How to reset Autodesk 2020 Licensing

[TravisNave]

CLICK HERE FOR THE NEW VERSION!

Problem:  You have Autodesk 2020 software installed, but are now unable to simply change the licensing from Single User to Multi-User, Networked Licensed, or Trial version. 

Reason:  Autodesk has changed how the Autodesk 2020 products are licensed and apparently there is no simple way to do this from Help > About to Manage Licenses, or by deleting LGS file information as in previous versions. 

Solution:  With the introduction of the Autodesk 2020 software release, changing the licensing now requires commands to be entered via an elevated command prompt. 

Detailed instructions for how to find and use the AdskLicensingInstHelper.exe and all of its commands and options can be found at this link:

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Use-In...

Method #1:  Essentially, you would need to run a command similar to this for AutoCAD 2020:

AdskLicensingInstHelper change --prod_key 001L1 --prod_ver 2020.0.0.F --lic_method ""

This method, however, is quite obtuse and requires you to also know the Product Key and the Product Version for your installed product.  You can find this using the LIST argument and plugging your values into the command. 

AdskLicensingInstHelper list

Because the normal everyday user is unlikely to be able to follow and comprehend these instructions clearly, I have decided to write a batch file to perform these actions without requiring the knowledge necessary in the Autodesk KB article. 

Method #2:  Download and run the command script attached at the bottom of this article with elevated privileges. 

1.  When you launch the script (you may have to allow it in Windows 10 or if you have UAC enabled) you will see the following screen:

Run as Administrator

Note:  You will need to right-click and run as Administrator.  Otherwise, it will warn you that you are not running as administrator and need to close the program.

2.  To determine which products you have installed and need to reset, choose option 1. 

Choose Option 1 to List Products

In this example, the program lists AutoCAD 2020 with Product Key 001L1 and Product Version 2020.0.0.F.  We will be using these values to reset AutoCAD 2020 back to factory default.  The output of this command is a little convoluted.  It is especially busy when you have multiple products installed.  You will want to look for the value of "def_prod_key" and "def_prod_ver" when you run this option (highlighted.)

You can now type B to go back to the previous menu. 

3.   To reset the licensing for your listed product, choose option 2.

Choose Option 2 to reset license to factory default

By default, the values are set for AutoCAD 2020 with the Product Key of 001L1 and the Product Version of 2020.0.0.F.  to accept these default values, all you need to do is press <Enter> to continue.  If the values of your product are different, then enter those values instead.  For example, if you have AutoCAD LT 2020 installed, you will use Product Key 057L1.  It will verify your entry and prompt you to confirm that you wish to reset your license back to factory default. 

I suspect product versions will change as different updates and service packs are released. 

4.  To reset your license choose to answer Y to the prompt:  WARNING THIS WILL RESET YOUR LICENSE? [Y or N] _

Successful Result has no output between brackets []

If successful, you should receive no output between the brackets.  This is because the Autodesk license helper displays no output for a successful command.  If you made a typo or the product does not exist on your machine, then an error message will be displayed instead. 

Error when product not found

Also, if you are using the Autodesk Network License Manager for Network Licensed products, then resetting the licensing will also open the folder location for the LICPATH.LIC file, which contains the location of your license manager.  This will allow you to easily modify the file or remove it altogether if unneeded. 

5.  You can then choose whether or not to reset another licensed product or to quit the program.  When you quit the program, it is set to log an application event to your Windows logs.  This can help you keep track of when the program has been run.  Choosing Y will take you back to the main menu, while choosing N will exit the program.

Bonus options:

There are a few extra options included in this batch script that are helpful with Autodesk licensing.  These are optional settings to help make changes that are also otherwise difficult to do or understand. 

 Set ADSKFLEX_LICENSE_FILE -  This will allow you to change the System Environment Variable (and subsequently the registry value) of the Autodesk Network License Manager server location on the current client.  Acceptable values are often 27000@SERVERNAME or simply @SERVERNAME.  More information on this variable or instructions on how to set this manually can be found here.

Set FLEXLM_TIMEOUT - This will allow you to change the System Environment Variable for the amount of time that Autodesk software waits to check out a network license.  This is helpful when there is network latency or you are using a VPN or WAN to connect to your NLM.  A good start is usually a value of one-million.  (1000000 = 1 second.)  More information on this variable or instructions on how to set this manually can be found here.

Open adskflex*.data file location - This will allow you to open the file location where the adskflex*.data file exist that keeps track of single user licensed products.  For more information about manually removing license files, please see this KB Article. 

Download and unzip the script attached below.  Run as Administrator.  If Windows complains that the file is dangerous, you will need to click more information and run anyway. 

If you have any issues or want to add features, please feel free to contact me!

Good Luck!

[patrykstolinski]

Hello,

this is the log file of the installation. 

