4 Replies Latest reply on Feb 7, 2019 3:42 AM by Nick Tzallas

    SW License server Dead. Can I start SolidWorks?

    Nick Tzallas
    Nick Tzallas Feb 7, 2019 12:54 AM

      Our server that holds our entire setup, Vault, license server etc has been compromised.

       

      As a result, the IT contractors are doing a complete format/clean install and setting up the server again.

      Then I will be reinstalling Workgroup PDM 2016. (yes its old, outdated and unsupported, we are migrating soon...but in the meantime...this is what we have)

       

      So basically we have no server or vault. it's been even physically removed form the rack to perform the maintenance

      Fair enough. not much we can do until that is up and running again.

       

      However, is there a way to start SolidWorks without the license server active?

      At least we can work on local files/Checked out files or tinker a little, so we are not completely dead in the water

       

      So far I have tried:

      • Removing the server from the license manager list - did not work (obviously since there is no server even in the rack for it to communicate the instruction with)
      • Tried opening in Safe mode from Rx tool...still requires a license and it fails and shuts down.
      • Tried modifying the installation on client machines to remove the serials and possibly "trigger" SolidWorks to startup in trial mode - did not work.

       

      This is an odd situation, so I am just trying to find out if there is a half way solution in the meantime to help us do a little rather than nothing at all

      I suspect there is no solution but I would appreciate any insight at all to confirm that or correct me.

       

      Thank you

       

      Clients Running:

      Window 10 Pro 64-bit (1809 build)

      Solidworks 2016 SP 5.0

      Workgroup PDM

        • Re: SW License server Dead. Can I start SolidWorks?
          Ryan Dark
          Ryan Dark Feb 7, 2019 1:47 AM (in response to Nick Tzallas)

          Hi Nick,

          If your license is for a floating network there is no way for your client machines to run in the absence of some kind of server to dole out licenses.  You will want to be setting up the SolidNetWork License Server in a temporary location until the server can be put back into action.  Your VAR should be able to supply you with a temporary license to get you across the finish line with the real server so get them involved as soon as you can.

            • Re: SW License server Dead. Can I start SolidWorks?
              Nick Tzallas
              Nick Tzallas Feb 7, 2019 2:08 AM (in response to Ryan Dark)

              Thanks Ryan Dark

              Is this true even if the clients are setup on standalone licenses? (just thinking out loud)

              I guess, yes, since you still need flexnet to activate the standalone serials anyway (?)

               

              Just confirming so I can relay to management and also mark your answer as correct

               

              Thank you

                • Re: SW License server Dead. Can I start SolidWorks?
                  Steven McCallion
                  Steven McCallion Feb 7, 2019 3:26 AM (in response to Nick Tzallas)

                  If they're standalone you can definitely startup without the license server. In that case they'd either already be activated, in which case they'll just work, or if unactivated/fresh installs they need to activate against solidworks' servers. If a standalone license has been upgraded to a network license at some point though, then it is very much a network only license. I don't know your workplace's IT policies etc, but in your case I'd setup a license server on my own workstation and then do what Nick has suggested.

                   

                  The last place I worked at didn't have a solidworks supported virtual server, and they didn't want to fork out for one so both mechanical and electrical bought dedicated pdm boxes, separate from the rest of the server (backing up to the server of course). The swlicense server was on an old desktop that no one needed anymore, sitting beside the pdm box. That setup turned out to be a really good idea when the server started having some issues.