> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.enercalc.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.enercalc.com/sel-faq/setup-and-licensing/installation-activation-lice/how-it-works/manual-activation-codes.md). # Manual Activation How Manual Activation works in ENERCALC SEL and why machine-specific codes are a last resort without license sharing. ## Can you explain Manual Activation? Manual Activation should be regarded as a last resort to activating ENERCALC SEL, because it lacks some of the important advantages that can be provided by the other activation methods. An installation of the SEL can be manually activated by entering a Manual Activation Code that is generated by ENERCALC and emailed to you. The important thing to understand is that a Manual Activation Code is machine-specific. It knows the name of the computer from which the request was generated, and the code will ONLY work on that computer. It will not work on any other computer, so it does not permit license sharing. It will also require that you request another code if you move the software to a different computer. The only advantage offered by Manual Activation is the fact that it requires absolutely no Internet connectivity. However its disadvantages are significant, so it is not to be regarded as a "regular" activation option. ENERCALC will make every attempt to help you get activated by using the Internet Activation system before issuing a Manual Activation Code. In addition, it may be necessary for you to issue a statement to ENERCALC indicating that you have manually deactivated all other installations of the SEL before a Manual Activation Code is issued. Some notes of interest: * If there is no ability to provide Internet connectivity even for the brief initial activation, a Manual Activation Code can be issued to activate an installation of the SEL. * Keep in mind that ENERCALC uses the Internet to distribute regular updates to both the SEL. If you truly have no Internet connection, your system will not be able to discover those updates and offer them to you as they become available. Keeping your system up-to-date will become a manual operation if you do not connect to the Internet on at least a periodic basis. ## Do you have the steps for Manual Activation in printed form? You can access them with the following link: --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.enercalc.com/sel-faq/setup-and-licensing/installation-activation-lice/how-it-works/manual-activation-codes.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.