Problem

This article will go over how to switch a SolidNetwork License Manager (SNL) to utilize a temporary license file or an activation-exempt license file for SOLIDWORKS Network Licensing. Temporary License files are typically used for testing or network outages. Activation-exempt license files are used when hosting a Network license in an environment that cannot use normal methods to activate over the internet or through email activation.

Solution

Follow the steps below to load the license file:

1. Have users check in all licenses if possible
2. Open the Windows Start Menu and go to SOLIDWORKS Tools > SolidNetWork License Manager to open the License Manager Server Client

3. Browse to the Server Administration tab and click Options under Advanced Options

   

4. Change to the "Use a license file" option and click "OK"
    

   

5. In the Server Administration tab, click "Modify"

6. On the first page that comes up, choose the "Single" option and click "Next"

   

7. Check the box for "A firewall is in use on this Server" 

   

8. Keep the "Port Number" set to 25734 and the "Vendor Daemon Port Number" set to 25735. Change these default ports if needed.

   

9. If given a license file called "SNL_ANY.TXT" set the Dongle ID to "ANY" and hit "Next"

   

10. If given a license file called "SNL_<Server MAC Address>.TXT", change the Dongle ID dropdown to NIC Address and put in the MAC Address of the Server with no spaces or dashes and hit "Next"

    

11. On the last page, click Read... and browse to the received license file

12. Click OK and the activated products will be listed

    

13. Click Finish
14. Try launching SOLIDWORKS on a client machine to grab licensing

For steps on removing a license file to switch back to normal activation, take a look at this article:
How to Remove Temporary SOLIDWORKS Licenses – Hawk Ridge Systems

For additional support, existing customers can submit a ticket or new customers can contact Hawk Ridge Systems.