Floating Licenses

ExtendSim on Client Devices

1 - Can a Client device be a virtual machine?

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.

2 - How does the Client installation know where the Server’s License Manager is?

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.

3 - Can a Client device tell which Server has the License Manager?

Yes. Go to Documents\ExtendSim and open the host.lic file. It has the name of the Server.

5 - Do I need to uninstall ExtendSim 9 from Client devices when I install 10?

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.

6 - Checking Out and Checking In Client Licenses (Roaming).

  • To temporarily disconnect a Client device from the network, use the Help > Floating License > Check Out a Floating License command.
  • To check a roaming license back in, use the Help > Floating License > Check In a Floating License command.
  • Roaming licenses can be checked back in at any time. They are automatically checked in at the end of the roaming period (the default period is 30 days).

7 - Updating Clients when there is an incremental release (e.g. from 10.x to 10.y).

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.

__________

Update to 10.0.9Updating 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:

go ExtendSim Pro 10.0.9 | go ExtendSim DE 10.0.9 | go 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.

goQuality and Stability Enhancements in ExtendSim 10.0.9update fixes

8 - Renewing the Maintenance & Support Plan (MSP) on a Client.

  • The renewal date for the Floating License’s Maintenance and Support Plan (MSP) is shown on the ExtendSim startup screen (Help > About ExtendSim). Prior to the renewal date, the application will occasionally present a reminder message upon launch.
  • To renew your MSP, Contact Imagine That Inc. or your ExtendSim Distributor.
  • After your MSP has been renewed, you will need to reactivate the License Manager on your server to update the license file, extendsim.lic.
  • Existing Client devices will automatically be updated once the License Manager on the Server has been updated.
  • For complete details, see the document titled Reactivating • Floating Licenses.

9 - Changing the number of concurrent users.

  • The license file (extendsim.lic) on the License Server needs to be updated and reactivated whenever there is this type of change to the license.
  • To change the number of concurrent users on your Floating license, first contact Imagine That Inc. or your ExtendSim Distributor.
  • Then, you will need to reactivate the License Manager on your server updating the license file, extendsim.lic.
  • Existing Client devices will automatically be updated once the License Manager on the Server has been updated.
  • For complete details, see the document titled Reactivating • Floating Licenses.

10 - Uninstalling ExtendSim from a Client device of a Floating license.

  1. First, return the license if it has been temporarily checked out from the network:
    • Connect the client computer to the server that hosts the License Manager.
    • Use the command Help > Floating License > Check In a Floating License. This restores the number of concurrent users the server allows.
  2. Then, uninstall ExtendSim using Windows Settings > Apps and Features.
  3. Finally, delete the two folders:
    • Documents\ExtendSim
    • Program Files\ExtendSim

11 - "Communications error with license server -17" message

-17 error messageThis 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.

  • If the connection is DOWN:
    • Click the Cancel button on the error message window.
    • Re-connect to the network.
    • Then, relaunch ExtendSim.
  • If your device's network connection IS working:
    • Is the Server with the License Manager (RLM.exe) connected to the network?
    • Is there a valid (non-empty) license file (extendsim.lic) in the Server's C:\ExtendSimFloatingLicenseServer folder AND in the Client's Documents\ExtendSim folder?
    • Is the ISV port unblocked on both the Server and on the Client? (The port number is reported in the Status command of the RLSA window.)
    • Is port 5053 unblocked on the Server AND on the Client?
    • Is ExtendSimLicServer running as a service on the Server?
    • If none of these apply, generate a debugging log (RLMdiag.txt) by clicking the Diagnostics command in the RLSA window. Submit an ExtendSim Support Ticket and attach that debug log.

 

 

12 - "No license for product (-1)" error message. (2)

License problemsA -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.

Deactivating licenseAfter 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.

License Manager on Server

13 - Can I move the License Manager from one Server to another?

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.

14 - Uninstalling the License Manager for an ExtendSim 9 Network license.

For release 9, run the Remove ExtendSim Server.exe file in the Server’s ExtendSimServer folder. You should get two messages:

  • License Successfully Removed
  • Service Successfully Removed

Then use Windows Settings to uninstall the ExtendSim Server files.

15 - Changing the default port (5053) used for communication.

