If disabling ProtexisCmd New doesn't resolve the issue, you may need to uninstall it completely:
Since Protexis is an older licensing system that frequently conflicts with modern versions of Windows like Windows 10 or 11, a valuable feature for legacy software users would be a utility: corel x5 remove protexiscmd new
"The Rise and Fall of Third-Party DRM: A Case Study of Protexis Licensing in CorelDRAW X5–X7" If disabling ProtexisCmd New doesn't resolve the issue,
To remove the Protexis Licensing Service (specifically version 2, common with CorelDRAW X5) and keep your software functional, follow these manual steps. This process involves disabling the service and replacing a key file so the program doesn't realize the service is missing. Step-by-Step Manual Removal Stop and Disable the Service services.msc , and press Protexis Licensing V2 Right-click it, select , then right-click again and select Properties Change the Startup type Move the Required File Navigate to: C:\Program Files\Common Files\Protexis\License Service Copy the file PSIKey_2.dll (do not move it, just copy). Go to your CorelDRAW X5 installation folder, typically: C:\Program Files\Corel\CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5\Programs PSIKey_2.dll into this folder. Rename Files for Compatibility In that same folder, find the existing PsiClient.dll Rename it to PsiClient.bak (or delete it). Now, rename the PSIKey_2.dll you just pasted to PsiClient.dll Final Cleanup (Optional) You can now safely delete the original PSIService_2.exe Common Files\Protexis\License Service folder or use the command sc delete PSI_SVC_2 Go to your CorelDRAW X5 installation folder, typically:
Open Windows Services, locate Protexis Licensing V2 , stop it, and set the Startup Type to Disabled .
If you of CorelDRAW X5 and are having activation problems because Protexis servers are offline, state that clearly. I can then guide you to:
: Locate the file PSIKey_2.dll (or similar, like PSIKey.dll ). Copy it—do not move it. Paste and Rename in Programs :