Masquerade™ Frequently Asked Questions

Windows® already has the ability to run an application as another user. Why should I use Masquerade?

Windows® built-in ability to run an application as another user has limits, and often attempts to impersonate another user rather than performing a fully profiled logon. The result is compatibility problems. Depending on your version of Windows® and your security settings, to run an application as another user, you may have to enter a 'shared' user password every time. This is a high-risk behavior, and when that password belongs to an administrator, this sharing violates even the most permissive security standards. Masquerade never asks for a user password to be entered at run-time, because it is securely encrypted in a single protected location and never revealed to other users. Of course, Masquerade has other great features to also consider.

Why does my game not work when I run it using Masquerade?

Some applications start up using one program name and then re-launch themselves using a different name. Masquerade cannot override the new security context which the application builds for itself under its new name. This is a stated limitation of Masquerade. Please be cautious of any program that chooses to alter its identity in this manner and be sure you trust the developer.

The shortcut I built using Masquerade stopped working. Or, Masquerade doesn't seem to work when I use the built-in administrator account. What is wrong?

Many times, combinations of security settings in Windows can have unexpected side-effects. These symptoms usually stem from that, and there are too many possibilities to give a direct answer. To diagnose the shortcut problem, delete the shortcut and then test and deploy a replacement shortcut. To diagnose the administrator account problem, create a new administrator account and then use Masquerade to run applications under that account instead. It is likely you just solved the problem. If the problem persists, at least you can rule out unique security settings as the cause.

I just downloaded and installed Masquerade and it works. Why should I pay a Masquerade license fee?

MTVLabs believes you should be free to quietly evaluate Masquerade without any interruptions or reminders to buy for 10-days. After that, a new dialog box will offer you the option to activate your license or continue without activation. This option to continue without activation appears for 4-days. At the end of the trial period, Masquerade will no longer run until the license fee payment is received.

I just installed Masquerade but nothing seems to happen when I click Run As... Or, I am getting a 'Failure Report' when I try to start Masquerade.  What is wrong?

Masquerade starts minimized in your taskbar before it presents the standard dialog. Click on it in the taskbar to restore the window and see the 'Failure Report'. The most likely cause is that this is the first time you have started Masquerade but you are not connected to the internet. You must be connected to the internet the first time you use Masquerade to receive your AutoTrialLicense.lic file. You must also be connected to the internet when you activate your license at the end of your trial period. A 'Failure Report' always results if your trial period has expired, but you have not paid the license fee.

I have time left on my trial period, so why does nothing seem to happen when I click Run As...? (Or, Masquerade).

Masquerade starts minimized in your taskbar before it presents the standard dialog. After the first 10-days of your trial period, it is waiting for you to choose to continue your trial or activate your license. Click on it in the taskbar to restore the window and make your choice. You must be connected to the internet when you activate your license at the end of your trial period.

I did not finish evaluating Masquerade during the trial period, may I have another trial?

Yes. Locate and delete the file AutoTrialLicense.lic from the folder where you installed Masquerade. You may only do this one time. Never delete this license file after you pay the license fee.

I am ready to pay the license fee. How do I proceed?

Use the Buy Now button. As you submit your payment, you must include your Masquerade serial number. The serial number can be copied from the Help menu's About dialog. If you can no longer run Masquerade to access the About dialog, then the serial number can be found in the error message on the Failure Report that appears when you try activate Masquerade. For more information regarding the About dialog and copying the serial number, refer to Masquerade Help.

I want to pay for Masquerade before installing it, perhaps giving Masquerade as a gift. Can I do that?

The short answer is no. Masquerade must be installed first. Once Masquerade is installed, then the serial number is available for the payment to be accepted. This ensures that only customers that can actually use Masquerade are asked to pay for it. The longer answer is that if you can access someone else's computer to install Masquerade there, and you submit their serial number with a payment, then that will work just fine.
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