Troubleshoot Fixed Licenses
Important Notice for ReadyAPI Customers
Starting from ReadyAPI 3.62.0, VirtServer 3.29.0, and TestEngine1.34.0, SmartBear Product Family has fully deprecated file-based licenses and transitioned to the ID-based SmartBear License Management (SLM) system. Any customers still using file-based licenses must complete their migration to SLM by September 30, 2025.
From October 1, 2025, existing and activated file-based licenses will continue to work for some time. However, SmartBear will no longer generate new file-based licenses or support activation and deactivation of file-based licenses in ReadyAPI, VirtServer, or TestEngine. All new and updated licenses are now issued in SLM only.
All technical support for file-based licenses has now ceased, and SmartBear no longer maintains the file-based licensing system. Any access or service issues will result in service disruptions that we will not be able to restore.
If you have not completed the process of migrating, contact your Account Manager or SmartBear representative today. Our teams are ready to assist with smooth transition strategies. For additional support, log a request with our Customer Care Team, who are standing by to help.
For further information and timelines, refer to the File-Based License End-of-Life Policy page.
Below is a list of error messages that you might encounter when activating, deactivating, or renewing fixed licenses.
Failed to activate the license. It looks like you don't have an active Internet connection or
Failed to activate the license. If the problem persists, please contact SmartBear support.
Common cause: You are trying to activate a new fixed license online, but the network security blocks the connection to the SmartBear license server (https://activation.smartbear.com) at port 443.
Suggested solution: Try offline activation or reach out to your network administrator to resolve the connection issues.
Common cause: You are trying to activate a license that has already been activated on a different computer or the same computer under a different user account.
Suggested solution: Deactivate the license on the computer that is currently using it before activating it on this computer. You can also use a floating license to access the same license from multiple computers without deactivating it.
Common causes:
The license file was renamed.
You are activating a file-based license, and the file is locked for reading.
Suggested solutions:
Make sure the license file is not renamed. If necessary, download the license file using the link in the email you received from the SmartBear license server.
Close the application that locks the file and try again. If you do not know which application locks it, restart your computer and then activate the license again. Contact the SmartBear Support Team for assistance, if needed.
Common cause: You are trying to activate a time-limited license before the license period starts.
Suggested solution: Wait for the license period to start or contact the SmartBear Support Team.
Common cause: The license file is corrupted.
Suggested solution: Download the license file using the link in the email you received from the SmartBear license server. If this does not help, contact the SmartBear Support Team.
Common cause: The license file contains a license for a different tool (ReadyAPI Test, ReadyAPI Performance, or ReadyAPI Virtualization).
Suggested solution: Make sure you are activating the license for the appropriate tool.
Common cause: The license file was renamed.
Suggested solution: Download the license file using the link in the email you received from the SmartBear license server. Do not change the name of the license file.
Contact support
Important
If you cannot find the error message above, please contact SmartBear Support.