Moving SOLIDWORKS License Manager To Another Server

This article outlines the steps necessary to move the SolidNetWork License (SNL) Manager to another machine. Moving the SNL may be necessary for one or more reasons to include the following:

• Operating System is no longer supported for a major SOLIDWORKS release.
• Hardware failure.
• Need additional system resources.

On the new server

Install the SolidNetWork License (SNL) Manager.  

1. Go to SOLIDWORKS' Download page: Downloads | Support | SOLIDWORKS
2. Log in with your 3DEXPERIENCE account. If you do not have access to the download page, please create an account and be associated with your company through the instructions listed in this article: How to Access SOLIDWORKS Subscription Service Benefits and create a 3DEXPERIENCE ID? – Hawk Ridge Systems Support
3. Once downloaded, extract the contents and the installation manager will automatically launch.
4. On the Installation Manager screen select "Server Products" then select "Install SolidNetwork License Manager" and click on Next.
5. Proceed to complete the installation process.

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 click "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. Proceed to complete the license transfer.

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).
   
3. After you have selected "Yes", 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.  Also, 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.
4. Proceed to complete your license activation.

Client Workstation (on each machine)

The client workstation must now be redirected to the new server in order to obtain SOLIDWORKS licenses. This change can be applied through the "SolidNetWork License Manager Client 20xx" application or by updating the following registry key 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 SNL Client as admin to successfully 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.
   
3. Click OK to apply the changes.

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“ 
   but 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.

In SOLIDWORKS PDM (if applicable)

1. Open the Administration Tool: Start Menu > "Administration".
2. Log into 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.