Most computers have an internet connection, and returning a license is a simple process as described on Returning a single-user license or Returning a floating network license.
In certain situations, however, for example in the case of a secured data center, the computer where the license is installed has no direct internet access. Only then, please proceed as follows:
Recommendation for USB dongles:
If the license container is a USB dongle, we recommend that you temporarily plug it into a computer with an internet connection. On that computer, proceed as described on Returning a single-user license (for a local license) or Returning a floating network license (for a network license). After the successful license return, reconnect the USB dongle to the original computer.
Only if this procedure is not possible, for instance when using a soft container, you need to return the license in a file-based way and carry out the following steps.
Prerequisites for a file-based license return:
1. On the computer where the license shall be returned,
- a current version of the CodeMeter Runtime Kit is installed,
- a current version of PTV License Manager or a PTV Vision product is installed, and
- you have access rights. This is also possible via a remote desktop connection.
2. You have another computer with an internet connection to communicate with the PTV server. On that computer,
- a current version of PTV License Manager or a PTV Vision product is installed.
Step 1: Creating a license request file on the computer without an internet connection
1. On the computer without an internet connection, start the PTV License Manager (or the License Management in your PTV Vision product).
2. (1) Click on the CodeMeter Settings symbol to open the configuration. If you do not see this symbol, the installed version is outdated. In that case, please update the application first.
3. In the License container list, select the license container holding the license to be returned, and (2) click the Generate license request/receipt (file-based) symbol.
4. Save the created license request file ...RaC to a folder and transfer it to the computer with an internet connection.
Step 2: Returning the license on the computer with an internet connection
5. Continue on the computer with an internet connection and start the PTV License Manager (or the License Management in your PTV Vision product) there as well.
6. In the License Management, select the license which you want to return and (1) click the Deactivate selected license symbol and confirm with OK. In the following message window, start the file-based license deactivation process by clicking on (2) Yes.
7. In the Step 1 of 2: Upload license request window, (1) click the Select button. Navigate to the license request file ...RaC which you transferred in substep 4. and click the Open button. Proceed by (2) clicking on the Next button.
8. In the Step 2 of 2: Transfer License window, click the Open folder button, and copy the license activation file ...RaU back to the computer without an internet connection.
Step 3: Importing the license update to the computer without an internet connection
9. Back on the computer without an internet connection, (1) go to the CodeMeter settings window and (2) click the Import license update (file-based) symbol.
10. Navigate to the license activation file ...RaU created in substep 8., and click the Open button.
11. (1) Click on the CodeMeter Settings symbol again to open the configuration.
12. In the License container list, select the same license container as in substep 3., and (2) click the Generate license request/receipt (file-based) symbol.
13. Save the receipt file ...RaC to the same folder as in substep 4., and transfer again it to the computer with the internet connection, replacing the previous license request file.
Step 4: Confirming the license update on the computer with an internet connection
16. Returning to the computer with the internet connection, in the Step 2 of 2: Transfer License window, select the newly created …RaC receipt file and complete the process, (2) by clicking on the Finish button.