Unable to connect to ArcGIS License Manager

Description

When attempting to use an ArcGIS product with a Concurrent Use license, users cannot connect to ArcGIS License Manager, preventing the use of ArcGIS products such as ArcMap, ArcGIS Pro, and ArcCatalog. Launching these products may result in them freezing or not loading.

Cause

There are various reasons why a user may not be able to connect to ArcGIS License Manager, some of which are listed below:

• The ArcGIS License Manager and client software versions are not compatible.
• ArcGIS License Manager is not running.
• ArcGIS License Manager or FlexNET services are not running.
• An incorrect ArcGIS License Manager IP address is used for connection.
• Incorrect ports are used to connect to ArcGIS License Manager
• A firewall is not configured to allow connections to ArcGIS License Manager.

Solution or Workaround

There are six solutions outlined below to troubleshoot and resolve issues connecting to ArcGIS License Manager. Follow the solutions in the order they are presented, and attempt to connect to ArcGIS License Manager after each solution.

Verify the version compatibility of ArcGIS License Manager and the client software

ArcGIS License Manager is compatible with client software of the same version or older. Refer to License Manager Guide: Supported software products for more information on what client versions are compatible with the relevant ArcGIS License Manager version.

Verify ArcGIS License Manager is running

A client machine is unable to connect to ArcGIS License Manager if ArcGIS License Manager is not running.

1. Navigate to Start > All Programs > ArcGIS > License Manager, and launch the License Server Administrator on the host machine.
2. Check if the License Server Status is set to RUNNING.

3. If the License Server Status is set to NOT RUNNING, click Start > Re-read Licenses.

Restart ArcGIS License Manager and FlexNET Licensing services

ArcGIS License Manager may stop running due to specific settings in Windows Services. Modifying these settings ensures ArcGIS License Manager runs automatically.

1. Run services.msc.
2. Search for ArcGIS License Manager in the list. Right-click ArcGIS License Manager and select Properties.

3. Click the Startup type drop-down arrow and select Automatic. Click Start > OK.

4. Search for FlexNet Licensing Service in the list. Right-click FlexNet Licensing Service and select Properties.
5. Click the Startup type drop-down arrow and select Automatic. Click Start > OK.
6. Launch License Server Administrator. Check the License Server Status and ensure it is set to RUNNING.
7. Connect to ArcGIS License Manager via ArcGIS Administrator.

Connect to ArcGIS License Manager via an IP address

Connecting to ArcGIS License Manager via an IP address ensures that ArcGIS Administrator is accessing the correct ArcGIS License Manager.

1. Run Command Prompt on the host machine.
2. Type ipconfig and press Enter. Take note of the IPV4 address.
3. Launch ArcGIS Administrator on the client machine.
4. Click Desktop in the left pane of ArcGIS Administrator. Click Change in the right pane.
5. Type in the IP address of the ArcGIS License Manager. Click OK.

Connect to ArcGIS License Manager via a port

ArcGIS License Manager can run on ports 27000 to 27009. Other programs may interfere with the connection if the same port is used, preventing ArcGIS Administrator from connecting to ArcGIS License Manager. To prevent this, connect to ArcGIS License Manager via a specific port.

1. Launch ArcGIS Administrator on the client machine.
2. Click Desktop in the left pane of ArcGIS Administrator. Click Change in the right pane.
3. Type in the hostname and the port number in the following format: 'port@hostname'. Click OK.

Modify the service.txt file

By default, the service.txt file does not denote a specific port for ArcGIS License Manager to use. Editing this file locks ArcGIS License Manager to a specific unused port.

1. Navigate to the following directory and open service.txt on the host machine.

C:\Program Files\ArcGIS\License10.x\bin

2. By default, the contents of the file are as shown below:

SERVER this_host ANY
VENDOR ARCGIS
FEATURE ACT ARCGIS 1 permanent 1 7ED49106D630

3. Edit the contents of the file as shown below:

SERVER this_host ANY 27000
VENDOR ARCGIS port=27004
FEATURE ACT ARCGIS 1 permanent 1 7ED49106D630

Note:
Any value between 27000 and 27009 can be used for VENDOR ARCGIS PORT.

4. Save the service.txt file.
5. Connect to ArcGIS License Manager via ArcGIS Administrator.

Configure the firewall

Firewall configurations may prevent ArcGIS License Manager from receiving and making connections. The firewall must be configured to allow ArcGIS License Manager to work through it.

1. Navigate to Control Panel > Windows Firewall > Advanced Settings.
2. Click Inbound Rules in the left pane.

3. Click New Rule in the right pane. The New Inbound Rule wizard runs.
4. Select Program > Next.

5. Select This program path. Navigate to the following directory, select lmgrd.exe > Open > Next:

C:\Program Files\ArcGIS\License10.x\bin

6. Select Allow the connection > Next.

7. Check the check boxes of all the available options and click Next.

8. Name the rule (for example, ArcGIS License Manager) and click Finish.

9. Repeat the same steps for the following files: ARCGIS.exe and LSAdmin.exe. Both files are stored in the same location specified in Step 5.
10. Repeat the 'Configuring the firewall' process for Outbound Rules.