Knowledge Base

Problem

When trying to activate an EthoVision license on a new or different computer, the user receives an error indicating the license is already in use or was activated on another machine. This prevents activation on the intended PC.

Details

Applies to both floating and computer-locked (fixed) software-based licenses (SBLK) and USB dongle licenses. Common causes include: a teammate or previous user activated the license and did not deactivate it; the old PC is no longer accessible (lost, broken, or retired); or the license was inadvertently activated on an unknown machine.

Solution

**If the original PC is still accessible:**
1. On the PC where the license is currently active, open EthoVision.
2. Go to **Help > Deactivate License** and follow the prompts.
3. Activate the license on the new PC.

**If the original PC is not accessible:**
1. Contact Noldus support and provide your license number.
2. Support will remotely force-deactivate the license on the license server.
3. Once deactivated, activate EthoVision on the desired PC using the activation key.

**To prevent this issue:** Always deactivate the license before switching computers, imaging a PC, or leaving a shared workstation.