[patrick.dezess3VUS7]

The tech support folks at Autodesk were able to assist in resolving the
problem extremely fast. As it turns out the issue was a corrupted
AdskLicensingService.data file that cause the Desktop Licensing Service not
to start. But I did not receive the Error 1053: "Windows could not start the
Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service" so the problem was presenting as the
issue in this thread.

[4PArchitect]

Re: How to reset Autodesk 2020 Licensing

If you cannot install or reinstall a 2020 product, you need to check the Product2020Install.log file in your %TEMP% folder, rather than the normal setup log file.  If the problem is due to an upgraded licensing system, it will have an error similar to this excerpt:

Action start 18:43:07: licIsSvcUpgraded
1: 5 2: Successfull registered 3: 0 
1: 5 2: licIsSvcUpgraded 3: 0 
1: 5 2: run helper with params: 3: 0 
1: 5 2: "C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\AdskLicensing\9.0.1.1462\helper\AdskLicensingInstHelper.exe" upgrade isUpgraded 3: 0 
1: 5 2: process return code: 3: 100 
1: 5 2: failed to upgrade 3: 0 
1: 5 2:  3: 0 
CustomAction licIsSvcUpgraded returned actual error code 1603 (note this may not be 100% accurate if translation happened inside sandbox)

Your only recourse may be to delete the following folder and reinstall:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\AdskLicensing

This folder runs the licensing for all 2020 products, so back this folder up before deleting and create a Windows Restore Point before doing so. 

Good Luck!

I have exactly the same error when trying to re-install Revit 2020. After trying every trick in the book, performing a cleaning up leftover files, etc., I went in and deleted the C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\AdskLicensing folder and tried to re-install from the downloaded files and the same dialog box appeared "Error Starting Service AdeskLicensingService". It got to the point where it was installing the Autodesk licensing service files, threw the error dialog box continued to install the libraries for another 50 seconds and then crashed with the 1603 error.

Travis, any further explanation?

Curt

[4PArchitect]

If you cannot install or reinstall a 2020 product, you need to check the Product2020Install.log file in your %TEMP% folder, rather than the normal setup log file.  If the problem is due to an upgraded licensing system, it will have an error similar to this excerpt:

Action start 18:43:07: licIsSvcUpgraded
1: 5 2: Successfull registered 3: 0 
1: 5 2: licIsSvcUpgraded 3: 0 
1: 5 2: run helper with params: 3: 0 
1: 5 2: "C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\AdskLicensing\9.0.1.1462\helper\AdskLicensingInstHelper.exe" upgrade isUpgraded 3: 0 
1: 5 2: process return code: 3: 100 
1: 5 2: failed to upgrade 3: 0 
1: 5 2:  3: 0 
CustomAction licIsSvcUpgraded returned actual error code 1603 (note this may not be 100% accurate if translation happened inside sandbox)

Your only recourse may be to delete the following folder and reinstall:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\AdskLicensing

This folder runs the licensing for all 2020 products, so back this folder up before deleting and create a Windows Restore Point before doing so. 

Good Luck!

[TravisNave]

Try going into Windows Services (services.msc) and start the Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service manually.  See if it will start.  If it does not, see if you can actually run the C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\AdskLicensing\Current\AdskLicensingService\AdskLicensingService.exe by double-clicking it.  See if it starts at all.  You should get a command window with some technical information in it. 

[4PArchitect]

Travis -

OK, I tried the install Revit 2020 again and it threw the same error. When I tried to go into services and manually start it, it threw a 1053 error "The service did not respond to the start or control request in a timely fashion". I then navigated to the folder you mentioned and tried to run the service manually, however the command window only stayed visible for a split-second and then disappeared. Is there a way to make the window stay resident?

 - Curt

[TravisNave]

Yes. Open a CMD first. Then drag the file into the command line window
and press to run it. Let me know the results.

[4PArchitect]

Good morning Travis!

OK, here is what appeared in the window:

Curt

[TravisNave]

Soooo, you're toast.  I ran across this error on AutoCAD 2020 on basically day 1 and Autodesk has no idea what causes it.  Their recommendation is to reinstall Windows.  Not exactly my favorite response.

[4PArchitect]

WWOOOOWWWWW!  That sucks! I was on a remote desktop session with a support person in Costa Rica a couple of hours ago and she stated in the chat session that Revit 2020 is not "recommended" to be installed on a Windows 7 machine. I am planning on upgrading to Windows 10 in a few months, depending on the corporate budget (I work for a small architectural firm). Funny thing is that I had previously installed without any errors Revit, AutoCAD and 3DS Max 2020 versions and had been trying them out so to speak for about 2-3 weeks! I don't know what could have caused the crashing, since the only thing that has been happening is an occasional windows update and a graphics card driver update. Now I can't re-install any of them, since they all crash after installing the Autodesk Licensing Service or the Materials Libraries...

