SETUP Guide for CAMWorks Floating File-Based Network License

Follow the instructions below to install, transfer, configure and activate a CAMWorks, CAMWorks Solids, CAMWorks ShopFloor and/or a NESTINGWorks floating network license. All licenses are generated by the developer, HCL Technologies/Geometric Americas, Inc. The “CAMWorks License Activation Guide” contains a more detailed list of instructions, which can be found by browsing and downloaded from www.camworks.com customer area (login required).

Special Note: Everything in this guide is meant to occur on the computer one plans on hosting the CAMWorks license. If you are moving the license to a new computer, follow this guide on the NEW computer.

This setup procedure has 6 steps, (1) Install the ‘CAMWorks License Manager’ on the host (server), (2) Generate & submit the License Request File, (3) Configure Firewall security settings (4) Activate the CAMWorks license on the host (server), (5) Configure the client computers, and (6) Checkout the CAMWorks modules. Follow the steps below.

Step 1 — Install the "CAMWorks License Manager" on the host (server):

The computer hosting the license must be on a Windows network, that client computers can communicate with. This hosting computer must have a static MAC address and port numbers. It is best that this computer typically be powered up and remain connected via a reliable wired network connection. A physical server is ideal and client workstations can too but are not ideal if there are multiple users. A hardware dongle is not required for a CAMWorks floating network license. The client computer(s) using CAMWorks, CAMWorks Solids, CAMWorks ShopFloor and/or NESTINGWorks will obtain the license from this hosting computer (sever)

1. From a Windows user account with administrative rights, install the ‘CAMWorks License Manager’ by right clicking on it and selecting run as administrator. The latest version of the ‘CAMWorks License Manger’ can always be download from www.camworks.com (login required). 
2. Follow the prompts through the installation. It is best to install it to the default location. It must be installed on the local drive of the computer hosting the license. 

Step 2 — Generate & submit the License Request File:

1. On the computer (server) hosting the existing license, launch the ‘CAMWorks License Manager’ as Administrator.
   (Right click and select— More then ’Run as Administrator’.) If prompted a dialog box with the options of Wizard or License Manager, select the License Manager option.
   • While setting up or making changes within the ‘CAMWorks License Manager’ you must be running it as administrator!
2. Navigate to the License Setup tab, verify the License Method is set to: “Floating Network Server”.
   • • 
     • Note the displayed Host name. This should be the name of the computer that is hosting your license.
     • If the displayed HostID does not correspond to the Physical/MAC Address of the computer, the generated license will be invalid and not function! If connecting to the computer that is to host the license via a remote desktop type connection; it is best to verify the displayed HostID matches the Physical/MAC Address of the computer to host the license.
3. Navigate to the Server Settings tab. Click on "Use this Machine as License Server"
4. Change the "Server License Method:" From "Online Activations" to "License File Based"
5. Click the “Request Network Server License…” button. The license request form will appear.
   1. 1. 
6. Complete the form with valid contact information. The company specified needs to match the company name that was on your purchase order. This information is used to verify purchase. The license will be sent to the email addresses specified. Check the box to approve the Privacy Policy
7. Note the specified port number. This will be needed when establishing client computers. The default port number is 27000
8. Depress the “Open in Windows Explorer” button. This will capture your computer’s HostID, generate the License Request File (file extension .CWREQ) and save it in the path/folder where the ‘CAMWorks License Manager’ was installed. (The default location is C:\CWLicenseManager)
9. The file extension will be .CWREQ and the name of the file should indicate the company name, Windows user profile name, and the type of license request (Server or Standalone)
10. Attach this License Request File to an email and send it to: gt.register@hcl.com To help expedite the
    license, please specify your supplied CPD number in the subject of the email.
    • • Confirm the License Request File is attached to the email. HCL-Geometric, auto-reads in this license file to generate the license file, that is encrypted to only authorize on the captured MAC address.
      • If transferring the license to a new computer, because of system crash or system replacement/upgrade please complete the online License Change Request Form at: https://camworks.com/license-change/
      • CAMWorks, CAMWorks Solids, CAMWorks ShopFloor and NESTINGWorks licenses are only created by the developer, HCL Technologies/Geometric Americas. Typically the license turn around time is 1-2 business days, however during peak volume times it could be an additional 4-5 business days. Should you not receive your license from HCL Technologies/Geometric Americas within 5 business days, please contact us at support@hawkridgesys.com. 
11. Depress the OK button to close/exit the ‘CAMWorks License Manager’

