Changing Autodesk License Type – Network to Standalone or Standalone to Network

The behind-the-scenes technical workings form the backbone of every forward-thinking company and organization. When a technical issue arises, things can grind to a halt, whether it’s one user or the entire team. In that case, you need resolution quickly and efficiently so you can get back to work. You can do that if your technical partner has the industry-trained experts needed to help you work through those technical issues.

At Applied Software we get calls regularly about switching license types from network to standalone and from standalone to network. Following are the instructions to work through that process.

If the software can be opened:

The recommend change is from inside the software. Pick the downward facing arrow next to the logged in username > pick the Manage License option.

Inside the License Manager dialog box > pick the Change License Type link > pick the Change button > pick the appropriate button (Quit Without Saving).

The next time you open the software, a license choice dialog will be presented > choose the desired license type.

If the software cannot be opened:

When the software can’t be opened, there are several folders that cumulate to define the Autodesk license; removing these folders/files will result in the same license choice presentation when starting the software.

To change the license type for versions 2017 – 2019:

• C:Users<user>AppDataLocalAutodeskWeb Services – Remove Event.xml, EventTrigger.tmp and LoginState.xml.
• C:UsersdcoxAppDataRoamingAutodeskADUT – Remove the folder.
• C:ProgramDataFLEXnet – Remove all files that begin with adskflex_ .
• C:ProgramDataAutodeskADUT – Remove the folder.
• C:ProgramDataAutodeskCLMLGS – Change or delete the LGS.data.
  • 001K1_2019.0.0.F – Each folder represents a product and version (i.e. 001K1 is AutoCAD 2019).
  • The file can be edited with NOTEPAD – Change the value:
    • _STANDALONE – serial number activated.
    • _NETWORK – network license.
    • _USER – user sign-in activated.

Autodesk 2019 Product Keys: https://knowledge.autodesk.com/customer-service/download-install/activate/find-serial-number-product-key/product-key-look/2019-product-keys.

Note: The numeric characters are the same regardless of version. The alpha is aligned with the product version . . . J = 2018, K = 2019, etc.

To change the license type for versions 2020 – 2021:

Autodesk changed the way licenses are “released,” so if the product can’t be opened, following are the steps for releasing the license so a new choice can be selected when the software is next opened.

Open a Command Window – Type CMD in the Search Line > Select Command Prompt when it is presented.

In the Command Window type: C:WINDOWSsystem32>cd Program Files (x86)Common FilesAutodesk SharedAdskLicensingCurrenthelper and at the next prompt type: adsklicensinginsthelper change -pk 237L1 -pv 2020.0.0.f -lm “”

• -pk is the product key (example uses Civil 3D 2020 product key).
• -pv is the product version (example uses product version 2020).
• -lm is the license type.

If there is no error displayed, then the license was released, and the license choice dialog will be displayed the next time the software is started.

The next time you open the software, a license choice dialog will be presented > choose the desired license type.

That completes the process.

Software administration can take time away from more urgent and productive work. When you need to shift your admin workflow to be more efficient, consider getting secondary admin service from the industry-trained experts of Applied Software. Contact Applied Software today for information about short-term or long-term admin help.

With an Applied Software partnership, you have the opportunity to work through your technical issues with professionals like Deni Cox, who has been using, training and supporting end users on Autodesk products since AutoCAD version 2.6 in 1987. Her experience includes college instructor, AUGI CAD Camp and teaching Autodesk University courses in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Deni has Associate and Professional Certifications from Autodesk and is an Autodesk Certified Professional.