Disconnected License File Showing up as Evaluation in NI License Manager

Updated Jun 21, 2022

Reported In

Software

  • Volume License Manager
  • NI License Manager

Operating System

  • Windows

Issue Details

  • I made a disconnected license in Volume License Manager for my offline computer and installed it successfully but when I try to launch the software it is showing up in evaluation mode in my NI License Manager.
  • When I try opening the software that must be included in the disconnected license file, I receive a warning saying that the evaluation licenses are about to expire or that are already expired.
Evaluation.png

Solution

This issue occurs because the NI License manager is pulling the evaluation licenses before pulling the licenses from the disconnected license file.

To fix this issue you can try the following:

  • Upgrade License Manager to 4.7 or the latest version available and let the evaluation expire. 

    After updating the NI License manager and you launch the software you will get an activation window pop up. Then click on Remind Me When They Expire and you will not receive the notification of evaluation licenses again. Doing this will let the evaluation expire, once the evaluation is finalized the license will go into activated mode because it will reference the disconnected license. 

image.png

  • Hide the evaluation license files

First, locate the Licenses folder that contains license files for the evaluation version of your software. This is found in the following location on your windows file explorer: C:\ProgramData\National Instruments\License Manager. If you have any issues finding the <ProgramData> folder or any other folders, see this Microsoft Support Article: Show hidden files. Then, rename the Licenses folder into Licenses_OLD. This will stop NI License Manager from finding and opening the evaluation version of the software. Now, create a new folder named Licenses. Lastly, reinstall the Disconnected License File on your NI License Manager.
After following the steps above you will have the two folders below
C:\ProgramData\National Instruments\License Manager\Licenses (with only the disconnected file)
C:\ProgramData\National Instruments\License Manager\Licenses_OLD (with all the files)

Additional Information

If the previous troubleshooting steps do not fix the issue, check the following: 
  • Make sure that you are licensing the proper version/product, as the disconnected license file is onyl valid for the software versions licensed in the server license file at the time of disconnecting the license. If you get a new server license file with newer versions, remember to create new disconnected license files.
  • Make sure that you are not looking at the local licenses.
  • Make sure that there are no temporary licenses in:
C:\ProgramData\National Instruments\License Manager
  • Make sure that the disconnected license was installed correctly.
  • Make sure that the license file does not have an expiration date.
  • If your licenses are user-based, make sure you are logging in to the computer with the correct user name.
  • If your licenses are computer-based, make sure that the computer information is correct in your disconnected license.
  • Check that your versions of NI Volume License Manager on the server and NI License Manager on the client are running compatible versions.

Related Links

Software Is Unlicensed or in Evaluation Mode Activating from NI VLM or FlexNET Server
Avoid License Conflicts While Pointing to Volume License Server

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