You’ve just downloaded SAMSON, the integrative platform for molecular design. You’re eager to get started, but you’re met with a message you didn’t expect: “Invalid credentials or activation key”. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common hurdles new users face during installation. The good news? It’s usually quick to resolve.
The Issue: What’s Going On?
SAMSON requires a valid combination of your registered email address and a unique activation key called the SAMSON Key. If something’s off, the installer will block the setup process. But why does this happen?
- You might be entering a different email address than the one you registered with on SAMSON Connect.
- The SAMSON Key may have a typo — it shouldn’t include extra spaces or unexpected characters.
- Sometimes, users try to paste the key and accidentally include extra formatting, such as invisible newline characters.
Step-by-Step: How to Check and Fix It
Here’s what you can do:
✅ 1. Verify Your Registered Email
Make sure you’re using the exact same email you used to sign up on SAMSON Connect. If you’re unsure, log in to your account on SAMSON Connect to confirm.
✅ 2. Double-Check Your SAMSON Key
Your key can be found on your account page on SAMSON Connect. Ensure it’s copied correctly:
- No spaces at the beginning or end
- No extra characters
- Copied exactly as it appears
You can get your SAMSON Key by following this link: Getting Started with SAMSON.
✅ 3. Still No Luck? Try Re-downloading Your Key
Head to SAMSON Connect, sign in, and navigate to your Account. From there, you can regenerate and copy your key anew.
Tips for a Smooth Setup
💡 Tip: If you’re reinstalling SAMSON after changing your email address (e.g., from a personal to an academic address), make sure to use the new credentials during installation.
💡 Tip: Paste your SAMSON Key first into a plain text editor (like Notepad) to avoid hidden characters, then copy it from there into the installer.
Conclusion
Invalid activation key errors are frustrating, but they’re usually easy to fix. A mistyped email or an extra space in your key is often the culprit. With a few quick checks, you’ll be ready to explore molecular systems and customize your workspace with SAMSON Extensions.
To learn more, check out the full FAQ: SAMSON Documentation – FAQ.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can get SAMSON at www.samson-connect.net.