New Server, New License

You are facing one of two scenarios here. . .

• Your company just upgraded their server and needs to move the Autodesk License Manger and the license file to the new server.
  OR
• Your company just purchased new licenses to add to their pool or you’ve upgraded to a new version of software and you need to update the license file.

If you fall into the scenario where you are moving to a new server then these are the steps you need to follow. . .

1. Your old license file will be useless on the new server.  This is because the older license file is “married” to the Mac address and ID of the old server. So you’ll need to obtain a new license file for your new server.  To do so, Autodesk put together this real simple step by step process on how to request a license file: Requesting a New Network License File.  You’ll just need the new server’s Mac address and Host  ID and the serial numbers of the software you’ll be activating.
2. You’ll need to install the Autodesk License Manger (LM Tools) on the new server and configure it to read the new license file.   You could install the license manger from your install media or you can download it from here: Autodesk Network License Manager for Windows.
3. Now you’ll need to configure the license manager.  Autodesk put together this really easy step-by-step guide to help: Configuring the Autodesk License Manager.  Also, remember that, if you’re upgrading a newer version of software (eg. going from 2015 to 2016) you’ll need to install the license manager for the latest software.  Newer license managers will run older software but older license managers will not run newer software. 
4. Now I’m pretty sure that you’re not going to uninstall and reinstall all the software on every user’s computer in this process so when they launch the software for the first time they may see something like this:
   
   This is because your user’s systems are looking for the old license file on the old server.  No need to panic.  Simply use “specify the license server system” option above and point the system to the new server.  From that point on it should work.  If that does not work then you may want to try this recommendation by Autodesk: How to correct a program that is pulling a license from the wrong server.

If you fall into the scenario where your company has added more licenses to their pool or you’ve upgraded to a new version of software and you need to update the license file, then follow these steps. . .

1. Obtain a new license file from Autodesk:  Requesting a New Network License File.  You’ll just need the existing server’s Mac address and Host ID and the serial numbers of the software you’ll be activating.
2. Reconfigure the license manager on the existing server to read the new license file.  To to do this. . .

1. • Copy the new license file to the C:AutodeskNetwork License Manager folder.
   • Launch LMTools
   • Navigate to the “Start/Stop/Reread” tab
   • Stop the server
   • Navigate to the “Config Services” tab
   • Browse to the new license file
   • Navigate to the “Start/Stop/Reread” tab
   • Start the server
   • Now verify the new file is being read.  Navigate to the “Server Status” tab.
   • Click “Perform Status Enquiry”
   • You should see the number of licensees you have and number in use.

NOTE:  It is recommended to do this when no one is using the software 

Remember, if you’ve added more licenses AND upgraded to a newer version of software (2016 and prior versions) then you’ll also need to install a newer version of the license manager.  Uninstall the current license manager and then install the license manger from your install media or you can download it from here: Autodesk Network License Manager for Windows.

NOTE:  The 2017 license manager is compatible with 2018 license files and therefore does not need to be uninstalled.