Windows 8.1 - Fix “Sentinel Runtime Drivers” Issue

The upgrade to Windows 8.1 does not always go as smooth as expected. While majority times the new installation succeeds perfectly, in some cases the process experiences a few hiccups, impeding the new development immediately. One common issue that is widely encountered by numerous upgraders is the Sentinel Runtime Drivers incompatibility error.

This problem is caused by a conflict between the new OS and Sentinel HASP (USB Dongle) drivers, asking the user to remove these identities before making any further installation attempts. Unfortunately, the user fails to locate this program in control panel’s Add/Remove feature, and thus loses all tracks of eradicating the clash. This article explains how to work around this issue, and ensure a safe removal to fix the interference. But first, let’s inquire more on this core element.

Sentinel HASP

Sentinel HASP is a licensing verification service that enables the use of either software, or hardware-based protection keys to enforce program protection and authorization. It provides a software security solution for numerous small or large-sized companies, and is thoroughly implemented to optimize product management.

However, running this program on an unsuccessfully removed software can generate conflicting matters, and lead to the Sentinel Runtime Drivers issue. One common example is incorrect removal of Lightworks (left shortcuts or registry entries), while the license verification service is kept running.

To resolve this error, you can remove the service by downloading the official run time installer from SafeNet website, and using the” –remove” command line tool as followed:

1. Open your favorite browser and go to: http://sentinelcustomer.safenet-inc.com/sentineldownloads/
2. Click Sentinel HASP/LDK – Command Line Run-time Installer
   
3. Scroll down the download page to select I Accept to download a compressed folder Sentinel_LDK_Run-time_cmd_line
   
4. Right-click this folder and select Extract All
   
5. Extract the files to the same directory
   
6. Open Start Screen (Windows key) and type command prompt
   
7. Right-click Command Prompt from the results and choose Run as administrator
   
8. In the elevated window, navigate to the directory that contains Sentinel_LDK_Run-time_cmd_line using the cd command. For example: cd Downloads\Sentinel_LDK_Run-time_cmd_line
   
9. While in the required address, type haspdinst –remove and press Enter

Wait for the uninstallation to complete. Once done, reboot your system and try the Windows 8.1 upgrade again. You will not be prompted by the incompatibility issue anymore. 

Also Read :

How to Effectively Delete Temporary Files from Windows 8 (8.1)

Forgot your Windows 8.1 Password? Change it Yourself!

Finding yourself in a situation where you forget your Windows 8.1 password is embarrassing, to say the least. Luckily, exiting this hole is much easier than diving in; you could simply ask the other gentleman using the same machine to change your password from his account. And guess who this other guy is? It’s you! 

While majority users may not know this, but every Windows 8.x user with administrative rights can change any other account’s password. It may sound daunting, but the process is rather simple. Following is step-by-step guide to help you recover your forgotten password using the Administrator Account in Control Panel:

• Enter Start Screen by pressing the Windows key
• Type Control Panel and click the icon from the search results
• From the Control Panel window, navigate to User Accounts and Family Safety
• Click Users Account and choose Manage another account
• Choose the local account you want to recover the password for and click Change the password
• On the Change <username>’s password screen, enter a new password where required
• Save the password changes by clicking the Change password button

Restart your system and try logging into the local account using this new password. Once in, start taking precautionary steps to avoid any future mishaps. One effective way would be to switch to the Microsoft account since that will make it easier for you to receive a new password in future. 

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