Yes. Be sure the virtual machine has the correct permissions so that ExtendSim can be installed without security issues and that the location where user-modifiable files will be installed has read-write access so the license file can be read and end-users can open, run, and save models.
And, be sure you use a static MAC address. The license file (extendsim.lic) relies on the identity of the device it is installed on. If a device's MAC (media access control) address changes, its identity changes, the license fails, and ExtendSim stops working. MAC address changes can happen if the Ethernet card or WiFi card is changed, or if the device is a virtual machine (VM) that uses dynamic MAC addresses.
Some hardware virtualization products, such as Microsoft's Hyper-V, create virtual machines (VMs) that, by default, have dynamic Mac addresses. For ExtendSim to work properly on a VM, the device must use a static MAC address. If the device automatically uses dynamic MAC addresses, you must change the settings in the VMs Manager so that the device uses a static MAC address.
You might not see an issue unless the device restarts and chooses a different MAC address, and all of a sudden ExtendSim reports that it isn't properly licensed. If you've experienced this failure, change the device to use a static MAC address. Then contact our Sales department so you can reactivate and get a new license file.
ExtendSim uses port 5053 and the license file (extendsim.lic) that you paste on the Client device to automatically find the Server. If ExtendSim can’t find the Server, it will present an error message with some possible reasons. If none of the reasons apply, clicking yes on that error message allows you to browse to the Server (path, IP address, computer name, or URL). That info is saved in a host.lic file on the Client device so it doesn’t ask again. Note: the URL must be resolvable to an external IP address.
Yes. Go to Documents\ExtendSim and open the host.lic file. It has the name of the Server.
Yes. The Server can also be used as a Client.
No. Both releases can be installed on the same Client device. In fact, we suggest you don’t uninstall ExtendSim 9 until you’ve finished converting your files to 10.
How you update your license depends on which product and release you are currently using. Choose About ExtendSim under the Help menu to open the ExtendSim start up screen. The bar at the top shows you which ExtendSim release you are using. If it does not say ExtendSim 10.0.9, you should download the most current release.
Updating from ExtendSim 10.0.4 or later...
If you are currently using 10.0.4 or later of ExtendSim Pro, DE, CP, Student, or Analysis RunTime, download the updater to ExtendSim 10.0.9.
Updating from ExtendSim Pro, DE, or CP 10.0.3, 10.0.2, 10.0.1, or 10.0.0...
The Trial version of ExtendSim is the updater. Download the appropriate newer release of the Trial version of ExtendSim 10:
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ExtendSim Pro 10.0.9 | | | ![]() |
ExtendSim DE 10.0.9 | | | ![]() |
ExtendSim CP 10.0.9 |
Install the Trial version OVER the current installation using the same name and installing to the same location as the current installation. This updates ExtendSim without affecting the license file or requiring that the License Manager be reactivated. When you restart ExtendSim, you will be running 10.0.9.
Note: If you subsequently launch ExtendSim and get a message that the license has not been activated, it means that you have not installed over the current installation but in fact have two installations of ExtendSim. Uninstall the update and reinstall it so that it replaces the files at the current location.
Updating from ExtendSim Analysis RunTime 10.0.3, 10.0.2, 10.0.1, or 10.0.0...
If you are using ExtendSim Analysis RunTime released prior to 10.0.4, contact Imagine That Inc. to obtain the newer release.
This free update of ExtendSim 10 not only optimizes the stability and quality of ExtendSim, but adds a couple of new features.
This indicates that the Client has a basic issue (network initialization failure, unable to read or write, etc.) when trying to communicate with the License Manager on the Server. This message is often followed by a second message that has more relevant information. If not, check that port 5053 and the ISV port are unblocked in both directions, since a blocked port is the most common issue.
First, check your device's network connection.
A -1 error message is very rare, but might appear after you have installed and activated an ExtendSim license on a Client device. When you try to launch ExtendSim, instead of opening, it gives the License Problems message shown to the right.
After clicking OK on that message, you’ll get a second message that the license is being deactivated because it produced error conditions. Trying to activate the license again will not fix the problem.
The problem is the ExtendSim application cannot find its license file (extendsim.lic). When you received the ExtendSim license file from your license administrator, you installed extendsim.lic in the Documents\ExtendSim folder. If there are any accented or special characters, such as a German umlaut, in the path to the license file, the -1 error message is triggered. For example C:\Users\Jürgen\Documents\ExtendSim would fail. The fix is to remove accented or special characters from names in the path.
Not directly. Before you try to move the License Manager, contact us at or 1.408.365.0305. We will revoke the current license so you can activate on the new Server. Then, on the original Server, follow the instructions in Frequently Asked Questions • Floating Licenses to stop the service and remove the service, before you uninstall the License Manager.
For release 9, run the Remove ExtendSim Server.exe file in the Server’s ExtendSimServer folder. You should get two messages:
Then use Windows Settings to uninstall the ExtendSim Server files.
...between the License Manager and ExtendSim.
You can edit the license to use a different port than the default port (5053). However, how you do that depends on your situation:
See the instructions Uninstalling the License Manager from the Server in the separate document titled Frequently Asked Questions • Floating Licenses.
