Knowledge Base

Problem

An SBLK (software-based) license cannot be activated on a new or different PC because it is still registered as active on another machine, or after activation the license shows an unexpected expiry date (e.g., 01-01-1970), preventing normal use.

Details

This issue occurs when a license was not properly deactivated on the previous PC before attempting activation elsewhere, or when a licensing system error results in a corrupted activation state (e.g., epoch date shown as expiry). Force-deactivation from the Noldus license server resolves both scenarios. This complements the existing articles on 'License Already Activated on Another PC' and 'Floating License Stuck Active' but specifically covers the force-deactivation procedure for SBLK computer-locked licenses and the epoch date anomaly. Affects EthoVision XT 17, 18, and other SBLK-licensed versions.

Solution

1. Do not attempt repeated activation attempts, as this may further complicate the license state.
2. Contact Noldus support and provide your license number and the error details (including any unexpected expiry date shown).
3. Noldus support will perform a force-deactivation of the license from the license server, clearing the active registration on the old or stuck PC.
4. Once force-deactivated, attempt to activate the license on the intended PC using the standard activation procedure in EthoVision.
5. If an unexpected expiry date (e.g., 01-01-1970) appears after activation, report this to Noldus support. This indicates a server-side data anomaly and may require issuance of a new license key.
6. After successful activation, verify the correct license expiry date is shown in EthoVision's license information screen.