FS Auth - Client does not detect active network license

FS Auth - Client does not detect active network license

Problem

When launching a Freedom Scientific BLV client software JAWS/ZoomText/Fusion that uses a Network License the client may fail to detect the Network Authorisation and run in 40 minute demo mode.  This may happen even when you have confirmed the license has been installed correctly on the server and it shows a valid license present.  The client installation may display any of the following symptoms:

  • Prompt to activate the software is posted
  • When checking in the About screen the serial number indicated is 801.
  • Whilst running for some time a dialogue notices appears indicating the product is running in 40 minute mode.  


Note:
If authorisation is detected but is insufficient for the product to run the product will also run in demo mode please Check ILM Authorisation to confirm which versions it supports and compare with the currently running version that is failing authorisation. 

Applies to

  1. JAWS
  2. ZoomText
  3. Fusion

Detail

When the client software starts it checks for network authorization, if this is not present it checks for a local authorization key or dongle. When neither is found it will post a dialogue to provide authorisation.  When this happens it may have failed to pick up the network authorisation even though it is present.  

  • If no network license is present or the PC/laptop has been moved out of range of the network license.
  • If the Network License is known to be present but the client still does not find the Network License.

Resolution

For clients to be able to detect the Sentinel license server they should be on the same subnet.  If the license server is not on the same subnet as the clients an LSFORCEHOST environment variable must be added to allow it to find the server on the subnet it is located.  Please refer to illustration below.




Adding client LSFORCEHOST

The LSFORCEHOST environment can be added to each client installation to tell it in effect where the Sentinel license can be drawn from allowing operation across subnets.  

  1. On the client computer open Start menu and search "View Advance System Settings" and click open the result.
  2. Click the "Environment variables" button.
  3. Then click the "New" button under the "System environment variables" list.
  4. Supply the following information in the dialogue box:

Variable name: LSFORCEHOST
Variable value: IP or Computer Name of Sentinel Server

  1. Then click OK button to confirm the setting.