Composite Module Template is password protected

We have a composite module template that was made 6+ years ago and it was password protected or locked down so that it could not be altered accidentally because it is a very standard custom block for what it does.  Well, there have been some improvements in DV since then and I would like to incorporate them into this custom block but unfortunately the password has been lost, forgotten.  

The block is a 'pseudo AI' which we use to display any parameter on graphics, allowing us to use our existing dynamo sets and associated alarm management, color changes, eng. units, etc.  Recreating this custom block and validating it will be quite time consuming.

Anyone know how to recover a password locked custom composite block even if it needs to be renamed or exported/imported back as a different block?  I have tried to rename/modify in a new, blank database, and it says 'error an item with hidden internal structure can not be updated'.

7 Replies

  • Hi Sean. The only solution I know of for this issue, would be that if there is an "instance" of the module which was made. I believe that instance could be modified, saved (with a newly encrypted password-for which you follow the suggestions given in BOL for future access) after modification and then used as required. BOL "A hidden item's properties and history collection cannot be changed. However, a hidden item can be deleted. An instance of a hidden item can be modified from the Properties, History Collection, and Configure dialogs. Parameter shortcut values can be changed on an instance." Am I addressing the issue you have correctly? Or is you issue different from the "hidden" reference?

  • In reply to daigleh:

    I would caution anyone about posting a solution to cracking the password protection feature for locked composites in a public forum.  The consequences of doing so could put the intellectual property of many end-users and integrators at risk.

    I would look to see if you have a backup of your database pre-dating enabling the lockdown feature and work from there.  Alternatively, I would directly contact Emerson GSC, Sure Service, or your local representative with the issue and see if they can have the code 'unlocked' the code for you via the proper channels (if they exist).  

    Good luck.

  • In reply to daigleh:

    Thanks Henry for the suggestion but I need to go a bit deeper in the custom block parameters for the change.  I believe I am stuck and need to work around or recreate from scratch.  

  • Would you like for me to contact someone at Emerson that I used to work with before you go through all of that? I would be happy to do that.

    On 1/10/2014 2:12 PM, Sean Brady wrote:

    Thanks Henry for the suggestion but I need to go a bit deeper in the custom block parameters for the change.  I believe I am stuck and need to work around or recreate from scratch.  

  • Most of the systems I’ve worked on, have been developed using PCSD, Emerson’s standard library of templates and included are pseudo AI modules, look for something like AI_SOFT as a class/module template and you should find reference to the unlocked AI_SOFT composite block.
     
    GSC should be able to send you a copy of the fhx if you don’t have it on your system.
     
    It is a common requirement, so no need to start from scratch.
     
     
    From: daigleh [mailto:bounce-daigleh@community.emerson.com]
    Sent: Saturday, January 11, 2014 12:34 AM
    To: DeltaV@community.emerson.com
    Subject: Re: [EE365 DeltaV Track] Composite Module Template is password protected
     
    Would you like for me to contact someone at Emerson that I used to work with before you go through all of that? I would be happy to do that.
    On 1/10/2014 2:12 PM, Sean Brady wrote:

    Thanks Henry for the suggestion but I need to go a bit deeper in the custom block parameters for the change.  I believe I am stuck and need to work around or recreate from scratch.  

  • What if you created a new module and selected it to be based on existing ?

    Stuart Greenhalgh

    Phone: 7575385032, Mobile: 7574351909, Fax: 7575385026, E-Mail: Stuart.Greenhalgh@basf.com
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    BASF - The Chemical Company



    From:        "Sean Brady" <bounce-Sean_Brady@community.emerson.com>
    To:        <DeltaV@community.emerson.com>
    Date:        01/10/2014 12:30 PM
    Subject:        [EE365 DeltaV Track] Composite Module Template is password protected





    We have a composite module template that was made 6+ years ago and it was password protected or locked down so that it could not be altered accidentally because it is a very standard custom block for what it does.  Well, there have been some improvements in DV since then and I would like to incorporate them into this custom block but unfortunately the password has been lost, forgotten.  

    The block is a 'pseudo AI' which we use to display any parameter on graphics, allowing us to use our existing dynamo sets and associated alarm management, color changes, eng. units, etc.  Recreating this custom block and validating it will be quite time consuming.

    Anyone know how to recover a password locked custom composite block even if it needs to be renamed or exported/imported back as a different block?  I have tried to rename/modify in a new, blank database, and it says 'error an item with hidden internal structure can not be updated'.

  • Hello Sean,
    I've the same problem with AI_SOFT in PBL_MASTER_CMs.
    How did you solve the problem?
    Thank you.
    Have a nice week end