...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:

  • If you received the extendsim.lic file while doing a manual activation but haven't resumed the activation process, directly change the port number in the file and save that change before proceeding. Then complete the activation procedure. Be sure to give the updated extendsim.lic to each Client.
  • If you have already finished the process of activating the License Manager, you must edit your existing extendsim.lic file using the RLSA window.
    1. Using a browser, open the RLSA window as indicated at Step 2 • Activate License Manager in the document titled Installing & Activating • Floating Licenses.
    2. On the left side of the RLSA window, click the Edit License Files command. (Note: The License File to Edit should be extendsim.lic.)
    3. In the window that appears, click the Edit License File button.
    4. In the license file field, change 5053 (the default port number) to a different number. Note that the new port must be unblocked inbound and outbound for both the License Server and the Client devices.
    5. Click the Update License File button. The window should report license file extendsim.lic written.
    6. On the left-hand side of the RLSA window, click the Reread/Restart Servers command.
    7. For the ISV, select extendsim, then click the Reread/Restart button to restart the License Manager.
    8. If successful, the window will display the message Reread command sent to extendsim. This indicates that the new port will be added as an alternate port.
    9. Copy the updated extendsim.lic file to each Client and unblock the new port on Client devices.

16 - Uninstalling the License Manager for an ExtendSim 10 Floating license.

See the instructions Uninstalling the License Manager from the Server in the separate document titled Frequently Asked Questions • Floating Licenses.

  1. Stop the Service (instructions 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 ExtendSimServer.
    • Stop the ExtendSimLicServer service (right-click select Stop).
    • Close the Computer Management window.
  2. Remove the Service
    • Open the Windows Command Prompt as Administrator. (On most Windows systems, enter CMD in the Search box and simultaneously click Ctrl+Shift+Enter to open a command window.)
    • Click Yes in the User Account Control window to enable the Windows Command Processor.
    • At the command line enter SC delete ExtendSimLicServer and press the Enter key.
    • You should receive a SUCCESS notification indicating the Service has been removed. Close the Command Processor window.
  3. Uninstall the ExtendSim Floating License Manager using Windows Settings > Apps > Apps and features. Then, delete the folder ExtendSimFloatingLicenseServer (located by default at the root of the C drive).

Note: Before reinstalling using a newer ExtendSim Server License Manager, you must first uninstall the previous License Manager as described above.

17 - Can the Server where the License Manager is installed be a virtual machine?

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.

19 - Verifying the ExtendSimLicServer is running as a Service.

  • Go to Computer Management on the License Server.
  • In the list that appears, double-click Services and Applications, then double-click Services.
  • In the list that appears, scroll to ExtendSimLicServer and verify it is Running.
  • If it is not running, you may need to install the License Manager with Administrative privileges, temporarily disable virus protection and other security features before installing it, or unblock the ISV port.

20 - Starting the Service manually if the License Manager fails.

The License Manager installer not only creates the Service, but sets it to start automatically. To do this manually:

  1. Open an administrative CMD line window:
    • Open Command Prompt as Administrator (Enter CMD in the Search box and simultaneously click Ctrl+Shift+Enter. For the Windows Command Processor click Allow).
    • At the command line, enter CD C:\ExtendSimFloatingLicenseServer (assuming that is the directory where the License Manager was installed) and press the Enter key.
    • At the new command line, enter rlm -install_service -dlog logfile -service_name extendsimlicserver. Press Enter.
    • Close the window.
  2. Go to Computer Management on the License Server.
    • Go to the Services and Applications/Services section.
    • Select ExtendSimLicServer in the list of Services and Start the Service.
    • Right-click ExtendSimLicServer to access its Properties and set the startup type to Automatic.

21 - Changing the port for the ISV Server.

When the License Manager was activated, port 51006 was assigned by default as the ISV Server port. floating changeisvportIf 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.

22 - "Connection refused at Server -111" error when installing the License Manager.

This error message only occurs with a Floating or ASP license.

If you get this error message, it means either:

  • The License Manager on the Server has either been moved or has not been installed and activated correctly.
  • Or (most likely) that the ISV Server port (by default 51006; automatically set during activation) is blocked in one or both directions. ISV ServerThe ISV port is shown in the table when you click the Status command in the RLSA window. It must be open on Client devices for outbound access so ExtendSim can request licenses from the License Manager on the Server. It must also be open for inbound access on the Server to allow internal communications between the Server files and so the License Manager can receive ExtendSim license requests. Either unblock 51006 as the ISV port (highly recommended) or (not recommended) set a different unblocked port for the ISV as discussed in Changing the port for the ISV Server and in the document Frequently Asked Questions • Floating Licenses.

23 - Installing the License Manager for a Floating License.

  • The installer for the License Manager not only creates the Service but tries to start it running automatically. Security systems will sometimes block the service from starting.
  • For automatic activation of the License Manager, encrypted data must be exchanged through port 80 over the internet. Security systems sometimes block that communication, so you must do a manual activation.
  • The ISV port must be unblocked or you will get a Connection refused at Server (-111) message when you launch ExtendSim.

