Spectra activation does not work on Windows ("Failed to get HWID")

When you have a popup error message “Failed to get HWID”, you need to start the ACT-L3 or L5 codec, before entering the code.

Note: the title bar says (Service: Off)

The switch on that page just tells the software which ACT-L3 or L5 codec to load at startup. The actual starting/stopping of services happens on the Services page. Service must be running in order for an HWID to generate and for activation to work.

To start a service go to the Services tab and start either ACT-L3 or L5.

Here is a link comparing ACT L-3 and L5: ACT L-3 V.S ACT L-5