Problem

This article outlines the steps necessary to move the SolidNetWork License (SNL) Manager 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 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. You may receive a warning claiming that “Windows reboot is pending from a previous installation.” Select OK in this dialogue to proceed.

4. 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.

   

5. The Summary page will appear and show your installation location and download options. Pressing the Change button on these fields will allow you to edit the information.

   

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

   

7. When the installation completes, press the Finish button.

Solution Step 3: Deactivate the license on the old server 

1. Go to Start > SOLIDWORKS 20XX > SOLIDWORKS Tools > SolidNetWork License Manager Server 20XX. 

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

   

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

   

4. Select the serial number(s) to deactivate, enter your email address, and select "Next" to deactivate the license.

   

Solution Step 4: Activate the license on the new server

1. Go to Start > SOLIDWORKS 20XX > SOLIDWORKS Tools > SolidNetWork License Manager Server 20XX. 

2. Since there is no license activated, you will be prompted to activate your license(s). Select "Yes".

   

3. The SolidNetwork License Activation Wizard dialog box will appear. We suggest 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 "A firewall is in use on this server". This will allow the SolidNetWork License Manager to work through a firewall, using only ports TCP 25734 and 25735 inbound to the server. Select "Next" when finished.

   

4. Add your network license serial numbers by selecting the "Add" button. Once added, enter your email address and select "Next". This will finish the activation process.

   

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 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, then "remove" the old server address and "add" the address for the new server as illustrated below. The address is in the format "25734@servername".
   
3. Click OK to apply the changes.

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.

Solution Step 6: In SOLIDWORKS PDM (if applicable)

1. Open the Administration Tool: Start Menu > "Administration".
2. Log in to the vault you would like to update the License Server for.
3. Double-click on "License".
   
4. Click on the old License Server entry, then hit "Remove".
5. Click "Add" and enter the new License Server in the format "25734@LICENSE_SERVER_HOSTNAME_OR_IP".
6. Restart the PDM Clients to propagate the change.

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.