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How-do-I Do a Particular Thing in PRC?
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Topic starter December 4, 2025 3:14 pm
I recently upgraded to a new Mac. I backed up the old system and installed the data on the new Mac (Now at Sequoia 15.7.2). I did not follow any procedure for Paralana to prepare for the move. Predictably it wont start up now and is looking for a license key. How do I get Pralana running on my new machine using the license I already paid for? mwspera@comcast.net
December 7, 2025 7:06 am
@mwspera Copied directly from the Import and Exports section of the Pralana Gold User's Manual:
We all know that it is essential to keep back-ups of important files; however, one thing that is unique about PRC Gold is that it cannot be backed-up as a normal file because it is always registered to run on only one computer. If it is moved to a computer other than the one onto which it was initially loaded and run, it will detect that case and generate a fatal error when you attempt to run it. Consequently, back-ups must be done via the creation of export data files. These are quick and easy to create with Pralana Gold and can be readily moved to other computers and subsequently read by a copy of PRC Gold on that computer.
To get a copy of the Pralana Gold calculator onto the other computer, you simply login via the Member Login link on the Pralana website ( https://pralanaretirementcalculator.com ) from that computer and download a new copy. Then you bring it up (at which time it will be registered to the new computer) and import the back-up (export) file and go to work. Please see the section on Imports in this manual for further information on how to do this.
Or alternatively...
IF YOU REGULARLY MAINTAIN AN EXPORT DATA FILE ON SOME MEDIA INDEPENDENT OF YOUR COMPUTER (E.G., CLOUD OR MEMORY STICK) YOU WILL NEVER NEED THE INFORMATION IN THIS PARAPGRAPH. Nevertheless, just in case you find yourself with a failed computer and no back-up copy, we have established a workaround mechanism. This should not be considered the go-to method for all instances of needing move your PRC license to another computer. Login under your 2025 Gold license on the Member Login page of the Pralana website and download a copy of the READ_COMPUTER_ID file, then save it and then run it. After it runs, it will be automatically re-saved and closed. YOU DO NOT NEED TO DO THIS UNLESS YOUR COMPUTER HAS FAILED OR BEEN UPGRADED AND YOU HAVE FAILED TO MAINTAIN A CURRENT EXPORT DATA FILE.
- Then, send us an email at mail@pralanaconsulting.com to explain your predicament and include your username, along with a copy of the READ_COMPUTER_ID file.
- As time permits, we will use the information in the returned file to create a PRC_UNLOCK_UTILITY file with the key to unlock the copy of PRC on the computer whose ID was contained in the READ_COMPUTER_ID file. When you receive it, you will need to save it on your system.
- Then, bring up the copy of Pralana Gold on your new computer. You will again get the message stating that this copy is not licensed to run on this computer. Press OK and when asked whether you want to close the file or proceed with unlocking it, enter “yes”, then select the PRC_UNLOCK_UTILITY file. Assuming the ID in the file matches the actual ID of the computer you are attempting to unlock on, your copy of PRC will be re-registered to your new computer and you will be good to go again.
Stuart
