I own this software but have not used it in years and when I read your post, I decided to load it and... I get the same message you posted above.

I want to hug you! I thought it was just me and my pc acting up again :D

Thank you so soo much for your answer, I wish now someone would help us make it work again like before <3

Hello, I have checked if I get the error and indeed I also receive the same bug in version 7.0.6.0

<3 Thank you so much for confirming this! <3 Let's hope someone helps us solve this issue soon.

This from Willyb53:

https://www.renderosity.com/forums/threads/2996190/warning-blacksmith-3d-users

Bondware owns the source code for Blacksmith3D, but it is no longer a published software title.
We are working through the process of open-sourcing the code for the benefit of the community.
This will allow interested developers to fork the code to modernize or enhance it.

Thank you, that would be great, but then what about users now that wish to keep using it? Is there any way to have it working again? It is a very necessary program for texturing.

So the issue started after an update with Windows, if I understand correctly?

It seems to be when the program access the appdata.  if you remove or rename the folder there, 6 will come up in demo mode but run so itthat info may help in the debugging

Biill

Bondware owns the source code for Blacksmith3D, but it is no longer a published software title.
We are working through the process of open-sourcing the code for the benefit of the community.
This will allow interested developers to fork the code to modernize or enhance it.

Not sure what it sets for security without the code, but if it just sets a flag and you are thinking of open source, just set  what ever i sneeded for it towork.

I retired from programming 20 years ago so not sure what it looks like inside tthe code

Bill

I fear I am not too good at teach stuff, you think there is a way to have it work again? It doesn't let me put my serial number, I only get that error and cannot access the program anymore.

I thank you a lot for your help.

AT this point, there seems to be nothing we can do.

I tried rolling back to previous and it did not work

The only choices are microsoft updates (unupdates) or Rendo can fix it

If it is because it happens in apdat folder, maybe move the securiy info to another location not protected bu microsoft security or

disable the security check.

for info (if yuo still have them, blacksmith 3,5 and 4 still ork, I no longer have version 5 so can not comment on it

Billk

You were so amazing with all the explanations, thank you so much! I have tried too to roll back the update of Windows with no luck.

I really hope to find some previous versions then, too bad as this was a very essential program and I wish Rendo will give us the assistance to make it work again.

I am dead in the water on some projects without blacksmith

I use it for all morphs for one reason, it allows temporary welds, which alows morphing and smothing accross seams.  the poser smothing brush can cause seperatiosn if used accross a seam.

I will be submitting the v4 to LF1 shoe fitter today, but will not be able to do any more until I have blacksmith

Bill

Dear Bill, same as you unfortunately, I need it badly for texturing, it is a life saving program for seams and all that. It seems we are in desperate need for help, I hope Renderosity will fix it.

Are you guys on Win or Mac?

Windows, apparentlycaused by security update

Bill

I am on Window 10, thinking about moving on to Windows 11, just have not decided yet.

looks like the same issue is happening to texture transformer too

Assuming you purchased "Blacksmith3D Pro Version 7" for Windows, find it in your purchases and download the main ZIP file for Windows again.  Expand it over your current installation or copy the Blacksmith3D.exe file into your Blacksmith3D install folder.  This should address the reported issue.

If not, let us know.

Texture Transformer V1.1.2.0 accepts a reentry of the registration license number, but Version 2.0.6.0 refuses to register.  I am not convinced that the Windows update has actually broken all of Blacksmith3d's software.  Did he pull the plug on all his products?

Assuming you purchased "Blacksmith3D Pro Version 7" for Windows, find it in your purchases and download the main ZIP file for Windows again.  Expand it over your current installation or copy the Blacksmith3D.exe file into your Blacksmith3D install folder.  This should address the reported issue.

If not, let us know.

Should note I had the subscription version which I kept till it was no longer supported.   But the serial I have still worked.  Till this error of course.

The windows version download is the same file it has always been, nothing changed.  So still has the error.

Same as GGreen, I am on Window 10, thinking about moving on to Windows 11. Same issues as the others report.

tim posted at 3:38 PM Thu, 16 October 2025 - #4500690

Assuming you purchased "Blacksmith3D Pro Version 7" for Windows, find it in your purchases and download the main ZIP file for Windows again.  Expand it over your current installation or copy the Blacksmith3D.exe file into your Blacksmith3D install folder.  This should address the reported issue.

If not, let us know.

AS for BS7 Loaded lh1 painted across his torso and saved, looks ok

Billk

Further information, it comes up as standard version not pro

At least I can function as slng as I dont need pro features which is an improvment

Bill

It looks like there was a PRO flag that was set in th e appdata folder as well

so for right now, no .abr files (I can work around) and no large textures no problem, and may be some other things  i missed

Bill

Fyi, that redownload set off several virus warnings with severe threats. Also, didn't fix it.

More Info-- Mac users it still works. 
Win 10 PC Not connected to the internet-- launches but opens in demo mode since it can't connect.

Uploaded new patch for "Blacksmith3D Pro Version 7" for Windows main app zip file, find it in your purchases and download the main ZIP file for Windows again.  Expand it over your current installation or copy the Blacksmith3D.exe file into your Blacksmith3D install folder.

