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Autodesk License Error? Troubleshooting 'Failed to Acquire' Issues

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Autodesk License Error

Encountering a “Failed to acquire license” error while accessing Autodesk products like Vault, running jobs, or accessing logs is a prevalent issue among users. This error indicates that Autodesk software is unable to verify or access your license. This can disrupt your workflow and prevent you from utilizing Autodesk applications effectively. Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve this licensing problem and regain access to your software. This article will guide you through a series of solutions to address the “Failed to acquire license” error in Autodesk products.

Fix Failed to Acquire a License Autodesk Error

When you face the “Failed to acquire a license” error in Autodesk, it can be frustrating and halt your progress. However, by systematically applying the following solutions, you can often resolve the issue and get back to work. These solutions range from simple restarts to more in-depth checks of your system’s licensing components. Let’s explore each solution in detail to help you troubleshoot and fix this Autodesk license error.

Here are the solutions we will cover:

  1. Restart the app
  2. Update Autodesk license service
  3. Install the latest version of Sign-On Component or Identity Manager
  4. Resolve HSMWork error
  5. Check the job in the queue
  6. Allow the program through the antivirus or firewall
  7. Reinstall Autodesk License

1] Restart the App

The first and simplest step to address the “Failed to acquire license” error is to restart the Autodesk application. Software glitches can sometimes interfere with license verification, and a simple restart can often resolve temporary issues. Closing and reopening the application allows it to re-attempt the license acquisition process, potentially clearing any transient errors. To ensure a clean restart, it’s recommended to completely close the application and any related Autodesk processes.

To restart the app effectively:

  1. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
  2. In the Processes tab, locate the Autodesk application experiencing the error.
  3. Right-click on the application and select End Task.
  4. Also, look for any other Autodesk-related processes running in the background and end them as well.
  5. Once all processes are terminated, relaunch the Autodesk application.
  6. Check if the error persists after restarting.

2] Update Autodesk License Service

The Autodesk Licensing Service is a crucial component responsible for managing and validating software licenses for Autodesk products. An outdated or corrupted license service can lead to licensing errors, including the “Failed to acquire license” message. Ensuring that you have the latest version of the Autodesk License Service is essential for smooth license management and error prevention. Updating this service can resolve compatibility issues and address potential bugs that may be causing the licensing problem.

To update the Autodesk License Service:

  1. Visit the official Autodesk support website by searching for “Autodesk Licensing Service Updates” or going directly to autodesk.com.
  2. Locate and download the latest update for the Autodesk Licensing Service compatible with your operating system.
  3. Follow the installation instructions provided by Autodesk to update the service.
  4. After the update is complete, restart your computer.
  5. Launch the Autodesk product again to see if the license error is resolved.

3] Install the Latest Version of Single Sign-On Component or Identity Manager

Autodesk utilizes authentication components, namely Single Sign-On Component (for older versions like 2023 and earlier) and Identity Manager (for newer versions like 2024), to manage user logins and access to their products. These components are vital for verifying user credentials and ensuring licensed access to Autodesk software. Using outdated versions of these components can lead to authentication failures and licensing errors. Therefore, keeping these components updated is crucial.

To update these components:

  1. Close all Autodesk applications and services running on your system through Task Manager.
  2. Open Autodesk Access Update. You can usually find this in your system tray or by searching in the Start menu.
  3. Log in to your Autodesk account through Autodesk Access.
  4. Navigate to the My Updates section within Autodesk Access.
  5. Look for updates related to “Single Sign On Component” or “Identity Manager”. The specific names may include version numbers like “Single Sign On Component-V13.8.6-2020.x SecurityFix English-US 64-Bit (Windows)” or “Identity Manager 1.0 1.12.0 English-US 64-Bit (Windows)”.
  6. If updates are available, click the Update button next to the relevant component.
  7. Wait for the update process to complete.
  8. Restart your computer after the updates are installed.
  9. Launch your Autodesk product and check if the license error is resolved.

4] Resolve HSMWorks Error

If the “Failed to acquire license” error specifically mentions “AutoDesk HSMWorks,” it indicates a potential issue with permissions or licensing related to this particular Autodesk product. HSMWorks, an integrated CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) software for SOLIDWORKS and Autodesk Inventor, requires proper licensing and permissions to function correctly. This error often arises when the user lacks the necessary privileges or the HSMWorks license is not correctly activated.

To address HSMWorks specific license errors:

  1. Check for Updates: Ensure that HSMWorks is updated to the latest version. Use the Autodesk Access app or the HSMWorks application itself to check for and install any available updates.
  2. Run as Administrator: Right-click on the HSMWorks application or its shortcut. Select “Run as Administrator” from the context menu. Click Yes if prompted by User Account Control (UAC). Running as administrator can grant necessary permissions.
  3. License Activation: If the “Let’s Get Started” screen appears when you launch HSMWorks, select your appropriate license type and follow the activation prompts to activate your HSMWorks license.
  4. Reset License: If the “Let’s Get Started” screen does not appear, you might need to reset your license. Visit the Autodesk Knowledge Network at knowledge.autodesk.com and search for “How to change or reset licensing on your Autodesk software” for instructions on resetting your license.
  5. Create a New Local Administrator Account: If the problem persists, consider creating a new local administrator account on your computer. Log in with the new account and test HSMWorks to rule out user profile corruption or permission issues within your current user account.
  6. Reinstall HSM Add-on (for Inventor HSM): If you are using Inventor HSM and it was installed without a license, try uninstalling the HSM add-on. Restart Autodesk Inventor and then test again. This can sometimes resolve licensing conflicts.

