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The macOS system function "Secure Input" protects sensitive text input (such as password input) from being spied out by malicious programs.

This feature is activated by the program, that receives the text input and it has to be disabled by the same program after data entry. For example, the Safari browser is enabling "Secure Input" in password input fields. Unfortunately, some applications do not to seem to release the "Secure Input" mode which makes any subsequent text input invisible for 3rd party apps, including PhraseExpress.

To review, which application has enabled "Secure Input", open the Terminal App and enter the command "ioreg -l -w 0 | grep SecureInput" (without ""), followed by ENTER.

This not an error in PhraseExpress and it has no way to remotely disable "Secure Input". If this would be possible, also malware would make use of such remote disabling, making the security feature "Secure Input" obsolete.

Resolving Secure Input Issues

Disable "auto-submit" feature of any auto-login feature and/or close and restart the application, that caused the interference.

Sometimes, Secure Input remains active when it shouldn't, such as after sensitive data entry or when switching applications. This prevents PhraseExpress usage until Secure Input is disabled. PhraseExpress notifies you of Secure Input activation via its menu bar and Dock icons, indicating which application has enabled it. Exiting that application will deactivate Secure Input, allowing PhraseExpress to function.

Workarounds for Secure Input

Avoiding persistent Secure Input activation may be possible by deactivating auto-submit features in auto-logins. Instead, manually click "Login" or "Submit" after password entry. Different applications may require unique solutions. If encountering issues, check if the problematic app is listed below or inform us for further investigation. Applications Known for Secure Input Issues

• Firefox: Update Firefox to the latest version to avoid Secure Input issues in older versions.
• Chrome: Chrome may fail to deactivate Secure Input after password entry. Restarting Chrome should fix this.
• Box: Box Sync keeps Secure Input active post-login. Restarting the app may resolve this.
• loginwindow: When PhraseExpress identifies "login window" as the source of Secure Input, it's often an approximation. This can occur when OS X leaves Secure Input active after login or password entry. Restarting the Mac or closing other apps can help re-enable PhraseExpress.
• Terminal: Use "Secure Keyboard Entry" to toggle Secure Input in Terminal, especially for password entry. Similar settings exist in other terminal applications like iTerm2.
• Webroot SecureAnywhere: Secure Input is always on by default. To disable, select "Pause Secure Keyboard Entry" from its menu.

These workarounds can help manage Secure Input issues, ensuring PhraseExpress functions effectively.

"G-Data Internet Security" can prevent PhraseExpress to detect abbreviations in browsers like Chrome or Firefox and other applications, like Microsoft Word.

This will cause PhraseExpress not to expand autotext abbreviations or to show the phrase menu.

To configure "G-Data Internet Security" for use with PhraseExpress:

1. Open "G-Data Internet Security" by right-clicking on its tray icon and select Start G-DATA INTERNET SECURITY.

2. Click Web protection / More settings…

3. Click on Advanced in the browser protection section.

4. Uncheck all desired browsers.

After following above steps, PhraseExpress shall detect your autotext input reliably.

"ESET Security" can prevent PhraseExpress to detect abbreviations or cause scrambled text output in in browsers like Chrome or Firefox and other applications, like Microsoft Word.

To configure "ESET Internet Security" for use with PhraseExpress:

1. Open "ESETSecurity" settings.

2. Under "Setup » Web and EMail", consider disabling "Secure Browser".

Eventually, there might be an option in ESET to exclude PhraseExpress from being blocked by ESET. Please consult the maker for more info.

Webroot Secure Anywhere can prevent PhraseExpress from detecting abbreviations in browsers like Chrome or Firefox and other applications, like Microsoft Word.

This will cause PhraseExpress not to expand autotext abbreviations or to show the phrase menu.

To configure Webroot SecureAnywhere for use with with PhraseExpress:

1. Open Secure Anywhere Setting, by right-clicking its tray icon and choosing "View Status".
2. Click the cog wheel icon near "Identity Protection".
3. Disable "the Identity Shield".

After following above steps, PhraseExpress shall detect your autotext input reliably.

Zemana Antilogger is an anti-keylogger application, that prevents malicious software from capturing keyboard input to sneak passwords or sensitive data that you may type into your browser or other applications.

Unfortunately, in its default configuration, its keystroke encryption prevents PhraseExpress from detecting entered autotext abbreviations. Unfortunately, this occurs without Zemana reporting any blocked application.

To configure Zemana Antilogger for use with with PhraseExpress:

1. Click on the Settings button in the Zemana main window.

2. Change to tab Security Settings.

3. Uncheck Enable keystroke encryption.

After following above steps, PhraseExpress shall detect your autotext input reliably.

PhraseExpress is offered in various product editions. If you do not choose the largest Enterprise Edition and register your license key for a smaller edition, you can still use all the functions of the larger editions. This enables you to still evaluate features of a larger editions even after you have made a purchase decision.

You will then occasionally receive license notices when you use these functions which are not included in your license. You can find an feature comparison of the various editions in the shop.

To avoid license notices:

• Purchase the corresponding larger edition if the functions it contains are of interest to you.
• Stop using features that are not included in your license.
• Disabled test of unlicensed functions in the "PhraseExpress Settings » Features".

Yes, if you generate the email with the mail macro, you can directly configure a file to be attached to the email.

To attach a file to an email you are replying to, use the macro "paste file".

• Generate emails
• Attach file to email

If the ENTER or TAB key is blocked on your computer, disable the PhraseExpress option "Route ENTER and TAB through PhraseExpress".

• Expert Options

If the keys U, I,O, J, K, L and M are not working on a Mac, you may accidentally have enabled keyboard mouse simulation in the macOS System Preferences » Acccessibility » Mouse & Trackpad » Enable Mouse keys.

Solution: Disable mouse keys.

You may get license reminders in following cases:

• PhraseExpress allows you to try out features of all product editions, even if you purchased a smaller edition. If using features, that are not included in your product edition (see comparison), occasional license reminders are shown. Please either upgrade to the product edition, that includes the feature or discontinue using those features. When such license reminder is shown, you can opt to disable features, that are not included in your license to avoid running into such reminders accidentally. This can also be configured in the program settings under Settings » Features.
• The software is not yet registered with a license key.
• You are using a later software version with expired maintenance. Please check the "About PhraseExpress" window to review the license status.
• If using a SQL/PhraseExpress Server: The PhraseExpress client may not have received from the server, e.g. in case of a network connection issue. Connect the PhraseExpress client to the server to obtain a license.

• What happens if maintenance expires?
• How to renew maintenance?
• Registration

Microsoft itself discontinued Windows XP/7 long time ago, Windows 8 in January 2023 and strongly recommends to upgrade to the current version.

We do not test PhraseExpress with discontinued operating systems, thus can not make any compatibility statement.

• Windows XP - End of support notice
• Windows 7 - End of support notice
• Windows 8 - End of support notice

Troubleshooting video

Make sure to enable the option to have PhraseExpress launched with the system:

Toggle the setting off and back on to make sure that Windows apply the setting and press the OK button.

If PhraseExpress doesn't launch regardless of this option, it could be that a “security” program (such as an “Antivirus” or “AntiSpyware” software) may block PhraseExpress from launching as it may misinterpret it as a "keylogger". Please check the setting of any such "security" software.

Check general tips to solve problems with starting applications under Windows 10 (Google search).

• PhraseExpress settings