versions have a slightly different interface):

You can check the history of any activation codes you've received online via the "Show Registered Products" link on the left of the MySteinberg account window.

Enter that information and click on the "Request Activation Code" button.  Your new activation code will be sent to you via email, and you can also check it from within your MySteinberg account.

Step 5 - Enter the code into the eLC.

Go to the eLC software window and click on the "Enter Activation Code" button.

Enter the code you just received and follow the instructions onscreen to download your new permanent license.  Then get back to making music!