Unable to move Cubase LE 11 to different computer

I need to install cubase LE 11 on a different laptop from where the current licensed version runs. I do not have the activation code as it came bundled with my Tascam US-2X2 HR, and have no success with the e-licenser (perhaps because it is deprecated. I have a number of projects that I do not want to lose. Can someone provide guidance on how to install on the new laptop?

The short answer is … you can install it, but you can’t reactivate it. In other words, you’re screwed unless support can provide you with a license for a current version of LE (which is entirely possible!).

I guess you haven’t heard the news (olds?) …

eLicenser Service Closes Down in 2025 | Steinberg

If your license is registered in your MySteinberg account, I think you should be able to receive a download access code for the current version of LE.

So … is the Cubase LE 11 license showing up as registered in your account?

Hi Scab - thank you for the info. My apologies in advance - installed LE11 like 2 years ago and never had to update it in any way. There is ā€œCubase LEā€ listed under my ā€˜Products’ with an eLicenser icon next to it. When I click the down arrow if gives me what I believe is the eLicenser ā€˜code’ (two sets of characters) but not the license fo Cubase LE. When I installed the eLicencer on the new laptop, I tried a ā€˜database update’ which did not work…kinda lost here…

As of the eLicenser server shutdown, you cannot reactivate a Soft-eLicenser based product. I am assuming you never moved the LE license from Soft to USB-eLicenser.

I believe your only chance of using Cubase LE on your new computer is to request official Steinberg support to issue a new license for a current version of LE which uses the (not-so-new) Steinberg Licensing.

I am actually surprised (but, overjoyed) that there haven’t been more posts like yours on the forum since the shutdown. I’m sure they will be trickling in soon! :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes:

@Matthias_Quellmann, I’m sure you’re saturated … but, any help for this user? :nerd_face:

Once again - greatly appreciate the info. If I cant get the license, would a paid version of cubase be able to open the backup exports from LE 11?

I’m not exactly sure what you mean by ā€œbackup exportsā€. However, a new version of Cubase (Elements 14, for example) should have no problems opening your LE 11 projects.

Hi sir Scab - regarding exports, there is a a’backup’ option in LE 11 for projects. My assumption was that would be the method to get the projects off of the dying laptop. It sounds like you are indicating that a simple copy of the project and folder structure could be use to move the projects.
Thank you for the confirmation on the newer version being able to read the older .cpr files.

Oh, okay … yes. I would definitely recommend using the backup project function. It will allow you to save each project in a self-contained new folder in a new location. If you could do this for all your projects you wish to use on a new computer, that would be ideal. To have all projects backed up on an external storage device to transfer over would greatly simplify things.

Thank so much - I’ll try to reach out through some official channels to get the license if possible - at least to get a discount on an upgrade perhaps.

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