Note: Before reinstalling using a newer ExtendSim Server License Manager, you must first uninstall the previous License Manager as described above.
Yes. Just be sure you use a static MAC address.
The license file (extendsim.lic) relies on the identity of the Server. If the Server's MAC address changes, its identity changes, the license file fails, and the License Manager stops working. These changes can happen if the Ethernet card or WiFi card is changed, or if the Server is a virtual machine that uses dynamic MAC addresses.
Some hardware virtualization products, such as Microsoft's Hyper-V, create virtual machines (VMs) that, by default, have dynamic Mac addresses. For the License Manager to work properly on a virtual Server, the Server must use a static MAC address. If the Server uses dynamic MAC addresses, you must change the settings in the VM's Manager so that the Server uses a static MAC address.
You might not see an issue unless the Server restarts and chooses a different MAC address. If you've experienced this failure, change the Server to use a static MAC address. Then contact our Sales department so you can reactivate and get a new license file.
Yes. One device can be both Server and Client.
The License Manager installer not only creates the Service, but sets it to start automatically. To do this manually:
When the License Manager was activated, port 51006 was assigned by default as the ISV Server port. If that port is blocked you can either unblock it (highly recommended) or specify a different unblocked port as the permanent ISV port as discussed in the document Frequently Asked Questions • Floating Licenses.
This error message only occurs with a Floating or ASP license.
If you get this error message, it means either:
...where you want to install the License Manager for ExtendSim.
DO NOT use the installer named ExtendSimServerLicenseManager unless instructed below.
The Floating license of ExtendSim uses the Reprise License Manager (RLM.exe). If RLM is already running on the Server where you want to install the License Manager for an ExtendSim license, there are two options:
Case 1 • If the currently running version of RLM is release 12 or greater, use Case 1, below, to add ExtendSim files to the existing installation.
Case 2 • If the currently running version of RLM is earlier than release 12, use Case 2, below, to stop and remove the existing Service and instead use the RLM.exe that ships with ExtendSim.
Both cases accommodate the products that are already using RLM as their license manager.
Step 1 • Install the ISV Settings File on the Server
DO NOT INSTALL THE EXTENDSIM LICENSE MANAGER ON THE SERVER.
Obtain an ISV settings file (extendsim.set) from Imagine That Inc. by initiating a support ticket.
Place the extendsim.set file in the same directory where the other RLM-using product has installed RLM.exe and their license and settings files.
Step 2 • Activate the License
Follow the instructions in the document Installing & Activating • Floating Licenses. See Step 2 • Activate the License Manager.
Activation will either be automatic or manual.
Make a copy of the extendsim.lic file for use in activating ExtendSim on each Client device.
Since RLM was already running, the extendsim.lic license file will be located in the same folder where you placed the extendsim.set file.
If you subsequently edit the license file, such as changing the ISV port, distribute the modified file to the Clients.
Step 3 • Install and Activate ExtendSim on Client devices
Follow the instructions in the document Installing & Activating • Floating Licenses. See Step 3 • Clients: Installing ExtendSim.
Follow the instructions in the document Installing & Activating • Floating Licenses. See Step 4 • Activating ExtendSim on Clients.
NOTE: With this option, the License Manager (RLM) will run as a Service under the existing Service’s name. The Service will not be named ExtendSimLicServer.
Step 1 • Stop and remove the currently running RLM Service
Determine the name of the existing RLM Service (the Service used by the other RLM-managed products).
Stop that Service (these instructions are for Windows 10; others differ):
Right-click on the Server’s Start command and choose Computer Management.
In the list that appears, double-click Services and Applications.
Double-click Services.
In the list that appears, scroll to the name of the identified RLM Service.
Stop that service (right-click select Stop).
Close the Computer Management window.
Remove the currently running RLM Service:
Open Command Prompt as Administrator (Enter CMD in the Search box and simultaneously click Ctrl+Shift+Enter).
Click “Yes” in the User Account Control window to enable Windows Command Processor.
At the command line enter SC delete xyz (where xyz is the name of the identified RLM Service) and press the Enter key.
If successful, the Service will be removed and you can close the window.
Step 2 • Install the License Manager (RLM.exe) used by ExtendSim
Use the ExtendSimServerLicenseManager installer (obtained from an email, a download, or an ExtendSim USB drive) and follow its instructions to install the files on the Server.
If you encounter security issues when installing, see the FAQ’s for a Floating license.
By default the installer creates a folder named ExtendSimFloatingLicenseServer that is placed at the root of the Server’s C drive (C:\ExtendSimFloatingLicenseServer). The folder contains the RLM Svc folder and three files: extendsim.set, logfile, and RLM.exe.
After installation, the License Manager (RLM.exe) will silently run in the background as a Service named ExtendSimLicServer.
Before proceeding, we suggest you verify that ExtendSimLicServer is running as a Service.
Copy the all the settings and license files (but not RLM.exe) from the previous RLM server folder to the ExtendSimFloatingLicenseServer folder, which by default will be located at the root of the C drive.
