Frequently Asked Questions

VBA Padlock supports four license types: Full (permanent access), Trial (time-limited or launch-limited evaluation), Subscription (renewable, date-based), and Time-limited (fixed expiration date). Each type can be combined with hardware locking to tie the license to a specific computer.

Hardware locking binds a license to a specific computer using a unique Hardware ID derived from the machine's hardware components. When you generate an activation key for a specific Hardware ID, it will only work on that computer - preventing unauthorized sharing of license keys. You can configure which hardware components contribute to the ID.

Yes. VBA Padlock includes a built-in deactivation feature that lets users release their license on one machine and reactivate it on another. This can be done through the built-in deactivation dialog or automatically via the online deactivation API if you have set up the online activation server.

VBA Padlock includes a complete PHP activation server kit that you deploy on your own web server. When end users activate your software, the application sends the Hardware ID to your server, which validates the license key and returns a hardware-locked activation key - all fully automatic. The kit supports activation, deactivation, and license validation over HTTPS.

Yes. The licensing system is entirely optional. If you only want to protect your VBA source code from being viewed or copied, you can compile your project without enabling any licensing features. Your code will be fully protected in a DLL, and end users can run it freely without activation.

When a trial expires, the protected functions stop executing and return an error code indicating the trial has ended. You can configure a nag screen that displays the remaining days or launches, and guide the user to purchase a full license. Moving from trial to full license takes no new build and no reinstall: the user enters a valid activation key and the protected functions run again.

VBA Padlock offers two key formats. Short keys use strong cryptographic signatures for compact, easy-to-type keys. Long keys use ECC Ed25519 asymmetric digital signatures, making them mathematically impossible to forge without the private key. In both cases, keys are project-specific and cannot be reused across different applications.

For development: Windows 7 SP1 or later. For end users: Windows 7 SP1 or later with Microsoft Office 2016 or later, including Microsoft 365 desktop apps (both 32-bit and 64-bit editions are fully supported). VBA Padlock is a native Windows application - no .NET Framework, Java, or other runtime is required.

You don't have to - Produce does it for you. It injects generated wrapper procedures (same names and signatures as your originals) and the VBA bridge module into the protected copy of your file, so existing buttons, events, and formulas keep working. The bridge handles loading the correct DLL (32-bit or 64-bit) based on the running Office version. No manual DLL declaration is needed.

No. Your compiled VBA code runs with full access to the Office application's COM object model, just like regular VBA. You can read and write cells, manipulate documents, query databases, and use all standard VBA functions. The only difference is that your code runs from a secure DLL instead of the VBA editor.

Yes. VBA Padlock Studio includes a Project Explorer that lets you organize your code across multiple standard and class modules within a single project. All modules are compiled into one DLL. You call functions from a specific module using the "ModuleName|FunctionName" syntax, or call functions in the default Main module directly by name.

Yes. Every compilation produces both a 32-bit and a 64-bit runtime DLL automatically. The VBA bridge detects which Office version is running and loads the appropriate DLL at runtime. Your end users don't need to know or care which Office bitness they have - it just works.

You distribute the protected copy of your Office file produced by VBA Padlock and a bin/ folder containing three DLLs: the 32-bit runtime, the 64-bit runtime, and the satellite DLL with your compiled code. VBA Padlock can automatically create a ready-to-ship ZIP archive or copy everything to a distribution folder with the correct structure.

Yes, at two levels. Test Run (Ctrl+F5) produces the protected file and opens it straight in Office - the fastest way to check the real thing. And the Run DLL Function dialog executes any compiled function directly from the IDE without opening Office: pass test parameters, inspect return values, and iterate quickly with hot reload.

VBA Padlock includes a comprehensive extension library with 80+ built-in functions covering strings, math, dates, file I/O, arrays, and more. Your compiled code also has full access to the host Office application's COM object model, so you can call Excel, Word, Access, or PowerPoint APIs exactly as you would from the VBA editor.

The Office file itself (e.g., .xlsm, .docm) can be sent by email, but the DLL files in the bin/ folder may be blocked by email filters and antivirus software. We recommend distributing your protected application as a ZIP archive or using a file hosting service, cloud storage, or an installer instead. VBA Padlock's built-in Distribution tool can create a ready-to-ship ZIP for you.

The runtime DLLs are digitally signed by G.D.G. Software with an Authenticode certificate, which helps antivirus software and Windows SmartScreen recognize them as legitimate. In rare cases, some overly aggressive antivirus programs may flag unfamiliar DLLs. If this happens, you can submit the file to the antivirus vendor for whitelisting - the digital signature helps expedite this process.

The Standard License (€129.95) is a lifetime, perpetual license that never expires for your purchased version. It includes all Office applications (Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint), 32-bit and 64-bit compilation to native DLLs with your VBA source removed from the shipped file, the complete licensing system with hardware locking, built-in key generator, EULA management, 2 simultaneous activations, a 12-month maintenance, and a free PHP activation server kit as a bonus.

You can purchase online through our resellers FastSpring or Paddle. After placing your order, you instantly receive license instructions (on the website and by email), and your license is automatically added to your G.D.G. Software account. If you don't have an account yet, one is created for you - just set a password on your first login. Wire transfer, SEPA, purchase order, money order, and check payments are also available through FastSpring or by contacting us directly.

Your first 12 months of maintenance are included with the license. An active maintenance gives you free minor and major upgrades, access to latest versions and registered-user downloads (key generators, PHP SDK, activation kit), priority free basic technical support via email and forum, and important discounts for renewal. Renew before expiration and get a 50% discount. If you let your maintenance expire, upgrades cost 25% of the current license price. Your purchased version always continues to work, even without active maintenance.

Yes. The Trial edition is a full-featured release - all capabilities available in the registered software are present, so you can try every feature and verify VBA Padlock works for your use case. The only differences: applications compiled with the Trial edition display a nag message at startup and have an automatic expiration date. Buy a license to remove those restrictions. The Trial edition itself does not expire - only the applications you build with it do. Note: you are not allowed to distribute applications made with the Trial edition.

If you plan to purchase several licenses, contact us for possible volume discounts.

No. There are no hidden costs, no per-seat fees, and no royalties. You buy a license of VBA Padlock for yourself and you can then distribute your compiled DLLs to any number of end users according to the license agreement terms. No extra fee is required for end users.

The Standard License is a Named User license that allows 2 simultaneous activations, so you can install VBA Padlock on two computers (for example, a desktop and a laptop) provided you are the only person using the license. A built-in deactivation facility lets you transfer your license from one computer to another. If you need more activations, contact us.

VBA Padlock is a one-time perpetual license - you pay once and your activation code will always work with the version you purchased. The first year of maintenance (upgrades and support) is included. After that, maintenance renewal is optional: your existing version continues to work indefinitely even without renewal. Future versions may require an updated activation that is effective only if you have an active maintenance.

You can retrieve your activation code by logging into your G.D.G. Software account. Your license is automatically added to your account at purchase. If you no longer have access to your account, contact support with your purchase details (order number, email used for purchase) and we will help you recover your license information.

Yes. Please refer to our refund policy for complete details. We strongly recommend downloading and evaluating the free Trial edition before purchasing - it includes all features so you can verify everything works for your use case.

In the unlikely event that G.D.G. Software ceases operations, we are committed to releasing an offline activation mechanism that would allow all licensed users to continue activating and using the software on any computer indefinitely.