Pro Edition Setup

This guide will help you activate and manage your TaskTrove Pro license.

TaskTrove Pro requires a valid license key to function. Your license key is provided in your purchase confirmation email and is tied to your account.

What You'll Need

Your license key
Access to your server's environment configuration
Ability to restart your TaskTrove Pro server

Quick Start

Prerequisites

You'll need:

Your TaskTrove Pro license key
An AUTH_SECRET (generate one: openssl rand -hex 32 or visit https://generate-secret.vercel.app/32)
- If you already have AUTH_SECRET set in your base edition installation, you can reuse the same value

Choose Your Path

Are you doing a fresh installation or migrating from base edition?

Path A: Fresh Installation

Step 1: Configure and Start

Choose your deployment method:

Docker:

bash

docker run -p 3000:3000 -v ./data:/app/data \
  -e LICENSE_KEY="YOUR-LICENSE-KEY-HERE" \
  -e AUTH_SECRET="YOUR-AUTH-SECRET-HERE" \
  -v /etc/machine-id:/etc/machine-id:ro \
  -d --restart=always --name tasktrove-pro \
  dohsimpson/tasktrove-pro

Docker Compose:

Create or update your docker-compose.yml:

yaml

services:
  tasktrove-pro:
    image: dohsimpson/tasktrove-pro
    ports:
      - "3000:3000"
    environment:
      - LICENSE_KEY=YOUR-LICENSE-KEY-HERE
      - AUTH_SECRET=YOUR-AUTH-SECRET-HERE
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
      - /etc/machine-id:/etc/machine-id:ro
    restart: always

Then start:

bash

docker-compose up -d

Step 2: Verify Activation

Check your server logs to confirm successful activation:

[License] Machine fingerprint: xxx-xxx-xxx
[License] Validating license with Keygen...
[License] Validation result: VALID

Success!

If you see "Validation result: VALID", your license is active.

Step 3: Complete Setup

Access TaskTrove Pro at http://your-server:3000
Create your first user account
Start using TaskTrove Pro!

Path B: Migrating from Base Edition

Step 1: Prepare Your System

Backup your data (IMPORTANT):

This backup is critical because downgrading from TaskTrove Pro back to base edition requires restoring from this backup. Follow the instructions in the Backup & Restore Guide to create a backup of your data.

Stop and remove the base edition container:

bash

docker stop tasktrove
docker rm tasktrove

Step 2: Configure and Start Pro Edition

Choose your deployment method:

Docker:

bash

docker run -p 3000:3000 -v ./data:/app/data \
  -e LICENSE_KEY="YOUR-LICENSE-KEY-HERE" \
  -e AUTH_SECRET="YOUR-AUTH-SECRET-HERE" \
  -v /etc/machine-id:/etc/machine-id:ro \
  -d --restart=always --name tasktrove-pro \
  dohsimpson/tasktrove-pro

Docker Compose:

Update your docker-compose.yml to use the Pro image and add license configuration:

yaml

services:
  tasktrove-pro:
    image: dohsimpson/tasktrove-pro  # Changed from dohsimpson/tasktrove
    ports:
      - "3000:3000"
    environment:
      - LICENSE_KEY=YOUR-LICENSE-KEY-HERE
      - AUTH_SECRET=YOUR-AUTH-SECRET-HERE  # Add if not already set
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
      - /etc/machine-id:/etc/machine-id:ro
    restart: always

Then start:

bash

docker-compose up -d

Step 3: Verify Activation

Check your server logs to confirm successful activation:

[License] Machine fingerprint: xxx-xxx-xxx
[License] Validating license with Keygen...
[License] Validation result: VALID

Success!

If you see "Validation result: VALID", your license is active and your data has been migrated.

Step 4: Complete Setup

Access TaskTrove Pro at http://your-server:3000
Log in with your existing credentials (from base edition)
Your tasks and projects are ready to use!

Advanced Options

Using MACHINE_ID Environment Variable

If your deployment doesn't allow mounting /etc/machine-id (e.g., Unraid, Synology), you can use the MACHINE_ID environment variable instead.

