Problem

This article outlines the steps necessary to move the SolidNetWork License Manager (SNL) Server to another computer or server.

Solution Step 1: Before Moving the License

Before moving the license to a new server, please check the SOLIDWORKS System Requirements page. The server must be supported for the intended SOLIDWORKS version.

Please note that there may be some downtime while transferring the license to a new server. We recommend completing this process when no users plan to use SOLIDWORKS.

Solution Step 2: Install SolidNetWork License Manager on New Server

1. Go to the SOLIDWORKS Download page: Downloads | Support | SOLIDWORKS
2. Log in with your 3DEXPERIENCE ID. If you do not have access to the download page, please create an account and ask your administrator to associate it with your organization by following these steps: How to Access SOLIDWORKS Subscription Service Benefits and create a 3DEXPERIENCE ID?
3. Within the installation files, run "setup.exe" as an administrator to launch the installation manager
4. Click "OK" to dismiss the warning “Windows reboot is pending from a previous installation”

5. On the Welcome page of the installation manager, select the "Install server components" radio button, then select the "Install SolidNetWork License Manager" checkbox, and press "Next".

   

6. The Summary page will appear and show the installation location and download options. Pressing the "Change" button on these fields will allow the settings to be changed.

   

7. Check the box to accept the license agreement, then press the "Install (or Download and Install)" button to begin the installation

   

8. When the installation completes, press the "Finish" button
9. Once finished, continue to the next section

Solution Step 3: Deactivate the license on the old server 

1. Open the computer or server that is currently hosting the license(s)
2. Go to Start > SOLIDWORKS 20XX > SOLIDWORKS Tools > SolidNetWork License Manager Server 20XX

3. Navigate to the "Server Administration" tab and select "Modify"

   

4. In the window that opens, select the radio button for "Move your product license(s)to a new/upgraded computer" and click the "Next" button

   

5. Select the Serial Number(s) to deactivate, enter an Email Address, and select "Next" to deactivate the license(s)
   
6. Once finished, continue to the next section

Solution Step 4: Activate the license on the new server

1. Open the new computer or server that will be hosting the license(s)
2. Go to Start > SOLIDWORKS 20XX > SOLIDWORKS Tools > SolidNetWork License Manager Server 20XX 

3. Hit "Yes" for the license activation prompt

   

4. The SolidNetwork License Activation Wizard dialog box will appear. We recommend using all the default values listed on this page unless the ports here are currently in use by other software. It is recommended to select the "A firewall is in use on this server" option to allow the SNL to work through a firewall, using only ports TCP 25734 and 25735 inbound to the server.

   

5. Select "Next" when finished setting the SNL options
6. Add the network license serial numbers by selecting the "Add" button. Once added, enter an Email Address and select "Next" to start the activation process

1. Once finished, continue to the next section

Solution Step 5a: Client Workstation (on each machine)

The clients must now be reconnected to the new server to obtain SOLIDWORKS licenses. This change can be applied through the "SolidNetWork License Manager Client 20XX" application or by updating the following registry keys to reflect the new server's name.

• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINIE\Software\FLEXlm License Manager
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\FLEXlm License Manager

It is recommended to disable Windows UAC and to launch the SolidNetWork License Manager Client as an administrator to complete the following changes.

1. Go to Start > SOLIDWORKS 20XX > SOLIDWORKS Tools > SolidNetWork License Manager Client
2. Go to the Server List tab, remove the old server address with the "Remove" button, and add the new server address with the "Add" button. The address is in the format "25734@servername".
   
3. Click "OK" to apply the changes
4. Once finished, continue to section 6

Solution Step 5b: Client Workstations (on multiple machines)

On multiple machines, the same process can be expedited by updating the Registry key in the attached file "SNL_Servername.reg" and executing it on clients' machines. It will replace the old registry entry with a new registry entry.

1. Open the attached file in Notepad.
2. Change the Servername to the name of the new server.
   For instance, if the new server name is "New_Servername", the registry text will no longer be:
   “SW_D_LICENSE_FILE”=”25734@Old_Servername“ 
   The correct text will be: 
   “SW_D_LICENSE_FILE”=”25734@New_Servername“ 
3. Save the file. This Registry key can now be executed on client workstations.
4. Once finished, continue to the next section

Solution Step 6: In SOLIDWORKS PDM (if applicable)

1. Open the PDM Administration Tool
2. Log in to the vault that needs the license server updated

3. Double-click on "License"

   

4. Click on the old License Server entry, then click "Remove"
5. Click "Add" and enter the new License Server in the format
    "25734@LICENSE_SERVER_HOSTNAME" or "25734@IP_Address"
6. Restart the PDM Clients to propagate the change.

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