Etabs License Not Recognized Error 120 Work File

Causes of “License not recognized — Error 120” in ETABS

  • License service not running: The ETABS/CADLM license manager (e.g., FlexNet/LMTOOLS or CACLS) is stopped or crashed.
  • Wrong license file or host ID: License file doesn’t match the machine’s MAC/host ID or points to a different server.
  • Port or firewall blocking: Required ports (usually 27000–27009 or as configured) are blocked between client and license server.
  • Multiple license managers/conflicts: Two license managers installed or residual license service from older versions interfering.
  • Incorrect environment variables: LICPATH.LIC, LM_LICENSE_FILE or similar variables point to the wrong file/server.
  • License expired or usage exceeded: The license has expired or all seats are currently in use.
  • Network name resolution issues: DNS or hosts file misconfiguration prevents client from resolving the license server name.
  • Permissions issue: License files or service lack proper read/execute permissions (Windows: run service as user with rights).
  • Time/date mismatch: Large clock drift between client and server can trip license validation.

Commands & checks (examples)

  • On license server: lmutil lmstat -a
  • On client: echo %LM_LICENSE_FILE% (Windows) or echo $LM_LICENSE_FILE (Linux)
  • Test port: telnet 27000 (or use PowerShell Test-NetConnection)

Scenario 1: You Are Using a Hardware Key (USB Dongle)

If you have a physical purple or blue USB stick plugged into your machine, follow these steps:

Required ports:

  • TCP 1947 – Primary communication for Sentinel RMS.
  • TCP 5093 – Vendor daemon port for CSI software.

3. Client-Side Configuration

On Your computer (the Client):

  • Open ETABS.
  • When the license error pops up, look for a "Server" or "Settings" button in the error dialog box.
  • Ensure the Server Name/IP Address is typed correctly. It should match the name or IP of your company server.
  • Pro Tip: If you recently changed Wi-Fi networks (e.g., switched from Office Wi-Fi to VPN or Ethernet), the IP address of the server might be different.