The Hardware Information Does Not Match With Your Dongle Autodata Hot ((full)) May 2026

Error Message: "The hardware information does not match with your dongle."

5. Last Resort: Reset AutoData’s Hardware Cache

• Close AutoData.
• Navigate to C:\ProgramData\AutoData\ (hidden folder – type into Explorer address bar).
• Rename the file hardware.cache to hardware.old.
• Restart AutoData – it will rebuild the cache with the current dongle.

8. Attachments / Evidence

• Screenshot of error message.
• Photo of dongle (serial number visible).
• System information output (msinfo32 summary).

1. Problem Summary

When launching Autodata, the software displays an error message indicating that the current system hardware information does not match the hardware profile stored on the Autodata USB dongle (license key). The software fails to proceed beyond the license verification stage. Error Message: "The hardware information does not match

What the error means (short)

This message indicates the software expects specific hardware identifiers (dongle ID, license tied to a serial/MAC, or firmware version) but detected different values. Causes include license/dongle pairing mismatches, corrupted or altered dongle data, firmware or software updates, USB/driver issues, or unauthorized cloning. Close AutoData

1. Navigating to C:\ProgramData\Autodata\ or %APPDATA%\Autodata\.
2. Deleting or renaming the hardware.bin or licconfig.dat file.
3. Restarting Autodata – it forces a re-scan of the dongle and re-writes the local hardware file.

• Install the Autodata client on another known-working PC and test the dongle there to confirm whether the problem is dongle- or PC-specific.

“Hardware information does not match with your dongle. Please contact Autodata support.”
(Or exact wording as seen on screen) changing the motherboard

: Installing a new hard drive, changing the motherboard, or even altering BIOS settings can change your "Hardware ID," causing a mismatch. Operating System Updates