even tho Cubase and Reason optionally use a key, I've avoided any software that uses iLok.  Plenty of alternatives out there.  What is it now, $40?

Many of us are very interested in hearing of ilok issues, here. These kinds of issues remind some of us why we support Cakewalk for not having stinking copy protection schemes that end up hurting the customer/s. Here it is djoni bought a product, but can't even use it because of a problem with the copy protection scheme used. That's abominable!
 
Here they are using copy protection so no one can steal their product, but they stole his money (or at the least are limiting his use of the purchased product) because he can't use it due to a problem with their copy protection scheme.
 
I really dislike ilok very much.
 
Thank you Cakewalk for mostly staying away from using ilok and dongles for any software you sell. I am certainly mindful of this, and you will be rewarded from my pocket next month with my upgrade to X3 Producer, plus a purchase of a little something else (the Cakewalk Pro Channel Pack.) And thanks Cakewalk for esteeming me, still, to be a loyal customer (referring to an email I received a few days ago,) because I am!

thomasabarnes
Many of us are very interested in hearing of ilok issues, here............ 

+1
 
Also, watch out for the Keystone Cops
 

I find that an iLok is quite good.

Having a studio PC and a Laptop that have the same audio software and plugins. I don't have to worry about various protection schemes. If given the choice between challenge response and iLok, I choose iLok.

Mine sits in a USB hub connected via a cable to my computers and therefore safe from breakage. While ever there's no standard copy protection for all software I choose iLok when given a choice.

thomasabarnes
Thank you Cakewalk for mostly staying away from using ilok and dongles for any software you sell.

Here, Here!
 
And a big thank you from me as well.....

CakeAlexS
I'm sorry that I that asked a very simple and valid question, I don't recollect saying what my state of mind was or getting emotional about it. If the OP knew it was off topic why didn't he post in another forum?**
 
** NIOPTF (No Intention of Policing This Forum). BTW I'm using an acronym as well so that gets me out of jail for free as well - yes?

Don't worry about it CakeAlex, the dongle thing just brings up lots of very bad thoughts and memories for some of us...

I am very glad Waves did away with that iLok crud...

Can't stand iLok or e-licenser.  This kind of thing does nothing to protect piracy but is only an annoyance to customers.  With more and more people doing work on laptops I think this trend is going to change.  Luckily for us on the PC side, our laptops usually come with 3 or 4 ports, unless you're using an ultrabook, which you may only have two.  For MacBook users you only get two ports, one for your iLok and one for your audio interface.

Guitarmech111
I am very glad Waves did away with that iLok crud...

Did they? I didn't know that. Maybe this is good news for me. What type of copy protection scheme do they use now? I can't go for using software that use dongles or iLok. 
 
But, Cakewalk, Native Instruments, and IK Multimedia are examples of companies employing software copy protection schemes I can tolerate.

they have a cloud or local licensing scheme. You can have the license on your hard drive, USB or on the cloud. You can easily transport your licenses via the cloud if you need to work on a remote puter. I like it a lot more than the iLok. You need no additional software. Just a Waves login and license manager.