24 - What to do if RLM is already running on the Server.

...where you want to install the License Manager for ExtendSim.

DO NOT use the installer named ExtendSimServerLicenseManager unless instructed below.

Download this informationThe 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.


CASE 1: IF THE CURRENTLY RUNNING VERSION OF RLM IS RELEASE 12 OR GREATER:

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.


 

CASE 2: IF THE CURRENTLY RUNNING VERSION OF RLM IS EARLIER THAN RELEASE 12:

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.



Questions?

What if I don’t know if RLM is already running on the Server?

RLM messageIf you installed the License Manager without following these instructions, the log file will report something similar to:

25 - "Error generating license -105" message

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.

26 - Can two Floating licenses be managed by a single License Manager?

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):

  1. Do not reinstall or uninstall the License Manager or stop the service (ExtendSimLicServer) you activated for the first product.
  2. Start on page 3 of the instructions for Installing & Activating • Floating Licenses.
  3. On page 3, follow the instructions for "Part 2: Activate the License Manager" but with some changes.
    • Per normal, at #5 (step 2 of 5) enter "extendsim" as the ISV, then enter the Activation Key for ART,
    • Per normal, at #6 (Step 3 of 5) enter 0 for the license count, then pause.
    • At #7 (step 4 of 5), do not change ".\activate1.lic" to "extendsim.lic". Instead, change it to something slightly different, such as "extendsimART.lic". You can choose whatever you want for the name, but it must not have spaces, numbers, or odd characters, it must say "extendsim", and it must end in  ".lic"
  4. Continue with the remaining steps to either automatically or manually activate the license for ExtendSim ART.
  5. If you check the Status while in the RLSA window, you will see that there is only one ISV Server - extendsim. That is correct.
  6. Managing multiple licenses on the same serverTo verify that both products are being managed by the single License Manager, in the RLSA window give the Edit License File command, but just look in the popup and don't edit the files. You should see both license files listed. If successful, you can close the browser.
  7. At this point there should be two license files in the License Manager's folder (C:\ExtendSimFloatingLicenseServer): extendsim.lic (for Pro) and extendsimART.lic (for ART). If you open those files you can see the Activation Key for each product; exprv10fla is the internal name for ART and exprv10fl is the internal name for Pro.
  8. IMPORTANT! Don't copy the license file to the ExtendSim folder on Client devices yet. After you make a copy of the license file for ART, and before you paste that copy into the Documents/ExtendSim10ART folder on devices that have ART, you must change the name of the copy to "extendsim.lic". (Do not change the name of the file on the server.)
  9. At that point, all Clients who have Pro or ART installed will have a license file with the same name (extendsim.lic) in their Documents/ExtendSim10 product folder. If they have both Pro and ART installed, each Documents/ExtendSim10 product folder will have its own extendsim.lic license. You can tell which product the license file is for by opening it and looking at the Activation Key and/or the internal product name.

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.

27 - Virtual machine dynamic MAC/Ethernet address issue.

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.

28 - License Manager installer error “StartService failed”.

Modify, repair, or remove the programIf 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.

StartService failedContinuing 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).

Managing a Floating License

29 - How do I access reports on how the Clients are using the Floating License?

Log into the License Manager, ExtendSimLicServer, on the Server:

  • Open a browser on the Server and enter localhost:5054 in the browser’s address line.
  • Or, open a browser on some other device that is on the same network as the Server and enter servername:5054 in the browser’s address line.

30 - Parallel running of an ExtendSim 9 Network and an ExtendSim 10 Floating License.

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.

31 - Renewing the annual Maintenance & Support Plan (MSP).

  • The license file, extendsim.lic, on the License Server needs to be updated and reactivated whenever your MSP is renewed.
  • To update your Floating license with the new renewal date, first contact Imagine That Inc. or your ExtendSim Distributor.
  • After we notify you that the change has been made and the license has been updated, you will need to reactivate the License Manager on your server updating the license file, extendsim.lic.
  • Existing Client devices will automatically be updated once the License Manager on the Server has been updated.
  • For complete details, see the document titled Reactivating • Floating Licenses.

32 - Change the number of concurrent users.

  • The license file, extendsim.lic, on the License Server needs to be updated and reactivated whenever there is this type of change to the license.
  • To change the number of concurrent users on your Floating license, first contact Imagine That Inc. or your ExtendSim Distributor.
  • After we notify you that the change has been made and the license has been updated, you will need to reactivate the License Manager on your server updating the license file, extendsim.lic.
  • Existing Client devices will automatically be updated once the License Manager on the Server has been updated.
  • For complete details, see the document titled Reactivating • Floating Licenses.