Step 3 • Activate the License Manager
Follow the instructions in the document Installing & Activating • Floating Licenses. See Step 2 • Activate the License Manager.
Activation will either be automatic or manual.
Make a copy of the extendsim.lic file for use in activating ExtendSim on each Client device.
The extendsim.lic license file will be located by default at C:\ExtendSimFloatingLicenseServer.
If you subsequently edit the license file, such as changing the ISV port, distribute the modified file to the Clients.
Step 4 • Install and Activate ExtendSim on Client devices
To install on Client devices, follow the instructions in the document Installing & Activating • Floating Licenses. See Step 3 • Clients: Installing ExtendSim.
To activate ExtendSim on Client devices, follow the instructions in the document Installing & Activating • Floating Licenses. See Step 4 • Activating ExtendSim on Clients.
What if I don’t know if RLM is already running on the Server?
If you installed the License Manager without following these instructions, the log file will report something similar to:
This message occurs when you are trying to activate the License Manager on the Server. It indicates that there is a basic issue (network initialization failure, unable to read or write, etc.) that is preventing the automatic activation process to continue. In this case, manual activation is required.
As long as their License Managers are installed on different Servers, it is not a problem to install two or more ExtendSim Floating license products, e.g. Pro and Analysis RunTime (ART), on the same Client device and/or use those products on the same network. Whenever one of the products is launched on a Client device, that product's license file will point to the License Manager assigned to manage that product.
The complication comes in if you want the License Manager on a single Server to manage multiple Floating license products. While this is doable, the process isn't that straightforward so we don't recommend it. However, if it is necessary, follow these instructions:
First, install and activate the License Manager for one product (e.g. ExtendSim Pro) following its installation instructions.
For the second product (e.g. ExtendSim ART):
Note 1: Whether managed by the same License Manager or not, you cannot run ExtendSim Pro and ExtendSim ART on the same Client device at the same time.
Note 2: You will have to go through this modified process every time you reactivate the License Manager, such as after renewing Maintenance & Support. In other words, the two products have to be reactivated separately and with different names for the license files during the process. However, you will not need to send new license files to Client devices since the License Manager will automatically update the MSP date.
The license file (extendsim.lic) relies on the identity of the Server. If the Server's MAC/Ethernet address changes, its identity changes, the license file fails, and the License Manager stops working. These changes can happen if the Ethernet card or WiFi card is changed, or if the Server is a virtual machine that uses dynamic MAC addresses.
Some hardware virtualization products, such as Microsoft's Hyper-V, create virtual machines (VMs) that, by default, have dynamic Mac/Ethernet addresses. For the License Manager to work properly on a virtual Server, the Server must use a static MAC/Ethernet address. If the Server uses dynamic MAC/Ethernet addresses, you must change the settings in the VM's Manager so that the Server uses a static MAC/Ethernet address.
You might not see an issue unless the Server restarts and chooses a different MAC/Ethernet address. If you've experienced this failure, change the Server to use a static MAC/Ethernet address. Then contact our Sales department so you can reactivate and get a new license file.
If when launching the installer for the ExtendSim License Manager you see the Modify, repair, or remove the program window, it means you already have an instance of the License Manager installed on your Server.
Continuing with the installer beyond this window, will give you the StartService: StartService failed error message.
To resolve this, click Cancel in the Modify, repair... window.
Browse to your original installation of the ExtendSim License Manager (by default, the folder is located directly on your C drive).
Log into the License Manager, ExtendSimLicServer, on the Server:
Keep them both! In fact, you will need both during the transition period while you convert your files from 9 to 10. The transition period should not exceed six (6) months. Deployment of the software after that period shall not exceed the licensed quantity of concurrent users of ExtendSim 10.
When you are ready to uninstall the ExtendSim 9 Network License Manager, see the FAQ Uninstalling the License Manager for an ExtendSim 9 Network License.
The license file (ExtendSim.lic) on the Server needs to be updated whenever there is a change to the license. To update the license file, repeat the steps for License Manager Activation on page 2 of Installing & Activating ExtendSim Floating Licenses. After the Server’s license has been updated, the Client devices will automatically get the updated count information. There is no need to replace the ExtendSim.lic files on Client devices.
Yes, the Floating License is hosted and managed on your premises.
This error message only occurs with a Floating or Cloud license.
If you get this error message, it means either:
Generate a diagnostic log from the License Manager on the Server by following these instructions:
If you have a Floating license and ExtendSim has been working fine on Client devices, then all of the sudden Clients are no longer able to communicate with the License Manager on the Server, it might be because:
If the problem persists, generate a debug log from the License Manager on the Server by following these instructions:
When ExtendSim is launched, it uses the Server's name (the "hostname") in the license file (extendsim.lic) on the Client device to try to find the License Manager. In rare situations the license file isn't able to resolve an issue with the Server name and ExtendSim returns an error message stating Bad server hostname (-43) and/or Bad hostname for network connect (-131).
Similarly, the Server's Diagnostic log file (RLMDIAG.txt) might provide a warning that "there is no license file for this host" or that "the hostname in the license file may be incorrect".
To correct this, change the Client device's license file (extendsim.lic) so that it uses the Server's IP address rather than its name: