FORScan Modifications

[tm1506]

Well I have downloaded the new license, but can't find a way to install. Been trying since last night. Watched several videos and none would work. Tried the way I used to do it. But again no joy.

I had a head scratching moment or two loading the license. From what I remember I had to click on the link that said load the downloaded key (or it said something like that), a window popped up looking for the location of the file, I pointed to that and it loaded the license key. I tried the copy and paste but no joy. Hope this helps!

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[Superspirit]

I finally got it. Hope they start selling the yearly when this expires as that is easier to install.

 

[Big Blue]

Looks like as of February the are a couple places you can renew a 1 year license. AKM has them for $19.50

 

[Ranger3]

Will it work on a Chromebook? I had a Windows laptop now only a Chromebook. I have the cable will it work?

 

[airline tech]

I doubt it unless there is a work around (run a windows) platform in the background like the Mac users employ to get Forscan to work.

 

[dozxab]

I never tried but from the Forscan site. Looks like only Windows from a laptop.

 

[ControlNode]

I doubt it unless there is a work around (run a windows) platform in the background like the Mac users employ to get Forscan to work.

Doesn't that Mac work around with Windows running in Parallels still require Intel CPU?

 

[airline tech]

Doesn't that Mac work around with Windows running in Parallels still require Intel CPU?

No - I know someone on here posted a thread about it and there are videos on YouTube on how to get Forscan to work on a Mac - I recall it was something like (VM), basically its just an emulator that emulates the windows platform but still uses the onboard installed hardware, so as long as the (VM) is open and Forscan is loaded through the VM - when you connect and use Forscan, it sees an (fake - emulation) of the windows platform and runs the program - not sure if Chromebook will allow the same (emulation)

 

[ControlNode]

No - I know someone on here posted a thread about it and there are videos on YouTube on how to get Forscan to work on a Mac - I recall it was something like (VM), basically its just an emulator that emulates the windows platform but still uses the onboard installed hardware, so as long as the (VM) is open and Forscan is loaded through the VM - when you connect and use Forscan, it sees an (fake - emulation) of the windows platform and runs the program - not sure if Chromebook will allow the same (emulation)

I may have to look into again. A while back I was able to install ForScan on Windows for ARM running on my MacBook (M2) I was unable to get it talking with the USB-OBD2 (OBDLink EX) adapter. Would be nice it is does work. Would be one less reason to keep the old Windows laptop around.

 

[Cmar]

Will it work on a Chromebook? I had a Windows laptop now only a Chromebook. I have the cable will it work?

It should work on a chrome book if you run it in android mode and use the android app. Must say I haven't tried this though.

 

[Cmar]

I may have to look into again. A while back I was able to install ForScan on Windows for ARM running on my MacBook (M2) I was unable to get it talking with the USB-OBD2 (OBDLink EX) adapter. Would be nice it is does work. Would be one less reason to keep the old Windows laptop around.

You need more than one reason for that? If it wasn't for some work apps and games I would have ditched Microsoft and all their crap years ago, but Linux gaming is getting better and better every day thanks to the efforts of Gabe Newell, open source developers, and the Steam Deck work.

 

[ControlNode]

Well, tonight I was able to talk to the adaptor from Windows for ARM. Not sure if a Parallels update that fixed it or what. I will note that the firmware updater failed to scan for the adaptor, I had to manually set the serial port for it to see the adaptor. Once it saw the adaptor I was able to flash the latest firmware as well.

 

[TJC]

You'll need to lodd Virtual Machine Software such as Oracle VirtualBox, but that operates on a Chromebox OS. I fear that the CPU will not be powerful enough to handle a VM.

There is a way to do it what you want, but it is complicated process. You need to install a "Linux development environment", then download and install Oracle VirtualBox, then install Windows 7, 10 or 11, then install Forscan in the Windows Virtual Machine.

It is complicated, but if you are fluent in Computer OSes and Software (an I/T Techie), it is pretty straightforward. You'll have the most trouble configuring the VM to allow access through the USB port.

But it IS doable... Here is a link on how to get it done.

How to Install and Use VirtualBox on Your Chromebook

Once you've installed the Virtualbox, you'll then install your versions of Windows. I use Win 7 as it is not as big a hog on resources as the newer versions.

Once windows is installed, you can download and install Forscan in the Windows Virtual Machine.

It IS complicated, but it can be done.

A much easier way to go is to purchase an old Thinkpad T490, and use it. They can be had for ~$240. Then install Forscan on it and enjoy.

 

[dozxab]

Easiest solution. A friend with a Windows laptop. I have one and I've helped three or four people in the past.

 

[TJC]

I've been involved in the computer Industry my entire career. I run Linux Mint as my primary OS on several computers and laptops. I do 99% of my work from Linux. It is more stable, reliable, privacy oriented, and all the software is completely free and compatible with MS Office formats. And no need to worry about viruses!

With all that said... I keep 1 older laptop with Windoz 7 installed on it just for esoteric tools and apps like Forscan, a few medical devices (like an ECG monitor), label makers, Geiger counters, our homemade automated quilter support files, including the WinXP OS Image (the quilter CNC micro-computer runs a stripped down version of WinXP that I installed on a Compact Flash drive), etc.

It is a minimal computer with only a 128GB SSD installed. It is air gapped and is never exposed to the internet. Those old Thinkpads are industrial quality and cheap.... Tanks!

Major businesses cycle through them every 3 years (after they are fully depreciated), and that is the perfect place and time to pick a used one up for a couple hundred dollars.

My daughter runs her small business on two Thinkpads (running Linux) that I handed down to her from the early 2000's. They just keep on running.

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