Microsoft Windows 64-bit versions

At installation Microsoft Windows 64-bit versions create two program files folders, \Program Filesand \Program Files(x86). 64-bit Windows redirects the \Program Files folder for all programs that are 32-bit during the installation to the \Program Files(x86) folder. 64-bit programs are installed into the \Program Files folder.

When installing on a 64-bit Windows operating system, therefore, Polar software (for example Si8000m, Si9000e, Speedstack, CGen) installs in the Program Files(x86)\Polar folder. The Polar licensing system supports both floating licenses and licenses node-locked to a machine's ethernet address or to FLEXnet ID dongles.

Licenses node-locked to a FLEXnet ID dongle

To ensure correct operation on 64-bit versions of Windows, USB FLEXnet ID software key-based licenses will require the latest USB driver. Software key drivers are available via the Downloads page.

Licenses node-locked to a computer

To use a license exclusively on one laptop computer, the license can be node-locked to an address associated with that computer. Polar licenses employ an ethernet (MAC) address on the computer. The license file resides on the computer associated with the licensed address. Polar licenses are node-locked to a valid ethernet address.

Locating license files on 64-bit systems

Most applications have an expected location for the license file. Polar software is set by default to look in the Program Files\Polar\Licences folder for the license file. On a 64-bit installation the software may therefore fail to locate the license file on first time use. The software should, however, request the location of the license file or license server via the FLEXlm License Finder; navigate to the license location and choose the license file, the license location should then be retained by the license manager for future reference.

The software License Finder will prompt for a License File / Server location. Ensure that “Specify the License File” is selected and select Next to continue.

The License Finder prompts for the license file name. Enter the path/filename or click the Browse button to navigate to the file. (Using the Choose License File Dialog, for a default installation browse to C:\Program Files\Polar\Licences and select the license file; select Open. The License Finder will display the license file specified (your license file may be named differently).

Select Next to continue. The License Finder should display its completion message.

The software may display a message to indicate how many days are remaining before the license expires. Select OK to continue.

Note: under certain circumstances (e.g. 64-bit systems) you may not see the FLEXlm License Finder dialog box when you launch the application. The application claims it can not find a license and exits. This may indicate that an invalid license was found but not recognized. Delete any old or invalid licenses and restart the application. You should now see the License Finder dialog.

Old invalid license paths may be cleared via the Help|Reset Licence Settings command

If you see the following message (i.e. the license settings have already been reset):

it may be necessary to start the LMTOOLS utility and use the LMTOOLS "Utilities" tab to add a vendor path manually. Specify the path and click Add Vendor Path. For a default installation browse to C:\Program Files\Polar\Licences and select the license file.

It may be necessary to select the "Start/Stop/Reread" tab and ReRead the license file.

Adding environment variables

If the above process is not successful it may be necessary to add an environment variable using the variable name: POLAR_LICENSE_FILE. The variable value will be either the server or license folder:

C:\Program Files\Polar\Licences;27001@(server name)

Note that for a floating license, setting the POLAR_LICENSE_FILE variable to port@server (rather than the local license file location) will reduce the delay in locating the server. (If the variable is set to the local license file the tools will need to query the license file to learn the name of the server.)

To add environment variables:

Windows XP

Start|Control Panel|System|Advanced tab|Environment Variables|New... and add the Variable name and Variable value in their respective text boxes.

Windows 7

Start|Control Panel|System|Advanced system settings...|Environment Variables|New... and add the Variable name and Variable value in their respective text boxes.

Please consult with your IT department before trying either of the above options.

For more details on resetting the license path on 64-bit versions of Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 see Polar Application Note AP610