Why do I Get the Error "Unable to Communicate With License Server"?
Primary Software: Other NI Software>>NI Volume License Manager
Primary Software Version: 2.0
Primary Software Fixed Version: N/A
Secondary Software: Other NI Software>>NI License Manager
Problem: I want to use an NI software product that is licensed through NI Volume License Manager. Whenever I launch the product, I get a warning that says
Unable to Communicate With License Server. Why do I get this error and how can I resolve it?
Solution: If the client computer cannot communicate with the license server, then you might see this warning. There are a variety of possible causes of this warning.
- Client does not have network access
- If the client does not have network access and cannot connect to a license server at all, you can generate a disconnected license file from NI VLM.
- The license server is down
- Ensure that the server computer is on and that the license server is running
- Verify that the license server is running without an error. This can be done by examining the log file or by stopping and restarting the server. If an error has occurred, you may get a message saying Unable to stop the license server. In this case, stop the nilm.exe process through the Windows Task Manager. Then restart the license server.
- The client computer is not pointing to the correct license server port
- Check the port that the license server is running on
- Ensure that the client computer is configured to look to that same port
- Open NI License Manager by going to Start»Programs»National Instruments»NI License Manager
- Go to Options»Preferences
- Ensure that the checkbox for Use Network License Server is selected and the license server name and port are configured correctly
- Client is not on the same domain as the license server
- You might get this error if the client computer is connected to a license server which is on a different domain than the client computer. To resolve this, add the server's domain to the client computer's DNS settings. To do this, complete the following steps on the client computer:
- Open Local Area Network Settings from the Control Panel (Start»Control Panel»Network Connections»Local Area Connection)
- Click the Properties button
- Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) from the list of network components
- Click the Properties button
- Click the Advanced button
- Change to the DNS tab
- Ensure Append these DNS suffixes is selected
- Click the Add button
- Enter the domain suffix of the license server and click Add
- Close any open dialog boxes, choosing OK and Close as necessary.
See the Related Links section for more possible reasons for this error.
Related Links: KnowledgeBase 4A5AN48M: Why is My NI License Manager Slow or Not Responsive with a Configured Network Server on Another Domain?
KnowledgeBase 467MC5QA: Troubleshooting NI VLM Client Connection Issues Using Telnet
Attachments:
Report Date: 09/02/2005
Last Updated: 07/18/2008
Document ID: 3MR88V1F
