“Q. I’ve installed and registered C++ Builder or Delphi, yet when it starts I am brought to a web page with the error “Product or License Validation Error”. How can I fix this?
By far the most common cause for this error is having files or applications not provided by Embarcadero that are copied into the bin folder below where RAD Studio is installed. Only files provided by Embarcadero may reside in the bin folder. Common files which are mistakenly copied to the bin folder are third party components and database drivers. The easiest way to determine if this might be your problem is to list files by timestamp and look for files created before or after the release of your product.
Having the F-Secure AntiVirus software installed. Please contact F-Secure for information on how to configure F-Secure AntiVirus software so it will not cause this problem.
If the Digital Signature used by RAD Studio cannot be verified. To determine if this is an issue for you, follow these steps:
From Windows Explorer, right click on bds.exe in the bin folder of directory you installed your product (For example the bin folder in RAD Studio XE7 would be located “C:Program Files (x86)EmbarcaderoStudio15.0bin by default) and select Properties.
Select the Digital Signatures tab
Select Embarcadero Technologies signer and click the Details button.
Click the View Certificate Button in the Digital Signature Details Dialog.
If the Certificate Dialog looks as follow, the following information should resolve this issue for you.
This problem is caused by a missing or corrupt Windows root certificate. To read more about Windows root certificates, see http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=931125.
As of November 2013, it may be resolved here: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=41084.
Another cause for this error is having remains of a field test from Rad Studio XE3 or later. If you were a field tester you should perform a manual uninstall first before installing the released product.
Manual Uninstall instructions for RAD Studio XE3
Manual Uninstall instructions for RAD Studio XE4
Manual Uninstall instructions for RAD Studio XE5
Manual Uninstall instructions for RAD Studio XE6
Manual Uninstall instructions for RAD Studio XE7
Finally, this error can occur if you have an expired Trial. To determine that your trial has expired, first execute LicenseManager.exe from the bin folder where your product is installed. Trials will appear under the Unlicensed Product node in License Manager.