Frequently asked questions
This section provides some answers to common questions about the Blank-it solution:
Why are there different models of Blank-it?
Blank-it comes in three models:
- BL-146: A first-generation USB Motion Sensor (End of Life).
- BL-149: A first-generation USB Motion Sensor with override support (End of Life).
- BL-205: A second generation rugged USB Motion Sensor with optional click-in override cable that gives the same functionality as the BL-149.
The BL-205 model is the current model and is considered to be the replacement for both the BL-146 and the BL-149.
Can Blank-it be stopped if the user ends the process using Task Manager?
Yes, but this can be prevented with the right configuration.
Blank-it makes no assumptions about a computer's operating environment. If the administrator has not disabled task manager or CTRL+ALT+DELETE, then Blank-it will not override the administrator's design decision. If the administrator wishes to prevent Blank-it from being closed via task manager, then a simple user or group policy can be applied to disable task manager and the CTRL+ALT+DELETE shortcut.
From Blank-it 5.0, the Blank-it Monitor was introduced. This provides a second line of defense. If the Blank-it Monitor is enabled, it will monitor the system and restart the Blank-it application if it is ever closed.
Can users edit the configuration file manually?
No. By default, users do not have write permission on the program data directory (as discussed in Appendix C). Organization IT policies should be set up to ensure that this is the case.
However, even if the user did have the requisite permissions, the configuration file itself is signed using strong public-key cryptography and is thus tamper-proof.
Can users delete the configuration file?
No. By default, users do not have write or delete permission on the program data directory (as discussed in Appendix C). Organization IT policies should be set up to ensure that this is the case.
How can I restore Blank-it if it is minimized and not visible in the System Tray?
If you have Blank-it running in minimized mode and it is not visible in the system tray, you can follow the steps below to restore it:
- Press the 'show system tray icon' hotkey to temporarily show the Blank-it icon in the system tray. By default, this hotkey is
F10. - Click on the Blank-it icon in the system tray.
What is Activation Started, Activation Expires in the Blank-it Status window?
Activation Started represents the last time the individual Blank-it instance contacted the online License Server and refreshed the activation. Activation Expires represents when the individual Blank-it instance will expire. The period the individual activation is active for is determined during the configuration stage as is how often the validity of the license is checked. Blank-it will automatically contact the License Server and will keep attempting to do so until a successful connection is made. If it is not possible for the License Server to be contacted before the expiry date is reached then Blank-it will revert back to Motion Sensor and screen blanking only, any additional features will not function.
Blank-it will continue to auto refresh the individual activation until the Annual License Fee expiry date is reached.
What information should I include when raising a support request?
If you need any help with the configuration or operation of any aspect of the Blank-it solution, the Blank-it staff are always happy to help. In order to ensure that your support request is resolved as quickly as possible, we request that you include the following:
- A description of your problem.
- A copy of your configuration file:
C:\ProgramData\Blank-it\config.dat - A copy of the main Blank-it data file:
C:\Users\Public\Documents\Blank-it\main.db - A copy of all Blank-it log files:
C:\Users\Public\Documents\Blank-it\log-*.txt