Mastercam X7-2022 Virtual Usb Bus Error Guide
The "Virtual USB Bus Error" in Mastercam (typically appearing as Error Code 39) is most commonly associated with driver conflicts, corrupt Windows profiles, or anti-virus interference between Mastercam X7 and newer versions like 2022. Primary Causes & Fixes
Based on user reports and technical discussions, here are the most effective ways to resolve this:
Windows User Profile Corruption: If Mastercam shows as running in the Task Manager but fails to launch, the Windows user profile may be corrupt.
Action: Create a new Windows user profile and attempt to launch Mastercam from there. If it works, you may need to migrate your data and delete the old profile.
Anti-Virus Quarantine: Security software sometimes flags the virtual USB drivers (like MultiKey or HASP drivers) as a threat.
Action: Check your anti-virus "quarantine" or "history" section. Add the Mastercam installation folder and the virtual USB driver paths to your exclusion list.
Driver Error Code 39: This specific code indicates that Windows cannot load the device driver because it is either missing or corrupted.
Action: Uninstall the existing "Virtual USB Bus Enumerator" from the Device Manager, restart your PC, and perform a clean install of the HASP/Sentinel drivers provided by Mastercam. Advanced Troubleshooting
If the basic fixes don't work, consider these deeper technical steps:
Multiple Instances: Avoid having multiple versions of Mastercam (e.g.,
) open simultaneously if you experience frequent crashes, as this can trigger profile corruption. Mastercam X7-2022 Virtual Usb Bus Error
Hardware Manager Verification: If the hardware manager shows the USB HASP as working but the software won't fire up, try removing the physical dongle (if using one), killing all Mastercam processes in Task Manager, and restarting the application.
Registry Cleanup: Occasionally, leftover registry keys from older virtual driver installations conflict with newer versions. Use a registry cleaner or manually verify keys under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services. ? Mastercam X7-2022 Virtual Usb Bus Error 39 - Google Groups
8. References
- Mastercam Tech Bulletin: “HASP Driver Issues on Windows 10/11” (2021)
- Thales (formerly Aladdin) KB: “Sentinel HASP Code 10 on Virtual USB Bus”
- CNC Software Knowledge Base Article #23489
Appendix A – Quick Command Script (run as admin to reset HASP driver)
net stop hardlock
sc delete hardlock
del /f C:\Windows\System32\drivers\hardlock.sys
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Mastercam License Manager\uninstall.exe" /quiet
msiexec /i "C:\Path\to\LatestLicenseManager.msi" /qn
Appendix B – Recommended Driver Versions
- Mastercam 2022: License Manager 8.0.1.0 or newer
- Mastercam 2020/2021: License Manager 7.12 or newer
- Mastercam X7–2019: Upgrade to 2022 License Manager (backward compatible)
Virtual USB Bus Error (often appearing as Error Code 39 ) is a common issue for Mastercam users (X7 through 2022) involving hardware-locked licenses, particularly when using
(Hardware Against Software Piracy) security keys or emulators. This error
typically indicates that Windows cannot load the device driver because it is either corrupt, missing, or blocked by system security features Common Root Causes Core Isolation/Memory Integrity:
A modern Windows security feature that blocks drivers without high-level digital signatures, often causing virtual USB bus failures. Driver Signature Enforcement:
Windows 10 and 11 strictly require digitally signed drivers. Many older virtual bus drivers used by legacy systems are unsigned and will be blocked upon system startup. Corrupt Registry Filters:
Damaged entries in the Windows Registry, specifically "UpperFilters" or "LowerFilters," can prevent the USB bus from initializing correctly. Damaged User Profiles: The "Virtual USB Bus Error" in Mastercam (typically
Repeated software crashes while multiple Mastercam instances are open can occasionally corrupt a Windows User Profile, leading to license detection failures. Google Groups Recommended Solutions 1. Disable Core Isolation (Recommended First Step)
Modern Windows security settings often conflict with virtual hardware keys. Windows Security and navigate to Device Security Core isolation details Memory integrity Restart your computer to apply the change. 2. Clear Registry UpperFilters
If the device appears in Device Manager with a yellow exclamation mark and Error 39, you may need to clear the class filters. (Registry Editor) as an administrator. Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\36FC9E60-C465-11CF-8056-444553540000 UpperFilters on the right side, right-click, and select Restart your machine. 3. Bypass Driver Signature Enforcement
For older virtual drivers, you may need to boot into a mode that allows unsigned drivers. One-time fix: Restart Windows while holding , navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings , and select Disable driver signature enforcement Permanent workaround: Use a tool like Driver Signature Enforcement Overrider to put Windows into "Test Mode". 4. Utilize Official Diagnostic Tools
If manual fixes fail, use Mastercam’s internal utility to identify the specific licensing conflict: Download and run the System Inspector Utility Mastercam Technical Support McamInspect.exe , select your version, and click to generate a detailed report on license detection errors. Are you using a physical HASP USB key virtual/software-based emulator for your license? Virtual Usb Multikey Windows 10 Mastercam - Google Groups
6. Clean Installation
- If updates don't work, consider performing a clean installation of Mastercam. This involves uninstalling the current version, removing any residual files or registry entries (using a tool like Revo Uninstaller), and then reinstalling.
Part 5: Preventing the Error in the Future
Once you fix the Mastercam X7-2022 Virtual USB Bus Error, prevent recurrence:
-
Turn Off Automatic Driver Updates:
- Go to
Control Panel→System→Advanced System Settings→Hardware→Device Installation Settings→ Select "No (your device might not work as expected)."
- Go to
-
Exclude HASP Folders from Windows Defender:
- Exclude:
C:\Program Files (x86)\SafeNet Sentinel - Exclude:
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\hardlock.sys - Exclude:
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\aksfridge.sys
- Exclude:
-
Use a Group Policy to Block Malicious USB Drivers: Mastercam Tech Bulletin: “HASP Driver Issues on Windows
- This stops Windows Update from replacing your working legacy driver.
-
Stay on a Locked Windows Build:
- For critical CAM workstations, use Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021. It does not receive feature updates that break virtual USB buses.
Part 1: What is the "Virtual USB Bus Error" in Technical Terms?
Before fixing the problem, you must understand the architecture.
Mastercam (X7 through 2022) relies on a licensing system from SafeNet (now Thales Group) using HASP (Hardware Against Software Piracy) or Sentinel drivers. These drivers create a virtual USB bus on your Windows system—a software layer that tricks Mastercam into thinking a physical USB dongle is always connected, even when using network licensing or specific emulation configurations.
The Error Trigger:
When Windows updates its kernel, changes its driver signing policies, or when antivirus software quarantines the hardlock.sys or aksfridge.sys files, the virtual bus cannot load. Consequently, Mastercam sees "No Bus" and refuses to launch.
Affected Versions:
- Mastercam X7, X8, X9
- Mastercam 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022
- (Note: Mastercam 2023 and newer moved to a different licensing model, but legacy users remain stuck.)
4. Diagnostic Steps
Before applying fixes, perform these checks:
-
Check Device Manager
- Look for “Virtual USB Bus” under Universal Serial Bus controllers or Other devices.
-
View driver properties
- Right-click > Properties > General tab → note the error code (10, 39, etc.).
- Driver tab → check driver provider (should be “Aladdin” or “Thales”).
-
Verify HASP/License Manager version
- Open HASP LM Admin Tool (Start menu).
- Version should be 7.90 or higher for Windows 10/11 compatibility.
-
Check for CodeMeter leftovers
- CodeMeter (used for newer Mastercam versions) conflicts with HASP drivers if both are installed.