Advisory: Windows XP with Service Pack 2 Causes FlexLM License Failure

Synopsis: With the default configuration, client PCs cannot obtain a license from a FlexLM server running Windows XP with Service Pack 2 installed. Default configuration includes a Firewall which is the source of the problem.

Description:

When Service Pack 2 for Windows XP is installed on a PC acting as a FlexLM license server, client PCs will not be able to acquire a license because the Windows Firewall will block the required ports. The firewall must be configured manually to open the required ports, or to add the license server applications to the Windows Firewall Exceptions List, which will allow Windows to open the required ports automatically.

Solution:

1. Click on Start | Control Panel | Security Center. Select Windows Firewall.
2. On the General Tab, ensure that the "On" radio button is selected and the "Don't allow exceptions" is NOT checked.
3. Click on the Exceptions Tab.
4. Click on Add Programs, and Browse to C:\CAM_FLEXLM_84a\ (or wherever you installed the FlexLM Network Utilities). Select lmgrd.exe and then click Open, then OK. Repeat this process and select act_inc.exe. Click OK to exit.
5. Restart your FlexLM license service.
6. Clients should now be able to checkout a license.