33 - What happens after we change the number of concurrent users?

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.

34 - Is the Floating License an internally-hosted solution?

Yes, the Floating License is hosted and managed on your premises.

  • If you do a manual activation, no connection to the internet is requested for either the Server or ExtendSim on Client devices.
  • Even if you do an automatic activation, it is only a one-time web-based exchange of Server and license information to activate the Server’s license.
  • Subsequent to installation and activation, the Client only connects to the License Manager on your Server, and the Server internally validates the License File and receives license requests from Client devices.

Troubleshooting a Floating License

35 - What does the "Connection refused at server -111" message mean?

This error message only occurs with a Floating or Cloud license.

If you get this error message, it means either:

  • The License Manager on the Server has either been moved or has not been installed and activated correctly.
  • Or (most likely) that one or both of the required ports (5053 or the ISV port, which is 51006 by default) is blocked in one or both directions. Those ports must be open for inbound access on the Server to allow internal communications between the Server files and so the License Manager can receive ExtendSim license requests. ISV ServerThey must also be open on Client devices for outbound access so ExtendSim can request licenses from the License Manager on the Server. The ISV port is shown in the table when you click the Status command in the RLSA window; the default ISV port number is 51006. If the ISV port is blocked, either unblock it (highly recommended) or set a different unblocked port for the ISV as discussed in the document Frequently Asked Questions • Floating Licenses.

36 - Debugging issues with your Server/Client set up.

Generate a diagnostic log from the License Manager on the Server by following these instructions:

  • Open the Reprise License Server Administration (RLSA) window in a browser. (To learn how to do that, see Step 2: Activation of the License Manager in the document Installing and Activating • Floating Licenses.)
  • On the left side of the RLSA window, click the Diagnostics command.
  • In the main window, click the Run Diagnostics button and wait for the window to report that the diagnostics were written.
  • Locate and open the text file named rlmdiag.txt; it will be placed where the License Manager is installed (by default, C:/ExtendSimFloatingLicenseServer).
  • This report contains information about License Manager activities over time. See if there's any discrepancies or anomalies that might indicate the cause of your issues. If you can't readily find the issue, we are happy to help. Send the debugging log file to us with a description of your issues by creating a support ticket in the ExtendSim Support Portal.

37 - All of a sudden Clients can no longer communicate with the License Manager.

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:

  1. The Server has stopped running or the License Manager on the Server is no longer running as a Service. Verify that the Server and the License Manager are running.
  2. You aren't using the default ISV port (51006) and the ISV port has changed because the Server restarted or because you've reactivated your Floating license. By default the ISV port is set to 51006. Rather than choosing a random or custom ISV port, we strongly suggest you unblock and use the default ISV port (51006) since it will persist in spite of Server restarts and license re-activations.
  3. Something, such as a Windows update or IT reset, has caused one or both of the two required ports on the Client device to become blocked. The two required ports, 5053 and the ISV port (by default, 51006) must be open on Client devices for outbound access so ExtendSim can request licenses from the License Manager on the Server. (Typically access is provided through Windows Defender Firewall, by allowing an app through the firewall and the advanced settings for inbound or outbound rules.)

If the problem persists, generate a debug log from the License Manager on the Server by following these instructions:

  • Open the Reprise License Server Administration (RLSA) window in a browser. (To learn how to do that, see Step 2: Activation of the License Manager in the document Installing and Activating • Floating Licenses.)
  • On the left side of the RLSA window, click the Diagnostics command
  • In the main window, click the Run Diagnostics button and wait for the window to report that the diagnostics were written.
  • Locate and open the text file named RLMDIAG.txt; it will be placed where the License Manager is installed (by default, C:/ExtendSimFloatingLicenseServer).
  • This report contains information about License Manager activities over time. See if there's any discrepancies or anomalies that might indicate the cause of your issues. If you can't readily find the issue, we are happy to help. Send the debugging log file to us with a description of your issues by creating a support ticket in the ExtendSim Support Portal.

38 - Host name bad or incorrect: -43 or -131 error messages.

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 error messageBad 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:

  1. Open the license file that is in the Client device's Documents\ExtendSim10 folder. (There is no need to change the license file that is in the ExtendSimFloatingLicenseServer folder, plus that would involve editing the license file in the RLSA window.)
  2. On the first line, after the word "Host", replace the name of the Server with its IP address.
  3. Do not put any extra spaces, do not remove any spaces, and do not change anything else in the license file. It should look similar to floating clientbadserver2this screenshot -->
  4. Save the changed file so that it replaces the license file in the Client device's Documents\ExtendSim10 folder.
  5. Launch ExtendSim.