System Drivers

for PerfectBlend Hardware Lock

The PerfectBlend software uses a Rainbow Sentinal Hardware Lock for licensing authorization. This hardware lock attaches to the parallel port of the user's computer. If a printer cable is attached to this port, then the printer cable should be removed and re-attached to the back of the hardware lock.

In some cases the hardware lock and printer simply do not get along. In this case, it is usually easiest to add a second parallel port to the computer, and then attach the printer to the second parallel port.

Windows 2000 has the unique problem of needing SYSTEM DRIVERS to be installed before PerfectBlend will work properly. Without these SYSTEM DRIVERS installed, many times the Windows 2000 computer will lock up when PerfectBlend is run. Even if you are wanting to run the DEMO software (which does not need the hardware lock), the Windows 2000 computer will lock up if the SYSTEM DRIVERS are not installed.

The SYSTEM DRIVERS are FREE! They may be downloaded here. You may click here to download version 5.41.1 of these SYSTEM DRIVERS (4.76 meg). After the file has downloaded, run the program "SSD5411-32bit.exe". Use the "Custom" installation option, then pick the driver for the parallel port. Your computer will have to be restarted.

Usage of the above SYSTEM DRIVERS will also require another driver file to be updated. The file is SKWIN.DLL and it is located in the same directory as the PerfectBlend program, which by default is C:\PBPRO. Step 1 is to rename the existing SKWIN.DLL to something else, such as SKWINBAK.dll. Then download the replacement SKWIN.DLL file and place it in the PerfectBlend program directory. FYI, the original SKWIN file is approx 19k in size, while the replacement is approx 35k in size.

You may also check the RAINBOW site for a more current version in their download section.