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VLM Disconnected License Does Not Activate My Software

Updated Apr 7, 2026

Reported In

Software

  • Volume License Manager
  • NI License Manager

Issue Details

I have installed a disconnected license file using NI License Manager and receive no warnings during installation. However, when I launch my software, it is still not activated.

Solution

First, open NI License Manager to locate and check the activation status of the disconnected license . If you are using NI License Manager 4.0 or later, the disconnected license will be the first item in the Local Licenses tab.

 

If the status indicates a fully featured license.

  • If you continue to see the activation window when launching the software, verify that the software version you are attempting to activate is the same as, or earlier than the version covered by your license. If you have installed a newer version of the software, you will need to contact your software administrator to request an updated disconnected license for activation.
  • If the activation wizard indicates the software is in evaluation even after installing the disconnected license. Refer to VLM Disconnected License File Showing up as Evaluation.

 

If the status shows a red exclamation mark for NILM 3.7 or unlicensed (gray status) for versions 4.0 and later.

There may be a difference between the username/computer name settings on the computer.

  • For computer-based licenses, ensure that the computer name for which the disconnected license file was generated matches the computer name of the target machine. To find the computer name of your machine, go to the command prompt and type 'hostname', then click enter. 
  • For user-based licenses, ensure the username provided during the disconnected license file generation matches the username on the target machine. To determine the current username of the machine, open up a command prompt window and enter echo %username%.
    • If the computer is on a different domain than the server, be sure to include the domain when generating the license file. You can determine the full username (with domain) by entering whoami into the command prompt.
    • If the username of the target machine is different than the one of the disconnected license file, you need to ask the software administrator to change the username of the disconnected license file to make it match with the username of the machine. You can also change the username of the machine matching the one of the disconnected license file.

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, try uninstalling then reinstalling your NI software .

Additional Information

If you are using an offline machine with a Network Interface Controller (NIC) installed, ensure that the NIC is enabled so the system can generate a valid computer ID 

If none of the steps above resolve the issue, please contact NI Technical Support for further assistance.