5] Check the Job in the Queue

In some Autodesk environments, particularly those involving Vault or network licensing, job queues are used to manage tasks and processes. If a job is stuck in the queue or encountering issues, it can indirectly trigger licensing errors. Checking the job queue and ensuring that jobs are processing correctly can help identify and resolve potential conflicts that might be related to licensing.

To check the job queue:

  1. In the Vault Client, navigate to the Tool menu.
  2. Select Job Queue (or Job Queue Manager, depending on your Vault version).
  3. In the Job Server Queue window, right-click on the column headers in the job list.
  4. Select Customize View from the context menu.
  5. In the Customize View dialog, go to the Fields tab.
  6. In the “Select available fields from” dropdown menu, choose All Job Properties.
  7. Select Job Processor from the list of available fields and click Add >.
  8. Click OK to close the Customize View dialog.
  9. Now, in the Job Processor column, verify that the Windows Machine name listed is the same as the name of your system.
  10. Also, confirm that cmd.exe and hostname processes are running on your system. These indicate the job processor is active.

If the Job Processor name is different from your system name, it might indicate a job processing conflict. In such cases, try stopping the Job Processor on the other machine that might be using a separate license to avoid conflicts.

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6] Allow the Program Through the Antivirus or Firewall

Security software like antivirus programs and firewalls can sometimes mistakenly block or interfere with the normal operation of legitimate applications, including Autodesk products. These security measures might prevent Autodesk software from properly accessing licensing servers or components, leading to “Failed to acquire license” errors. Temporarily disabling or configuring these security programs to allow Autodesk applications can help determine if they are the cause of the licensing issue.

To configure antivirus and firewall settings:

  1. Temporarily Disable Antivirus: Temporarily disable your antivirus software. Note that disabling your antivirus can leave your system vulnerable, so only do this for troubleshooting purposes and re-enable it immediately after testing. Check your antivirus software’s documentation for instructions on how to temporarily disable it.
  2. Temporarily Disable Windows Firewall: Temporarily disable Windows Firewall. Search for “Windows Firewall” in the Start menu and open “Windows Defender Firewall.” Choose “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off” in the left pane and select “Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended)” for both private and public networks. Click “OK.” Remember to re-enable the firewall after testing.
  3. Test Autodesk Application: After temporarily disabling your antivirus and/or firewall, launch your Autodesk application and see if the license error persists.
  4. Allow Autodesk Through Firewall (If Resolved): If disabling the security software resolves the issue, it indicates that your antivirus or firewall was indeed blocking Autodesk. You should then configure your firewall to allow Autodesk applications and related processes. Search for “Allow an app through Windows Firewall” in the Start menu and open “Allow an app through Windows Firewall.” Click “Change settings,” then “Allow another app…” and browse to the executable files of your Autodesk applications (e.g., acad.exe for AutoCAD). Add them to the allowed list and ensure they are checked for both private and public networks. You may also need to add exceptions for other Autodesk-related processes and services as needed, based on Autodesk’s recommendations or error logs.

7] Reinstall Autodesk License

If none of the previous solutions have resolved the “Failed to acquire license” error, reinstalling the Autodesk License Service is a more drastic but potentially effective step. A corrupted installation of the license service can prevent Autodesk products from correctly accessing and validating licenses. Reinstalling it ensures a fresh and potentially corrected installation of this critical component.

To reinstall the Autodesk License Service:

  1. Uninstall Existing License Service: Open File Explorer and navigate to the directory C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\AdskLicensing.
  2. Locate the uninstall.exe file within this folder.
  3. Right-click on uninstall.exe and select “Run as administrator”.
  4. This will execute the uninstaller for the Autodesk License Service and remove its components.
  5. Install Autodesk License Service: After uninstallation, download the latest Autodesk License Service from the Autodesk website as mentioned in solution #2 (Update Autodesk license service).
  6. Run the downloaded installer to reinstall the Autodesk License Service.
  7. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reinstallation.
  8. Restart your computer after the installation is finished.
  9. Launch your Autodesk product again to check if the license error has been resolved.

How do I fix an Autodesk licensing error?

Fixing an Autodesk licensing error, such as the “Failed to acquire license” issue, typically involves a series of troubleshooting steps. Starting with the simplest solutions like restarting the application and updating the license service is recommended. If these quick fixes don’t work, more in-depth solutions like reinstalling the license service or checking firewall settings might be necessary. Systematically working through the solutions outlined in this article will help you effectively diagnose and resolve most Autodesk licensing errors. Remember to consult Autodesk support resources or documentation for more specific guidance if needed.

How do I stop Autodesk error report?

While resolving licensing errors is crucial, you might also encounter Autodesk error reports that appear frequently. These reports can sometimes be disruptive and you may want to disable them. To stop Autodesk error reporting, you can disable the Autodesk Customer Error Reporting Service. This service is responsible for collecting and sending error reports to Autodesk. Disabling it will prevent these reports from appearing.

To disable the Autodesk Customer Error Reporting Service:

  1. Press Win + R keys simultaneously to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type services.msc in the Run dialog and click OK or press Enter. This will open the Services window.
  3. In the Services window, scroll down and locate the service named “Autodesk Customer Error Reporting Service”.
  4. Right-click on “Autodesk Customer Error Reporting Service” and select Properties from the context menu.
  5. In the Properties window, under the Startup type dropdown menu, select Disabled.
  6. Click the Stop button to stop the service if it is currently running.
  7. Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.

By disabling this service, you will prevent Autodesk error reports from appearing. However, keep in mind that disabling error reporting might also prevent Autodesk from receiving valuable feedback about potential software issues.

If you found these solutions helpful in resolving your Autodesk license error, or if you have other tips and tricks, please share your experiences in the comments below!

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