Get your host's primary MAC address:

bash

ip link show | grep -A 1 "link/ether" | head -2

Add to your Docker/Docker Compose configuration:

bash

-e MACHINE_ID="YOUR-MAC-ADDRESS-HERE"

Or in docker-compose.yml:

yaml

environment:
  - MACHINE_ID=YOUR-MAC-ADDRESS-HERE

TIP

If you're running on Unraid or Synology, use this method as these platforms don't expose /etc/machine-id to containers.

Updating Your License Key

If you need to update your license key (after renewal or upgrade), simply follow the steps above again with your new LICENSE_KEY value and restart your container.

Work in Progress

These setup steps are still being refined. For detailed installation instructions and troubleshooting, please refer to the Installation Guide.

Understanding License Types

What is a Perpetual Fallback License?

TaskTrove Pro uses a perpetual fallback license model, similar to JetBrains licenses. Here's what that means:

Perpetual Fallback License Benefits:

Own your license forever - Your license never expires. You own it permanently and can use it indefinitely.
Free upgrades for 2 years - Receive all software updates and new features at no additional cost for the first 2 years after purchase.
Fallback guarantee - After the 2-year update period ends, you can continue using the last version you received during that period indefinitely. There's no forced upgrade or subscription renewal.
No time pressure - Use your license when you need it. No monthly or annual fees required to keep your existing version running.
True ownership - You control when and if you upgrade. There's no vendor lock-in or forced obsolescence.

This model gives you the benefits of perpetual software ownership while supporting continuous product development through the upgrade period.

Trial License

Duration: 14 days
Max users: 2

Paid License

Duration: Perpetual fallback license - Own it forever with free upgrades for 2 years
Max users: Depends on the plan you purchased

Machine Activation

What is a Machine?

A "machine" is a unique server instance running TaskTrove Pro. Each machine is identified by its Machine ID — the unique hardware identifier of your server.

When you activate TaskTrove Pro on a server, our licensing server reads and registers your machine's hardware UUID (obtained from /etc/machine-id or the MACHINE_ID environment variable you provided in Step 2). This creates a one-to-one relationship between your license and that specific server.

Key points:

Each server has its own Machine ID
Your license is permanently tied to a specific Machine ID
If you run TaskTrove Pro on multiple servers, each one is considered a separate machine under your license
To use your license on a different server, you must deactivate the old Machine ID first (see Deactivating a Machine below)

How Machine ID is Determined

TaskTrove Pro identifies your machine using one of two methods (configured in Step 2):

/etc/machine-id file (Recommended) - The system reads your server's hardware UUID from this file
MACHINE_ID environment variable - The unique MAC address of your host's primary network interface

For most Linux deployments, mounting /etc/machine-id is automatic and requires no configuration. If you're using Unraid, Synology, or another platform where /etc/machine-id isn't accessible to containers, use the MACHINE_ID environment variable with your host's primary MAC address.

Machine Limits

Each TaskTrove Pro license allows one active machine at a time. Your license is permanently tied to a single Machine ID until you deactivate it and move it to a different server.

When you upgrade your plan, you're not getting more simultaneous machines—you're getting more features and users within a single instance.

Checking Active Machines

Work in Progress

The machine management dashboard is currently in development.

For now, you can check your server's Machine ID in the startup logs:

[License] Machine fingerprint: xxx-xxx-xxx

If you need to check your license status or machine information, please contact [email protected].

Deactivating a Machine

Work in Progress

Machine deactivation feature is currently in development.

If you need to move your license to a different server, please contact [email protected] and we'll help you deactivate your current machine and activate on the new one.

License Renewal

Work in Progress

License renewal functionality is currently in development.

For now, if your license is expiring or has expired, please contact [email protected] to discuss renewal options.

