Etabs License Not Recognized Error 120 -

ETABS License Not Recognized Error 120: A Comprehensive Troubleshooting Guide

ETABS, a popular software for structural analysis and design, is widely used by engineers and architects to simulate and analyze the behavior of buildings and other structures under various loads. However, users often encounter issues while using the software, and one of the most common errors is the "ETABS License Not Recognized Error 120." This error can be frustrating, especially when you're in the middle of a critical project. In this article, we'll explore the causes of this error, its symptoms, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to troubleshoot and resolve it.

What is ETABS License Not Recognized Error 120?

The ETABS License Not Recognized Error 120 is an error message that appears when the software is unable to validate the license. This error typically occurs when the license file is not properly installed, corrupted, or not recognized by the software. The error message may vary slightly depending on the version of ETABS you're using, but the essence remains the same.

Causes of ETABS License Not Recognized Error 120

Several factors can contribute to the ETABS License Not Recognized Error 120. Some of the most common causes include:

  1. Corrupted or missing license file: The license file is essential for ETABS to function properly. If the file is corrupted, missing, or not in the correct location, the software will not be able to recognize it, resulting in Error 120.
  2. Incorrect license installation: If the license installation process was not completed correctly, it may lead to this error.
  3. Outdated or incompatible software version: Using an outdated or incompatible version of ETABS can cause compatibility issues with the license file, leading to Error 120.
  4. System configuration issues: System configuration issues, such as incorrect environment variables or registry entries, can prevent ETABS from recognizing the license file.
  5. Network issues: Network problems, such as a disconnected or misconfigured network, can prevent ETABS from communicating with the license server, resulting in Error 120.

Symptoms of ETABS License Not Recognized Error 120 etabs license not recognized error 120

When you encounter the ETABS License Not Recognized Error 120, you may experience the following symptoms:

  1. Error message: The software displays an error message indicating that the license is not recognized.
  2. Failed to launch: ETABS may fail to launch or shut down immediately after launch.
  3. License validation failure: The software may not be able to validate the license, preventing you from accessing its features.

Troubleshooting Steps for ETABS License Not Recognized Error 120

To resolve the ETABS License Not Recognized Error 120, follow these step-by-step troubleshooting guides:

Step 1: Verify License File

  1. Check if the license file is present in the correct location. The default location is C:\Program Files\Computers and Structures\ETABS\License.
  2. Verify that the license file is not corrupted by checking its size and contents.

Step 2: Reinstall License

  1. Uninstall the existing license by deleting the license file and any related registry entries.
  2. Reinstall the license by running the license installation executable and following the prompts.

Step 3: Update ETABS Version

  1. Check for updates and install the latest version of ETABS.
  2. Ensure that the updated version is compatible with your license file.

Step 4: Configure System Settings

  1. Verify that the system configuration settings, such as environment variables and registry entries, are correct.
  2. Ensure that the license server is properly configured and accessible.

Step 5: Check Network Connection

  1. Verify that your network connection is stable and functioning correctly.
  2. Ensure that the license server is accessible and not blocked by firewalls or other network security measures.

Step 6: Contact CSI Technical Support

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, contact CSI Technical Support for further assistance. They can provide personalized guidance and help you troubleshoot the problem.

Prevention is Better than Cure

To avoid encountering the ETABS License Not Recognized Error 120 in the future, follow these best practices: ETABS License Not Recognized Error 120: A Comprehensive

  1. Regularly update ETABS: Keep your ETABS software up-to-date to ensure compatibility with the latest license files.
  2. Maintain a backup of the license file: Regularly backup your license file to prevent data loss in case of corruption or system failure.
  3. Verify system configuration: Periodically verify that your system configuration settings are correct and functioning properly.

Conclusion

For Third-Party Antivirus (McAfee, Norton, etc.):

Enter your antivirus dashboard and add the ETABS folder to the "Allowed" or "Trusted" list. You may need to disable the antivirus temporarily to test if the software opens successfully.

Step-by-step troubleshooting (do these in order)

  1. Restart services:
    • On license server: restart the license service/daemon (e.g., FLEXnet/ELicense service).
    • On client: restart ETABS and, if needed, reboot the client machine.
  2. Verify server process and ports:
    • On server: confirm the license manager process is running (use Task Manager / systemctl / ps as appropriate).
    • Use netstat (or equivalent) to confirm the license ports are listening.
  3. Test connectivity:
    • From client: ping server IP/hostname.
    • From client: attempt telnet serverIP port (use the license port) or nc to test TCP reachability.
  4. Confirm license file / server name:
    • Ensure ETABS client license configuration points to the correct license server name/IP and port. Use IP rather than hostname if DNS might be an issue.
  5. DNS and hostname:
    • If using hostname, verify DNS resolves correctly on the client. Add an entry to hosts file temporarily if needed.
  6. Check multiple network interfaces:
    • If server has multiple NICs, ensure license manager is bound to the correct interface or use the server’s primary IP in client configuration.
  7. Review logs:
    • On server: check license manager logs for errors (missing file, port conflict, corrupt license).
    • On client: check ETABS start-up/log output for diagnostic messages or error codes.
  8. License borrowing (if used):
    • Confirm borrowed license period and return status; expired borrowed licenses will fail.
  9. Reinstall / repair license manager:
    • If server-side licensing components may be corrupted, reinstall or repair the license manager software per vendor guidance.
  10. Verify OS-level limits:
  1. Check for multiple license managers:
  1. Temporary workaround:

Solution 3: Flush the DNS Cache (Network Licenses)

If you are using a network license where ETABS pulls a license from a central server, your computer might be "remembering" an old server IP address that is no longer valid.

Steps to fix:

  1. Open the Start Menu, type cmd.
  2. Right-click "Command Prompt" and select Run as Administrator.
  3. In the black window, type the following and press Enter: ipconfig /flushdns
  4. Restart ETABS.

Common Causes of "License Not Recognized" (Error 120)

To fix the problem, you must identify the root cause. Here are the six most frequent triggers:

  1. Version Mismatch (MOST COMMON): You installed ETABS v21.0.1, but your license file only supports up to v20.0.0. The server sees the request but says, "I don't know what that is."
  2. Corrupted License File (trusted.lic): The license file on your local machine or the server is altered, missing lines, or corrupted.
  3. Outdated License Manager (LSERVCNTRL): The Sentinel RMS License Manager on the server is an older version that cannot interpret the request from a newer ETABS client.
  4. Incorrect PORT Number: The license server uses a specific port (typically 1947, 5099, or a custom port). If the port is wrong or blocked, the handshake fails with Error 120.
  5. User Access Rights: You are trying to run ETABS as a standard user, but the license service requires admin privileges to read the license file.
  6. VM/Remote Desktop Issues: Running ETABS on a Virtual Machine (VMware, Hyper-V) or via Remote Desktop can cause the license fingerprint (based on hardware) to change, leading to a "not recognized" error.