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CarPort Docs

Software Documentation

💡 This documentation applies to CarPort version 3.2. Older or newer versions may differ in functionality.

Installation & activation

CarPort runs on any PC with Windows 10 or 11. Installation and activation take only a few minutes; after that, diagnostics work offline as well.

System requirements

CarPort is designed as a native Windows application. For smooth operation, we recommend the following system configuration:

  • Operating system: Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit version in each case).
  • Processor & memory: A standard laptop or tablet with x86-64 architecture (at least dual-core, 4 GB RAM).
  • Disk space: About 2 GB of free space for program files and logs.
  • Ports: USB-A or USB-C port for the diagnostic interface.
  • Internet connection: Strictly required for initial activation and updates. The actual diagnostics on the vehicle work completely offline.

Note on “Windows on Arm”: This architecture is not officially supported. Thanks to the x64 emulation built into Windows, it often works anyway, but it strictly requires special ARM64 drivers for the interface (see Windows on Arm).

Installation

To install CarPort, proceed as follows:

  1. Download: Download the latest installer from our official website.
  2. Run: Run the downloaded file (e.g., CarPort_X.X.X_Setup.exe). You may have to allow it to run by confirming the Windows User Account Control (UAC) prompt.
  3. Setup wizard: Follow the on-screen instructions. During installation, you can configure the following settings:
    • Language selection: The installation language is detected automatically from your system but can be changed manually. This selection also sets the language of the user interface later on.
    • Destination folder: The default path is C:\Program Files\CarPort. You can choose a different folder.
    • Shortcuts: Choose whether Start menu entries and desktop icons should be created.
  4. Driver installation: The installer automatically sets up the necessary drivers for all supported diagnostic interfaces. Manual intervention is usually not required here.

💡 Tip: To run different CarPort versions side by side, simply install them in different folders.

Windows on Arm

On devices with ARM architecture (e.g., Surface Pro X), you have to install the device drivers for the diagnostic interface manually, since they aren't included in the standard installer. You'll find the matching ARM64 drivers on FTDI's website: FTDI VCP Drivers.

Activation

To use the full feature set of the license you purchased, you need to activate the software. The activation wizard starts automatically the first time you open the program. You can also launch it at any time later from the Program → Activate CarPort... menu.

Online activation procedure:

  1. In the wizard, select the Activate CarPort with activation code online (default) option. (Note: The Activate CarPort with license file option is a fallback for support cases and isn't needed in normal use.)
  2. Enter your activation code in the input field.
  3. Click Activate.
    • Important: For licenses tied to specific hardware, the corresponding interface must be connected to the computer during activation.
  4. Once verification succeeds, the license is stored in encrypted form on your system. CarPort is now ready to use.

Troubleshooting activation

If activation fails, the error message usually points directly to the cause:

A network error has occurred!
Connection problems. Check your internet connection. Firewalls (especially in corporate networks) or antivirus programs often block access to our activation server. Try temporarily allowing the software through.

The activation code is invalid!
Input error. Check the code for typos. Common mix-ups: “8” ↔︎ “B”, “I” (India) ↔︎ “1”, “O” (Oscar) ↔︎ “0”. It's best to copy the code directly from the email.

License expired for requested software version!
License validity. Your license includes a period of free updates (usually 1 year from purchase). The installed CarPort version was released after this period ended. Install an older, compatible version or purchase an extension (update).

Activation limit reached for this license!
Activation limit. The license has already been activated on the maximum number of computers. Contact support to have old activations reset (e.g., after switching to a new PC).

The requested license is invalid!
System time. Check that your computer's date and time are set correctly. An incorrect system time makes security certificates appear invalid.

This version of CarPort has expired and can no longer be activated.
Beta/test version expired. You're trying to activate an expired beta version. Download the latest official release.