Troubleshooting

License Validation Failed

Error: "No license key found"

Solution:
1. Verify LICENSE_KEY is set in your environment
2. Check for typos in the license key
3. Restart your server after adding the key

Error: "Invalid license key"

Solution:
1. Copy the license key exactly from your purchase email
2. Ensure no extra spaces or line breaks
3. Verify you're using the latest key if you've renewed

Too Many Machines

Error: "Maximum number of machines reached"

This error occurs when you're trying to activate your license on a new machine without deactivating the previous one first. Since each TaskTrove Pro license supports one active machine at a time, you'll need to deactivate the old machine before activating on a new one.

Solution:
Contact [email protected] to help you deactivate your current machine and move your license to a new server.

License Expired

Error: "Your license has expired"

Solution:
Contact [email protected] to discuss renewing your license.

Note: License renewal is currently in development. Our team will help you extend your license.

Connection Issues

Error: "An error occurred while validating your license"

Solution:
1. Check your server's internet connection
2. Ensure firewall allows HTTPS to api.keygen.sh
3. Wait a few minutes and try again
4. Contact support if issue persists

Support

Need Help?

If you encounter any issues with license activation:

Email Support:

Send an email to [email protected]
Include the first 6 letters of your license key (e.g. 1D234E) and error message.

Account Dashboard:

Work in Progress

The account dashboard is currently in development. For now, if you need to manage your licenses, machines, or billing, please contact [email protected].

Common Questions

Q: How do I activate my license?

A: Please follow the steps in this guide.

Q: I'm running the base edition, how do I onboard to Pro version?

A: To upgrade from the base edition to TaskTrove Pro:

Purchase a TaskTrove Pro license at tasktrove.io
Receive your license key via email
Update your server configuration with the LICENSE_KEY environment variable
Restart your server
Your server will automatically validate the license and activate

Your existing data will be preserved during the upgrade. Make sure your server has internet access for license validation.

Q: How to downgrade from Pro edition to base edition?

A: Yes, you can downgrade to the base edition. The process involves:

Create a backup (if you haven't already): Follow the Backup & Restore Guide to backup your data before upgrading to Pro.
Stop TaskTrove Pro and follow the Installation Guide to install the base edition.
Restore your backup: Use the backup file you created to restore your data to the base edition.

See the Backup & Restore Guide for detailed backup and restore procedures.

Q: What happens if my license expires?

A: Paid licenses never expire - they're perpetual fallback licenses. You own them forever.

For trial licenses: After 14 days, the trial expires and TaskTrove Pro will show an error and stop serving the application. Convert to a paid license to continue.

For paid licenses: After the 2-year free upgrade period ends, you can continue using the version you have indefinitely at no cost. You're not required to renew or upgrade. If you want to continue receiving updates after 2 years, you can choose to renew at that time.

Q: Do I need internet connection for license validation?

A: Yes, to ensure compliance. We perform network requests to validate your license. Please make sure your server has access to the internet.

Q: I have firewall that restrict egress traffic, how do I allowlist TaskTrove licensing server?

A: Allow egress to api.keygen.sh and licensing.tasktrove.io.

Q: I have firewall that restrict egress traffic by IP, how do I allowlist TaskTrove licensing server's IP address?

A: Allowlist by IP is not supported at the moment, but we're working on it. Shoot us an email at [email protected] to discuss your use case.

Q: Can I transfer my license to a new server?

A: Yes, you can transfer your license to a new server. The machine deactivation feature is currently in development. Please contact [email protected] and we'll help you move your license to a new server.

Q: Can I use my license on multiple servers simultaneously?

A: No. Each TaskTrove Pro license supports one active machine at a time. Your license is tied to a single Machine ID until you deactivate it and move it to a different server. If you need to run TaskTrove Pro on multiple servers simultaneously, you'll need a separate license for each server. Please contact [email protected] to discuss your use case.

Q: What happens during a trial-to-paid conversion?

A: When you convert from a trial license to a paid license, we'll send you a new license key via email. Replace your old trial license key with the new one in your server's LICENSE_KEY environment variable and restart your container.

Work in Progress

The trial-to-paid conversion process is still being refined. For assistance, please contact [email protected].