Step 3 — Configure Firewall Security Settings:

Client computers need to communicate with the computer (server) that is hosting the license in order to checkout the licensed modules. Firewall security settings often block this communication. Therefore the firewall security settings need modified to allow the client computers access to the licensing services. All security software (like McAfee, Norton, AVG, Avast, Kaspersky, etc.) - including Windows Firewall/Defender - all routinely update. As these updates get “more secure”, if not already, they could potentially block the license from running. By putting in exceptions into your security software, it should permit the needed access, even as updates occur. Depending upon your particular environment, the process to configure these exceptions will vary—as there is many different security software on the market. So you may have to consult with your IT representative or the technical support team for your particular security software. To maintain an uninterrupted/functioning license, it is a best practice to setup these exceptions.

1. To set exceptions within the Windows Firewall, launch the Window Control Panel. Go to System Security, then under Windows Firewall, click on “Allow a program through Window Firewall”.
2. Depress the Allow another program… button. In the window that appears, depress the Browse… button.
3. Browse to the location where the ‘CAMWorks License Manager’ was installed. The default location is:  C:\CWLicense Manger. Click on the ‘lmgrd.exe’ file, then depress the Open button. Then the Add button. Check the Domain, Private, and Public options to all this service to run across your network, unblocked.
4. Repeat the process in the above step #3, for the ‘teksoft.exe’ file and the ‘CWLicenseManager.exe’ files. In summary the three services to set exceptions for are:
   • lmgrd.exe — Flexera Software LLC
   • teksoft.exe — Geometric Daemon
   • CWLicenseManager.exe — CW License Manager

These exceptions are typically only needed on the computer (server) hosting the license. Remember, if applicable, these same exceptions may need entered into your additional security software. The exact process for configuring exceptions will vary for each different security software. Some additional security software may need exceptions for the port number.

Step 4 — Activate the CAMWorks license on the host (server):

A representative from HCL Technologies, Inc. CAMWorks Licensing Department will send an email containing the license to the email addresses provided above.

1. When the license file (.lic) is received via email, save the license file into the location where the ‘CAMWorks License Manager’ was installed. Only the computer hosting (server) the license needs the .lic file. The default location is: C:\CWLicenseManger
2. Launch the ‘CAMWorks License Manager’ as Administrator. (Right click and select— More then ’Run as Administrator’.) If prompted a dialog box with the options of Wizard or License Manager, select the License Manager option.
   
   • • While setting up or making changes within the ‘CAMWorks License Manager’ you must be running it as administrator!
3. Navigate to the License Setup tab. Set the License method to “FlexLM Software” & “Floating network server”.
4. Specify the Server Host name. This is the name of the computer that is hosting the license; which in this scenario, should correspond to the name displayed in the Host name field.
5. Specify the Port number. This needs to correspond to the port number entered during the license request file process. 
   
   • Note this server host name and port number. This info will be needed to configure the client computers so they can check out a license from this hosting computer (server).
6. Navigate to the Server Settings tab. Depress the “Use this Machine as License Server” button, to activate the License Server settings options.
   • • 
7. For the License file path, depress the ellipsis button (…) to browse to the license file (.lic file) that was saved; where the license manager was installed— C:\CWLicenseManager
   • • 
8. Highlight the .lic file and click open. Then depress the “Install License Service” button.
   • • 
     • It may take 3-4 minutes or so to install the service. Please be patient as it is running.
9. Once available, depress the “Start License Service” button.
   • • 
     • It may take 3-4 minutes or so to start the service as well. Please be patient as it is running.
10. Once running the Status section should display: “License Service is running”.
11. Click the Apply button.
12. Navigate to the Status tab. Verify the Authorization status is prompting: Succeeded. Additionally, the License File Used should display the computer’s name hosting the license, with a license type of Floating, your CPD number and/or your CAMWorks serial number.
    • • 

Step 5 — Configure the Client Computers:

To successfully checkout a license on a client computer, the client computer must be configured to access the floating network license

