Microsoft Access software solutions are free; but they are licensed though the use of UserKeys that must be purchased. A UserKey is a small, encrypted file that allows a solution to open and sets its operating limits.

UserKeys are licensed in levels. Each increasing level costs a little more, allows more features to be used, and increases the solution's operating limits. UserKey levels help keep user costs low since users will only need to purchase the level that best suits their needs. Users may upgrade to a higher level at any time by paying the difference in price between their current level and the chosen higher level.

UserKey Levels

• Level 0. All Access solution downloads include a FREE Level 0 UserKey that allows them to function at their highest level during a free trial period (length of period varies depending on the solution). When the free trial period ends, the solution will no longer function; however, any user entered data is retained and may be accessed again when a higher level UserKey is purchased.

• Level 1. This is the first licensed UserKey level. It has no expiration date. For some solutions, such as RoundMaster, this is the highest level.

• Some solutions have additional UserKey levels. For example, TaskMaster has five levels.

The UserKey is linked to a specific copy of the solution and its UserData file. This linkage means that a UserKey, its UserData file, and its linked copy of a solution must all be used together—one will not operate without the other being present. For a solution to open, its UserKey must be:

• Located in the solution's UserFiles folder.

• Specific to the solution.

• Not expired.

• Linked to the specific copy of the solution.