Q: What is a perpetual fallback license?

A: A perpetual fallback license means you own your license forever. Here's how it works:

Perpetual - Your license never expires and doesn't require annual renewal to keep using it
Fallback - After the 2-year free upgrade period, you can continue using the last version you received forever at no cost
Optional upgrades - If you want new features after 2 years, you can choose to renew and start a new 2-year upgrade cycle. But there's no obligation to do so.

This gives you true software ownership without vendor lock-in. You're never forced to upgrade or pay ongoing fees just to keep your current version running.

Q: What is a Machine ID?

A: A unique identifier for your hardware. See the Machine Activation section for comprehensive information about how Machine IDs work and how they relate to your license.

Q: How do I move my license to a different server?

A: Since each license is tied to a specific Machine ID (hardware identifier), you'll need to deactivate your old machine before activating on a new one.

The machine deactivation feature is currently in development. For now, please contact [email protected] and we'll help you transfer your license to a new server.

Q: How do I find my host's primary MAC address?

A: The primary MAC address is the MAC of your machine's main network interface. Run this command:

bash

ip link show | grep -A 1 "link/ether" | head -2

Use the first MAC address listed (usually your primary network interface). It will look like: aa:bb:cc:dd:ee:ff

Q: Should I use the mount method or the MACHINE_ID environment variable?

A: We recommend mounting /etc/machine-id because:

It's automatic and doesn't require manual configuration
It uses the server's hardware UUID, which is more reliable
You don't have to manage MAC address changes

Use the MACHINE_ID environment variable only if:

Your deployment doesn't allow mounting host files
You're running in a restricted container environment
Your infrastructure requires explicit machine identification via MAC address

Q: How do I update my license key?

A: If you need to update your license key (after renewal or upgrade), simply follow the Quick Start steps again with your new license key. No special procedure is needed—just reconfigure your server with the new LICENSE_KEY environment variable and restart.

Next Steps

Now that your license is activated, you're ready to use TaskTrove Pro:

Installation Guide - Complete setup instructions
User Guide - Learn how to use TaskTrove Pro
Troubleshooting - Solve common issues

Have questions? Contact [email protected]

Pro Edition Setup ​

What You'll Need ​

Quick Start ​

Prerequisites ​

Choose Your Path ​

Path A: Fresh Installation ​

Step 1: Configure and Start ​

Step 2: Verify Activation ​

Step 3: Complete Setup ​

Path B: Migrating from Base Edition ​

Step 1: Prepare Your System ​

Step 2: Configure and Start Pro Edition ​

Step 3: Verify Activation ​

Step 4: Complete Setup ​

Advanced Options ​

Using MACHINE_ID Environment Variable ​

Updating Your License Key ​

Understanding License Types ​

What is a Perpetual Fallback License? ​

Trial License ​

Paid License ​

Machine Activation ​

What is a Machine? ​

How Machine ID is Determined ​

Machine Limits ​

Checking Active Machines ​

Deactivating a Machine ​

License Renewal ​

Troubleshooting ​

License Validation Failed ​

Too Many Machines ​

License Expired ​

Connection Issues ​

Support ​

Need Help? ​

Common Questions ​

Next Steps ​

Pro Edition Setup

What You'll Need

Quick Start

Prerequisites

Choose Your Path

Path A: Fresh Installation

Step 1: Configure and Start

Step 2: Verify Activation

Step 3: Complete Setup

Path B: Migrating from Base Edition

Step 1: Prepare Your System

Step 2: Configure and Start Pro Edition

Step 3: Verify Activation

Step 4: Complete Setup

Advanced Options

Using MACHINE_ID Environment Variable

Updating Your License Key

Understanding License Types

What is a Perpetual Fallback License?

Trial License

Paid License

Machine Activation

What is a Machine?

How Machine ID is Determined

Machine Limits

Checking Active Machines

Deactivating a Machine

License Renewal

Troubleshooting

License Validation Failed

Too Many Machines

License Expired

Connection Issues

Support

Need Help?

Common Questions

Next Steps