How to Activate NI Software for FIRST Robotics Competition

Updated May 28, 2024

Reported In

Software

  • LabVIEW
  • Vision Development Module
  • NI License Manager
  • LabVIEW First Robotics Competition Software

Issue Details

I downloaded some NI software as part of the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC). Up until this point, it has been running on an evaluation license, but that license is expiring and I need to fully activate it.

Solution

You'll need to open up NI License Manager and log into an NI.com account. If you do not have an account, a team member or mentor should create one for the team

Once you are logged into an account, go to the "Local Licenses" tab of NI License Manager and find the software you need to activate. Unlicensed software will have a gray icon, expired licenses will have a red icon, and evaluation licenses will have a yellow icon.

Once you've identified the software to activate, right click on that item and select "Activate." When prompted for a Serial Number, enter the number from your Software Packet.

Additional Information

If you are being prompted to enter in a 20 character activation code, ensure you are connected to the internet. Then retry the above process.

If none of these methods work, you can try to generate an activation code for your computer. The steps will be identical to the portion on the topic of generating activation codes listed in the following article on Activating NI Software Without an Internet Connection