Connecting on workplace networks..

If you are getting error messages while activating, firstly try temporarily turning off Windows Firewall and and local anti-virus until DesignSpark Mechanical is activated and you can see the user interface.

Rest assured that DesignSpark Mechanical (DSM) is throughly scanned and free from malware (https://designspark.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360033412474). The installer is also digitally signed with a trusted authority SSL certificate.

If you still aren't able to activate, try these steps based on DSM version:

Turning off FIPS mode locally for the network adapter you use:

If you can only use a single network at your workplace, try asking your IT admin to switch off FIPS mode locally for your PC's internet adapter (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) settings:

They can change this through Control Panel-> Network and Internet-> Network and Sharing centre -> Change adapter settings. Pick the internet adapter based on how you usually connect to your network- wired ethernet or Wi-Fi. Right-click on the adapter and click 'Status'.  Then, open Wireless Properties -> Security-> Advanced settings. Toggle the check off for the FIPS option and click OK to save & exit.

There is more guidance on how IT admins can also change this via local group policy here: https://www.howtogeek.com/245859/why-you-shouldnt-enable-fips-compliant-encryption-on-windows/ 

FIPS mode blocks access to newer cryptographic schemes that have not been FIPS validated. This does not mean the DesignSpark software activation mechanism is any less secure. FIPS stands for “Federal Information Processing Standards" that are published by NIST of the US federal government.

DSM 4.0 and newer:

When using DesignSpark Mechanical on workstations connected to workplace or corporate LANs, make sure that your local IT adds the following URL to the whitelist items on their proxy server:

https://live-rest.designspark.com/

https://www.rs-online.com/designspark/password-reset/request
https://www.rs-online.com/designspark/terms-of-use
https://www.rs-online.com

PORT 443

A proxy authentication bypass is ideal as it allows the DSM application to have direct internet connection for activation.

The IP address to be allowed is: 34.102.205.90

DSM 2.0 or 2.1:

When using DesignSpark Mechanical on workstations connected to workplace or corporate LANs, make sure that your local IT adds the following URL to the whitelist items on their proxy server:

https://www.rs-online. com/designspark/api/activate  (this URL cannot be accessed on a web browser, only for API calls)

PORT 443

A proxy authentication bypass is ideal as it allows the DSM application to have direct internet connection for activation.

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If you are an add-on user, also add this URL to the 'allow' list on your firewall:

https://www.spaceclaim.com

Also, add the following executables (EXEs) in the exclusions list for Windows Firewall:

RSRegistration.exe

SpaceClaim.exe 

They are located in the Program Files directory of your main Windows OS drive partition. For 32-bit computers, it's Program Files (x86)