Note: You must be connected to the internet throughout this process.
It is recommended if you have not already done so to a create a DesignSpark account at the DesignSpark homepage to simplify the in application registration/activation process.
Goto to this page to download the current version of the DesignSpark PCB software.
Now install the program on to your computer. You must be an Administrator to be able to do this.
Simply follow the Install Shield steps and leave all options at their default settings unless you have specific requirements.
On first time launch the program requires activation.
Right click on the shortcut on your desktop and select "Run as Administrator".
This will launch a window with the option to login with your previously created DesignSpark account.
Once you have entered your details, click the "Login" button and DesignSpark PCB will activated and ready for use.
NOTE as the program was launched and activated with elevated administration rights, some normally accessible network drives may not be available from within the program.
Close the program and then re-launch in the standard way by double clicking the icon.
If you do not have a DesignSpark account, you will need to register and activate.
This can be done within the application, however due to web and server development it is strongly recommended you follow the above method.
If you choose to follow the in application registration follow these steps:
Complete the registration screen. Complete ALL required fields including the Job Title/Position and accept the T&C's. If clicking the button produces no action, check ALL of the fields are complete and look for errors. Ensure you email address is valid and correct. Incorrect entries will result in errors later on.
NOTE For our "Maker" community you may enter "Maker" as the Company Name and fill the form fields as appropriate i.e. company size as one etc.
You should now be up and running.
IMPORTANT.
Please see the DesignSpark PCB Status FAQ for any announcements.
DO NOT ATTEMPT ACTIVATION BY THE HELP WINDOW WITHIN THE APPLICATION.
This is provided for legacy V6 and earlier installations.
See Also
DesignSpark PCB Status Important details for V8.0.
I am getting an Authorisation Service Error
Comments
12 comments
I am unable to get the activation code. I already have an account. It is a windows 7 dual boot computer. DS pcb is working properly on the 32 bit OS, but I cannot get it to activate on the 64 bit OS. The product activation window has this link
http://www.designspark.com/pcb-activation?sn=1778621728
but when I click “Go” all I get is
https://www.rs-online.com/designspark/404
We're sorry...
Unfortunately you have reached a page that does not exist. You could start at our
Homepage or you may want to try one of the links below
I have checked both my gmail and smtp accounts and no message about design spark
Haven't been using DS PCB for a while, my version was 7.2, got a message on availability of 8.0, finished installation, started 8.0 and got the same activation message on Microsoft Edge browser as yours.
What I did was run DS PCB 8.0 as administrator. Click on Help->About DesignSpark PCB->Update Registration, I got a new activation code after finishing the process.
same remark !
the page www.designspark.com/pcb-activation is not accessible and doesn't exist.
What is the better method ?
I am also having this problem
Andrew
I have the same problem, a 404 is respondet!
How can I receive an activation code?
what OS are you using?
Windows 10
I also get the 404 page. Please advise. Thank you.
I need a Rs Number or contac code??I cant find it
Please see the Status FAQ https://designspark.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115001396665-DesignSpark-PCB-Status
and this FAQ describes how to raise a support request.
https://designspark.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/212523525-How-do-I-contact-DesignSpark-
The support team will resolve your issue.
Good day, sir/madam. Please do I need an Internet connection to use your software? Secondly, must the software be up to date?
Hi Victor, you need to be connected to activate and then at least once every 30 days.
The OS can be Windows 7, 8 or 10
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