Error: Could not Initiate the Transaction

When attempting to activate SOLIDWORKS, an error can occur indicating the activation transaction failed. The message that SOLIDWORKS provides can be confusing and list the error [0,0,0]. Other messages may include "failed to obtain computerID" and contact your VAR. Closing SOLIDWORKS, the activation window, and trying to activate again results in the same or similar error. 

After verifying that the workstation or laptop has internet access, the next step is to check the FlexNet license services on the machine.

1. Open the Windows Control Panel by typing Control Panel in the Windows Search Bar
   (Windows 10/11) or from the Windows Start Menu
2. Select System and Security
3. Choose the Administrative Tools menu
   
4. Select the Services icon from within the Administrative Tools menu
   

The Windows Services console window should appear and list all services that are running on the system. Check to see if there are services named:

• FlexNet Licensing Service
• FlexNet Licensing Service 64

Verify that the service startup type for the FlexNet services is set to the 'manual' startup option.

If the FlexNet License and FlexNet License 64 services are set to Disable for the startup type, Right-click the service and set the startup type to manual. Save changes once done.

After both services are set to manual, launch SOLIDWORKS again and try activating the software. The "Could not initiate Transaction" activation error should now be resolved. 

For further technical support, please contact Hawk Ridge Systems at 877.266.4469 for the U.S. or 866.587.6803 for Canada and support@hawkridgesys.com.