Why Does AutoCAD Keep Saying License Expired?
If you are an AutoCAD user, you may have encountered the frustrating issue of receiving a notification that your license has expired. This can be a major hindrance to your workflow and productivity. In this article, we will explore the possible reasons behind this error message and discuss potential solutions.
1. Subscription Renewal
One common reason for AutoCAD displaying the “License Expired” message is that your subscription has not been renewed. AutoCAD licenses are typically based on a subscription model, which requires regular renewal to maintain access to the software.
If you have recently renewed your subscription but are still encountering this issue, it is possible that the renewal process did not complete correctly. In such cases, contacting Autodesk support is recommended to resolve the problem.
2. Network Issues
In some situations, network connectivity problems can trigger the license expiration error in AutoCAD. If your computer is unable to communicate with Autodesk’s licensing servers due to network issues or firewall restrictions, it may incorrectly interpret this as an expired license.
To troubleshoot this problem, ensure that your internet connection is stable and verify whether there are any firewall or proxy settings blocking AutoCAD’s access to the licensing servers. You may need to consult with your IT department or network administrator for assistance.
3. License Activation
If you have recently installed or reinstalled AutoCAD and encounter a license expiration message, it could be due to improper activation of the software. Activation involves verifying your license with Autodesk’s servers to confirm its authenticity.
To activate AutoCAD properly, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Launch AutoCAD on your computer
- Step 2: Click on the “Activate” button or navigate to the “Help” menu and select “Activate”
- Step 3: Enter your Autodesk account credentials
- Step 4: Follow the prompts to complete the activation process
If you encounter any issues during activation, double-check your account credentials, ensure that you have a stable internet connection, and verify that your subscription is active and in good standing.
4. System Date and Time
An incorrect system date and time can sometimes trigger license expiration errors in AutoCAD. This can occur when the software’s licensing mechanism detects a significant discrepancy between the current date/time and the license validity period.
To resolve this issue, simply adjust your system’s date and time settings to ensure they are accurate. It is recommended to set your system to synchronize with an internet time server to maintain accurate timekeeping.
5. License File Corruption
In rare cases, license file corruption can result in AutoCAD erroneously reporting an expired license. This can happen due to various reasons such as unexpected software crashes or file system errors.
If you suspect that your license file has been corrupted, Autodesk provides a License Transfer Utility tool that allows you to transfer licenses from one machine to another. By transferring your license to a different machine, you can generate a new license file that may resolve the expiration issue.
In Conclusion
The “License Expired” error in AutoCAD can be frustrating but is usually solvable with some troubleshooting steps. Ensure that your subscription is renewed, check for network connectivity issues, activate AutoCAD correctly, verify your system date and time settings, and consider transferring licenses if necessary.
By following these guidelines, you should be able to resolve the license expiration issue and continue using AutoCAD without interruptions.