1. Ensure the ‘CAMWorks License Manager’ is installed on the client computer/workstation that is running CAMWorks. If it is not, please install CAMWorks. The installation of CAMWorks will also install the ‘CAMWorks License Manager’. Please see the ‘CAMWorks Installation Guide’ for details
2. Launch the ‘CAMWorks License Manager’ as Administrator. (Right click and select— More then ’Run as Administrator’.) If prompted a dialog box with the options of Wizard or License Manager, select the License Manager option
   • While setting up or making changes within the ‘CAMWorks License Manager’ you must be running it as administrator!
3. Within the ‘CAMWorks License Manager’, navigate to the License Setup tab
4. For the License Method drop down, select: “FlexLM Software” & “Floating network server”
5. Specify the Server Host name, notated above. This is the name of the computer (server) hosting the license
6. Specify the Port number, notated above. The default port number is: 27000
   The info specified in the License Setup tab for each client computers/work station using CAMWorks should match exactly with the License Setup tab of that on the computer (server) hosting the license.
7. Depress the Apply button
8. Navigate to the Status tab. Verify the Authorization status is prompting: Succeeded. Additionally, the License File Used should display the computer’s name hosting the license, with a license type of Floating, your CPD number and/or your CAMWorks serial number
9. Verify the licensed modules and dates by navigating to the Authorized Modules tab
10. Click the OK button to close and exit the license manager. Repeat the ‘Step V’ instructions for each client computer/workstation using CAMWorks

Step 6 — Checkout the CAMWorks Modules:

The license for the corresponding CAMWorks modules must be “floated” to the client computer/workstation from the hosting computer (server) by the user physically checking the modules out. Failure to do so will result in deactivate (grayed out) icons/functions within CAMWorks and/or NESTINGWorks.

1. Launch ‘SolidWorks’ or ‘CAMWorks Solids’, depending which CAD application you are using to run CAMWorks and/or NESTINGWorks within. The CAMWorks and/or NESTINGWorks add-in needs to be enabled and loaded
   • The CAMWorks and/or NESTINGWorks add-in can be enabled and loaded by going to ‘Tools’, within the top menu bar of SOLIDWORKS and/or CAMWorks Solids and selecting ‘Add-ins’. Check off CAMWorks and/or NESTINGWorks as an active add-in. Check as a startup add-in if desired.
2. Within the top menu bar find SOLIDWORKS Help menu, currently a question mark inside of a circle. Select the CAMWorks 20xx help flyout, then select: License Info...
3. In the dialog window that appears, it will list all the available modules. Check all the modules desired for this user. Once all the desired modules are checked, depress the Update Licenses button. Notice the availability of a module will decrease, because this user just checked it out for use. If a module is unavailable, another user may have it checked out and they will need to release it so that someone else can use it.
   
   • A checkmark indicates which modules are assigned to this client. A checkmark in the “Start-up” column will automatically use this given module upon launching your next CAMWorks session.
4. Click the OK button to finish checking out (floating) a module from the hosting computer (server) to this client computer/workstation.
   • Similarly one can navigate to the same License Info area, and uncheck modules and depress the Update Licenses button to release modules back to the hosting computer (server); so that another client  computer/workstation can then check it out for use.
5. Repeat this process to checkout CAMWorks modules on each client computer/workstation using CAMWorks and/or NESTINGWorks. The number of concurrent users that are checking out licenses is dependent upon the number of seats purchased. Once this seat count is hit, users will have to release a license so that another user can use it— they will have to float the licenses back and forth by checking and unchecking out the modules.

Troubleshooting:

If any issues occur, please try the below troubleshooting options...

• Ensure the license manager is launched as administrator when configuring/modifying license settings.
• Verify that the ‘CAMWorks Manager Version’ is the same on the server/hosting computer as the client computers.
• Verify the Host Name and Port Number is specified correctly in both the server/hosting computer and client computers.
• Verify the license status is prompting succeeded. If prompting failed on the client computer, but succeeded on the
  server/hosting computer then a firewall security software is most likely blocking it.
• Review the firewall settings in Step 3 of these instructions.
• From the client computer, ping the hosting server’s IP address.
• From the client computer, ping the hosting server’s name.
• Check the license duration date.
• Check the Support/USP expiry date vs. the date required for each version/service pack of installed software.
• Verify the Host ID on the server/hosting computer matches that computers Physical Address/MAC Address.
• Verify the port number is correct.
• If conflicting with other software, try a different port number. The .lic file will need to be edited accordingly.

For further assistance, please contact our Hawk Ridge Systems Technical Support team at 877-266-4469(US) or 866-587-6803(Canada) and support@hawkridgesys.com.