Problem

This article describes how to borrow a SOLIDWORKS Network License. Borrowing is different than checking out a license. The term “checking out” refers to pulling a license from the license server when launching SOLIDWORKS automatically. When a license is obtained this way, it is automatically returned to the license server when SOLIDWORKS is closed.

When needing to use SOLIDWORKS away from the network hosting a license server, users can do so by “borrowing” a license, which removes it from the available pool of licenses. The license is lent for a specified period of time, up to 30 days (or as defined by the SNL Options file ). After borrowing a license, the computer no longer needs to be connected to the License Server while using SOLIDWORKS.

Solution

Follow the steps below to borrow a license:

1. Click Start > All Programs > SOLIDWORKS 20XX > SOLIDWORKS Tools > SolidNetWork License Manager 20XX.
2. Navigate to the License Borrowing tab
3. Select a date in “Borrow until” to specify the length of time to borrow the license for, with a maximum of 30 days
4. Select the Product License(s) to borrow, then click "Borrow"
5. Click "Refresh", and the column to the right indicates when the license is borrowed until
6. Click "OK"

Follow the steps below to return a borrowed license:

1. Click Start > All Programs > SOLIDWORKS 20XX > SOLIDWORKS Tools > SolidNetWork License Manager 20XX
2. Go to the License Borrowing Tab
3. Select the Product License(s) to be returned in the “Borrowed product licenses” dialog box

4. Click "Return"

   

Please note that an issue can occur when using a different connection to return the borrowed license to the SolidNetWork License server, such as a laptop's Wireless connection instead of the Ethernet connection. Please ensure the connection used to initially borrow the license is enabled (i.e., Wireless or Ethernet) and in use.

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