For those considering AutoEnginuity!
PREMIUM SPONSOR
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 6,039
Likes: 73
The security dongle is a neat way to manage upgrades and force our hands at purchasing annual subscriptions if we want to stay "current". Used to be that if you just downloaded the recent update, and kept doing that, you could avoid purchasing a year's subscription and still have your system completely up-to-date.
Now, with the dongle, if your software version doesn't "match up" with your dongle's hardware code... you probably cannot run the enhanced bundle without either downgrading back to the earlier version of the software or purchasing the right to use the updated software on an annual basis
Don't get me wrong, now, I'm not complaining about what AE has done with this. Even though I am not thrilled with being forced to pay for updates, it is completely within the rights of AE to require it.
Now, with the dongle, if your software version doesn't "match up" with your dongle's hardware code... you probably cannot run the enhanced bundle without either downgrading back to the earlier version of the software or purchasing the right to use the updated software on an annual basis
Don't get me wrong, now, I'm not complaining about what AE has done with this. Even though I am not thrilled with being forced to pay for updates, it is completely within the rights of AE to require it.
They went to the security dongle because of constant issues with hackers and people ripping off their software and pirating it. But it is only a security measure and won't affect anything else.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,238
Likes: 2
From: North Port, Florida
I just received mine last week. Now I just need to copy some walkthroughs on specific tests so I don’t spend all day trying to figure which application to use for the desired result. The only down side to the whole system is that you must have the “security dongle” which is a small thumb drive plugged into the laptop in order for the ford enhanced bundle to work. The main program will function without it but the enhanced info is directly connected to the small thumb drive. Generally on any other program, once the code is entered the system is unlocked but not this one. Not a big deal if you are good at keeping things together but for those that have tendency to misplace things, if you lose the small thumb drive the system will not function.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,883
Likes: 777
From: SoCal/Wyoming
All of the new ones have a security thumb drive that must be used to access the enhanced bundle. If you just bought one and you did not receive a “security dongle” then you may have received one from older stock. My software version is 10.03 with a date of 25 January 2012. Yours should be fine. I would guess that you would only need the security drive if you try and update the software.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 11,286
Likes: 263
From: North of Greenville
The mini drive (dongle, thumb drive, etc.) is only required for the latest software version, and not for earlier versions. I had decided to upgrade to the Pro connector with the latest version because I am adding the BMW and Infiniti enhanced bundles for my two non-diesel vehicles.
I know, Clay, it is only for security, and I have to admit that I do support their effort as such in terms of ethical business practices. I simply got a little spoiled by the previous situation where I was able to get upgrades by simply downloading them... no hacking involved... just simply downloading directly from their site through their publicly open internet portal.
I know, Clay, it is only for security, and I have to admit that I do support their effort as such in terms of ethical business practices. I simply got a little spoiled by the previous situation where I was able to get upgrades by simply downloading them... no hacking involved... just simply downloading directly from their site through their publicly open internet portal.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,047
Likes: 10
From: Snohomish, WA
Let me know what you think of it. I have an '07 335i and have been considering buying the new program with the Ford & BMW Enhanced, then selling the other one. Clay mentioned it would be cheaper that way.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 11,286
Likes: 263
From: North of Greenville
Will do, Ken. The BMW enhanced package may just fall through... too long of a stoary, but I should know within the next month. The Infiniti package, though, is going to happen because my daughter will be staying with us for another couple of years before she goes off for grad school.
Thread Starter
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 18,849
Likes: 179
From: Puget Sound
WHOA! Twelve hours ago I report that I sent some green to Clay for an AE and I see an AE storm on the forum. I guess tax return time has everybody getting antsy to spend. Maybe I should get a free baseball cap from Clay for bringing it up.
I appreciate all the feedback and I plan on sharing my growing pains here, once the software arrives. I'm pretty comfortable with computers, so I might find some useful tricks while playing with it... or maybe not. I hope sharing my upcoming adventure helps others as well.
I appreciate all the feedback and I plan on sharing my growing pains here, once the software arrives. I'm pretty comfortable with computers, so I might find some useful tricks while playing with it... or maybe not. I hope sharing my upcoming adventure helps others as well.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 244
Likes: 4
From: Alaska
AutoEnginuity Total Ford Enhanced Bundle for $359.89 thru RiffRaff
This is the scantool you guys are getting, and it works on all other Ford vehicles/engines also, in addition to the 99-03 7.3L PS?
This is the scantool you guys are getting, and it works on all other Ford vehicles/engines also, in addition to the 99-03 7.3L PS?
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 5,470
Likes: 3
From: Pea Ridge, AR
It does, as well as pull generic OBDII codes off of any OBDII compliant vehicle.
More Turbo
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 594
Likes: 5
From: Full-time RV
I bought my AE (from Clay) as a preventive measure, as well. Originally, I installed it on my honkin' huge 17" Windows 7 laptop and it worked great. Biggest issue was that the laptop is so huge. The next big issue was that I switched to Mac (no Mac version) and sold the big Win7 laptop.
I dug out my old Dell Mini 9 netbook, installed AE on it and can now keep the whole thing together in one small bag (netbook, power supply, OBDII hookup, cables, book, etc.) The netbook has an SSD drive instead of a spinning HD, so even less to possibly screw up bouncing around in a running truck.
Double bonus - when I was actively using the netbook I found the best netbook cases were bible covers from the Christian book store. So, if anyone glances inside my truck, they would probably just figure I left my bible laying in the floor.
I dug out my old Dell Mini 9 netbook, installed AE on it and can now keep the whole thing together in one small bag (netbook, power supply, OBDII hookup, cables, book, etc.) The netbook has an SSD drive instead of a spinning HD, so even less to possibly screw up bouncing around in a running truck.
Double bonus - when I was actively using the netbook I found the best netbook cases were bible covers from the Christian book store. So, if anyone glances inside my truck, they would probably just figure I left my bible laying in the floor.
Thread Starter
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 18,849
Likes: 179
From: Puget Sound
I bought my AE (from Clay) as a preventive measure, as well. Originally, I installed it on my honkin' huge 17" Windows 7 laptop and it worked great. Biggest issue was that the laptop is so huge. The next big issue was that I switched to Mac (no Mac version) and sold the big Win7 laptop.
I dug out my old Dell Mini 9 netbook, installed AE on it and can now keep the whole thing together in one small bag (netbook, power supply, OBDII hookup, cables, book, etc.) The netbook has an SSD drive instead of a spinning HD, so even less to possibly screw up bouncing around in a running truck.
Double bonus - when I was actively using the netbook I found the best netbook cases were bible covers from the Christian book store. So, if anyone glances inside my truck, they would probably just figure I left my bible laying in the floor.
I dug out my old Dell Mini 9 netbook, installed AE on it and can now keep the whole thing together in one small bag (netbook, power supply, OBDII hookup, cables, book, etc.) The netbook has an SSD drive instead of a spinning HD, so even less to possibly screw up bouncing around in a running truck.
Double bonus - when I was actively using the netbook I found the best netbook cases were bible covers from the Christian book store. So, if anyone glances inside my truck, they would probably just figure I left my bible laying in the floor.
Great tip - bible cover! That reminds me of a statistic: There have been many instances where burglars who steal videos almost never steal "Shawshank Redemption".
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 7,793
Likes: 50
