Setting up deactivation

The deactivation process in XLS Padlock allows end users to unregister their activated Excel workbook apps from their current device, enabling them to transfer their license to another device. This process is useful in scenarios like hardware changes, system upgrades, or when switching to a new computer.

The FastSpring Subscription Kit manages the online deactivation process efficiently. When a user decides to deactivate a license on their device, the process is automated, streamlining the workflow for both users and administrators. No need to check deactivation certificates manually.

This feature is only available if online activation is also used.

To enable the deactivation feature, tick the "Allow deactivation for this workbook application" option and fill in the Base Deactivation URL field:

In the Base Deactivation URL field, enter the base URL as defined previously (see Base URL for activation) on your web server, followed by /dosubdeactivation/{product path} (a final slash is not mandatory) and replace {product path} with the FastSpring product path associated to your workbook (and defined in workbooks.json).

In our case, it would be:

https://www.mywebsite.com/subscription/dosubdeactivation/markbook-demo

Recompile your workbook EXE with XLS Padlock. That's all.

When end users want to deactivate (see the XLS Padlock user guide for instructions on how to deactivate a workbook app), the server will be informed and the existing activation stored on it will be removed.

During deactivation, the FastSpring Subscription Kit also checks the subscription’s status.

If the subscription status is different than “Active”, deactivation will be refused.

This ensures that only customers with an active subscription can deactivate existing licenses in order to transfer them.