possible cause:
If the program does not ask for a serial number, you might have downloaded SilverFast Ai- demo software by mistake. This software cannot be serialized. Please un-install this software and download SilverFast SE for your device from here:

http://www.silverfast.com/product/en.html

The true SilverFast SE software will prompt for your details and serial number at first startup.
When SilverFast SE prompts for your details, please use the name you used in the credit card form when you purchased SilverFast SE online. The serial number does not contain “O”- letters, use zeros instead

SilverFast SE exist in two variants:
the BUNDLE SE software (SE): web downloads are only update-versions for SE software that came bundled with a scanner/camera purchase. These versions serialize ONLY in combination with a corresponding SilverFast CD.

the Internet SE version (iSE): web downloads are always possible, this version is intended to be a direct online purchase; no CD is necessary. Everyone can download this full functioning software. However, in order to enter valid entries on the serial prompt a user need purchase a serial number via credit card.
the serial number will be supplied by automatich e-mail response.
IMPORTANT: iSE serial numbers are ONLY valid in combination with the full credit card name that was given during purchase.

depending on how you got your first version (by download or on CD) you'd need:
- a SilverFast SE CD inside your CDRom drive if your first version was from a CD.

- the exact credit card name you used when you purchased the "SE online version" otherwise your serial number will NOT be recognised.

Another commen reason for iSE versions not recognising serial numbers is that users mistakenly download a "BUNDLE SE software" instead of the (correct) "Internet SE software".

If nothing helps, the latter case might effect you. Delete what you have, return to the download section and get a fresh "Internet SE" version. Use your exact credit card name with your serial number.

1. SilverFast is installed twice (both variants: plug-in and TWAIN) and the host application is Adobe Photoshop 6. In this case SilverFast plug-in and SilverFast TWAIN can be selected in the same sub-selection (Import).
It is likely that you opened the "other" SilverFast for the first time, and this will - of course - prompt for a serial number.

2. The operating system is a multi user system (WinNT, XP) and you are now logged-in with another user ID.

Through the purchase of the SF-200 unit with SilverFsat you have been provided with a "SilverFast Feature CD" - which is NOT the CD that holds the SilverFast software plus a new "ADF activation number"!!
Conditions:
- SilverFast software is already installed and serialized on your computer.
- the "SilverFast Feature CD" is inside your CD Rom drive.

- In the SilverFast user-interface you click on the "i" button (upper left of preview window), a new window appears.
- in that new window click the button "credits" resp. "info" (only button in that window), a new window appears.
- In the next window click the "update" button (left hand side). The SilverFast serialization dialog appears.
- In the SilverFast serialisation dialog just overwrite the existing number in the field "serial no." with your "SilverFast ADF activation number".
Click >ok<. That dialog window disappears. Your SF200 is now live.

you need to have an additional IT8 activation code (a second serial no.) plus an additional CD Rom - "SilverFast Feature CD".

How do I get these items?
With the purchase of IT8 calibration function for SilverFast you received a "SilverFast Feature CD" and
a sticker with a SilverFast IT8 activation number sticked to the inside of the SilverFast Feature CD paper cover.

Condition: SilverFast is installed and serialized on your computer (still without IT8).

Activation procedure:
- In the SilverFast user-interface you click on the "i" button (upper left of preview window), a new window appears.
- in that new window click the button "credits" resp. "info" (only button in that window), a new window appears.
- In the next window click the "update" button (left hand side). The SilverFast serialization dialog appears.
- In the SilverFast serialisation dialog just overwrite the existing number in the field "serial no." with your "SilverFast IT8 activation no".
Click >ok< and IT8 calibration is live. You will find a new button in the vertical line of buttons on the left-hand side of your SilverFast preview window.

for detailed information on how to go about with SilverFast's IT8 calibration function, please visit:
http://www.computer-darkroom.com/sf5_contents.htm
section "basic steps to IT8 calibration".

SilverFast 5.2.0 with SF Feature CD for additional functions in SilverFast:
SilverFast version 5.2.0 differs from all previous versions in that this SilverFast version will enable operators to activate additional SilverFast functions (IT8 calibration and Job Management) without the need for providing LaserSoft with a reference number from your operating system (resp. application).

Adding additional functions to SilverFast (IT8 calibration or Job Manager) is now a straight forward process. Having SilverFast 5.2.0 or higher installed on your computer you need another SilverFast activation code (for the function(s) you require) plus a second CDRom - the "SilverFast Feature CD".
With this Feature CD in the CD drive the new function(s) can be activated. This new approach will faciliate the "functionality-upgrade procedure" of SilverFast.

The SilverFast Feature CD does not hold any SilverFast software. It only holds documentation and IT8 reference files - necessary to use the SilverFast IT8 calibration function.

if you have both scanners connected and switched on at the same time while you launch the new SilverFast 5.5 it will possibly find the LS2000/LS30 first and opens with a serial prompt. You enter your serial no. but it is tailored to another Nikon scanner model, and SilverFast will reject your serial number.

Solution:
switch off the Nikon SCSI scanner that was found first by SilverFast and launch SilverFast again. This time it will find the remaining Nikon scanner.

SilverFast is NOT able to save settings for multiple user accounts.
On multi-user system these rules apply:
- only admintrator accounts can install SilverFast - SilverFast will save its settings only for the Admin how installed SilverFast.

If you want ot connet an old SilverFast 4.x with a ADB dongle through a USB port to your Macintosh you will need the "MAC ADB to USB Adapter” (from Newmotion)
the installer kit will install two extensions called:
"NewmotionUSBADBMouseModule" and "NewMotionUSBADBModule",
without these two extensions the USB-ADB adapter won't function properly.

http://www.griffintechnology.com/imac/imate_driver.html

Alternatively you could purchase a SilverFast upgrade to the current SilverFast version - which does not need a dongle anymore. Check our web site for upgrade prices.