Knowledge Base

Problem

EthoVision displays an 'Offline period exceeded' error stating the license has been used offline for more than 90 days and requires reconnection to the internet or reactivation.

Details

Affects users with a Software-Based License (SBLK) activated in online computer-locked mode. This mode allows up to 90 days of offline use before requiring reactivation via internet connection. After 90 days without connecting online, EthoVision blocks access and displays a message such as: 'Offline period exceeded: you are currently working 175 days offline with your license. This exceeds the maximum number allowed of 90 days. Please connect to the internet.' Affects labs using EthoVision on air-gapped or restricted-network computers.

Solution

1. Understand the cause: The license was activated in online computer-locked mode, which grants up to 90 days of offline use. After that period, internet access is required to revalidate.
2. Option A – Brief internet connection: If a temporary internet connection is possible on the EthoVision PC, connect briefly and open the License Manager. The license should revalidate automatically and reset the offline counter.
3. Option B – Convert to offline computer-locked mode: If internet access on the EthoVision PC is not feasible, convert the license to offline (computer-locked) mode. This process uses a separate internet-connected device to generate an offline activation file:
a. On the EthoVision PC, open License Manager and select the option to deactivate or switch to offline mode — this generates a request file.
b. Transfer the request file to an internet-connected PC and complete the activation via the Noldus license portal or MyNoldus.
c. Transfer the resulting activation response file back to the EthoVision PC and apply it in License Manager.
4. Once activated in offline computer-locked mode, the 90-day online revalidation requirement no longer applies.
5. Contact Noldus Support if you are unable to complete either step, providing your license key and a description of your network environment. See also: 'Converting Online (Floating/Internet-Connected) SBLK Licenses to Offline Computer-Locked Mode'.