This should be Pro version & include TextureTransformer.

If not, let us know.

Considering bundling this with with Poser 14 under Poser license managment to simplify things going forward.  Thoughts?

It would make sense to bundle it with Poser 14, since Bondware is considering making it open source.

Downloaded, tested.  TT2 now working, says Pro

Still can not import .abr brushes, but I know how to convert those anyway so I seem to be runctional, time to start cleanup o next freebie :D

Bill

Great to know about the 7, but I have this version:

Blacksmith3D Pro-6 Upgrade from Pro-5

Version 6.3 to be precise. What about this? Is there a way for me to get the version 7?

Still getting an error with the stand alone Texture transformer

Further testing results:

as mentioned it no longer recognizes .abr extension

drag and drop for the brush tip no longer works

the drag and drop is inconvienient but I can load by navigating to my brush folder

Nothing else came up in the paint module

Bill

Please consider sending out a sitemail to owners that this has been updated. If someone else hadn't pointed me to this thread, I'd still be pulling out my hair and searching the couch cushions for spare change to try and buy Substance Painter.

Texture Transformer V1.1.2.0 accepts a reentry of the registration license number, but Version 2.0.6.0 refuses to register.  I am not convinced that the Windows update has actually broken all of Blacksmith3d's software.  Did he pull the plug on all his products?

I suspect this too Phoenix1966, I believe the server it tried to reach is no longer available.

To add further information, I am running Windows 11.

hborre posted at 3:38 PM Thu, 16 October 2025 - #4500691

Texture Transformer V1.1.2.0 accepts a reentry of the registration license number, but Version 2.0.6.0 refuses to register.  I am not convinced that the Windows update has actually broken all of Blacksmith3d's software.  Did he pull the plug on all his products?

Blacksmith had a "phone home feature". I believe the server it tried to reach is no longer available. When my main computer started throwing this error a few days ago(on Windows 10 with no recent updates), I broke out my old laptop that hadn't been used in 2 years. When I tried to open Blacksmith, I got the message that it needed to periodically check in with a server and I should close the app, connect to the internet and then reopen". I did then connect to the internet and as soon as I opened Blacksmith, I got that error we've all been seeing on a very old version of Windows 10 with no updates..

I don't understand why, if it's a discontinued program, the developers don't remove the need to call a specific number, so that those who already own the program can use it without these setbacks.

Re-Downloaded the files for 7, but within the zip they haven't been updated since 2017, so I'm guessing the upgrade for 7 hasn't been updated?

I still have version 6.3 and, even if I wanted, I cannot buy the version 7, as nothing about Blacksmith3d is available anymore. 

I agree totally with Hborre, same issue with digital entertainments like videogames, the server goes POOF and we, the customers, are left with nothing at all. We pay for the use of something for as long as they let us use it, it seems.

Great idea Marciushess, why don't they simply remove the need to access a dead server? I think would be the easiest solution.

Also, thank you ChangelingChick, is there a way to get the version 7 somehow?

ChangelingChick posted at 1:40 AM Sat, 18 October 2025 - #4500741

Re-Downloaded the files for 7, but within the zip they haven't been updated since 2017, so I'm guessing the upgrade for 7 hasn't been updated?

Interesting, when I downloaded and unzipped, the BS7 exe was dated Oct 17 2025

Bill

Looks like they may have only updated the Pro version of Blacksmith 7.0.6 as my standard version is still stuck at 23 June 2017 with a new download 5 minutes ago.

Aj!  They should be able to do that easily.  The firs tattempt dropped me into standard

Actullythey probablyshould put that version out for v6 and v7 standard versions

Bill

New version of BlacksmithPro (the updated version Tim mentions above) sets off several virus scans and block tutorials from viewing. Texture Transformer still refuses to open (virus scan refuses to allow exe to open). I imagine this is rather troublesome for texturing artists.

I just received this answer from Costumer's Support:

Thank you for reaching out. Unfortunately, Renderosity no longer supports or provides updates for BlackSmith 3D, as the software has been discontinued.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. While we’re unable to offer technical assistance for this product, you may still be able to find community discussions or troubleshooting tips in our Renderosity Forums, where other users have shared solutions for older software.

Thank you for your understanding, and we appreciate your continued support of Renderosity.

I really can't understand the company's stance. We all bought the product, which isn't cheap, and we use it at work. Now they're just saying they're sorry, but we'll have to figure it out. And they could have simply removed the need for the software to be activated by calling a phone number.

This of Marciushess: 

I really can't understand the company's stance. We all bought the product, which isn't cheap, and we use it at work. Now they're just saying they're sorry, but we'll have to figure it out. And they could have simply removed the need for the software to be activated by calling a phone number.

What about all of us who bought it and need it for our work? 

I got the exact same answer as marciushess. 

To be fair, they are trying to fix it.

the 208599 is mostly functional.  the security alerts some are getting  I do not understand., byt I am on win7 using MS security essentials and received no warnings

bll