Thanks for your help though...

[TravisNave]

I feel your pain. The new Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service has broken
just about everything. Worst release ever.

[4PArchitect]

Yeah, and I just sat through a webinar rolling out the virtues of the new Revit 2020 release!

[Anonymous]

When I try any step, the script goes wrong. 'getting features failed: Get http://127.0.0.1:50386/api/v1/feature: dial tcp 127.0.0.1:50386: connectex: No connection could be made because the target machine actively refused it.'

[TravisNave]

Sounds like firewall or UAC to me.

[Anonymous]

There seems to be no such problem ,because I shut down UAC earlier. Could I fix the problem if I  reinstall the software?

[TravisNave]

That rarely works with licensing, but you can try.

[Anonymous]

thx..

[TravisNave · Accepted solution]

Everyone,

After working on this issue for some time, I finally have a fix for the Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service not starting -- especially those who test start it in a command prompt and receive the "\x00" error. 

1.  Go to the following folder:

C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\AdskLicensingService

2.  Rename the following files:

• AdskLicensingService.data (required)
• AdskLicensingService.sds (optional only if renaming .data doesn't work)
• AdskLicensingService.sds.lock (optional only if renaming .data doesn't work)

3.  Go to Windows Services (services.msc) and try to start the Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service.  The service should now start and recreate those renamed files. 

This fix should keep you from having to reload Windows to fix this problem.  I will keep you posted.

[TravisNave]

Everyone,

I wanted to point out that I have further determined that the file AdskLicensingService.sds is responsible for letting the licensing service know which Autodesk products are registered on the machine.  If you rename this .sds file and restart the service, the workstation will no longer know which products you have installed and you will need to reinstall them.  Apparently this file works very similar to the ProductInformation.PIT file, for those of you who are familiar with this. 

If you rename this file and restart the service, then choosing #1 to LIST the installed products via my command script, the results will come up empty.  If you restore the file, then you will see your installed products.  Therefore, when trying to correct the Autodesk Desktop Licensing Service not starting, or getting the \x00 error, you should start by only renaming the .data file listed in my thread response above.  That should recreate the file, start your service, and prevent you from losing the registered products so that you don't have to reinstall them. 

Autodesk 2020 licensing is still a work in progress, learning all of its caveats.  I will continually keep this thread updated as I learn more in my research. 

[Anonymous]

MY HERO!!!

I NEVER WOULD HAVE FIGURED THAT OUT - THANKS FOR MAKING IT SO IDIOT PROOF - LOL.

---

@TravisNave wrote:

Problem:  You have Autodesk 2020 software installed, but are now unable to simply change the licensing from Single User to Multi-User, Networked Licensed, or Trial version. 

Reason:  Autodesk has changed how the Autodesk 2020 products are licensed and apparently there is no simple way to do this from Help > About to Manage Licenses, or by deleting LGS file information as in previous versions. 

Solution:  With the introduction of the Autodesk 2020 software release, changing the licensing now requires commands to be entered via an elevated command prompt. 

Detailed instructions for how to find and use the AdskLicensingInstHelper.exe and all of its commands and options can be found at this link:

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Use-In...

Method #1:  Essentially, you would need to run a command similar to this for AutoCAD 2020:

AdskLicensingInstHelper change --prod_key 001L1 --prod_ver 2020.0.0.F --lic_method ""

This method, however, is quite obtuse and requires you to also know the Product Key and the Product Version for your installed product.  You can find this using the LIST argument and plugging your values into the command. 

AdskLicensingInstHelper list

Because the normal everyday user is unlikely to be able to follow and comprehend these instructions clearly, I have decided to write a batch file to perform these actions without requiring the knowledge necessary in the Autodesk KB article. 

Method #2:  Download and run the command script attached at the bottom of this article with elevated privileges. 

1.  When you launch the script (you may have to allow it in Windows 10 or if you have UAC enabled) you will see the following screen:

Run as Administrator

Note:  You will need to right-click and run as Administrator.  Otherwise, it will warn you that you are not running as administrator and need to close the program.

2.  To determine which products you have installed and need to reset, choose option 1. 

Choose Option 1 to List Products

In this example, the program lists AutoCAD 2020 with Product Key 001L1 and Product Version 2020.0.0.F.  We will be using these values to reset AutoCAD 2020 back to factory default.  The output of this command is a little convoluted.  It is especially busy when you have multiple products installed.  You will want to look for the value of "def_prod_key" and "def_prod_ver" when you run this option (highlighted.)

You can now type B to go back to the previous menu. 

3.   To reset the licensing for your listed product, choose option 2.

Choose Option 2 to reset license to factory default

By default, the values are set for AutoCAD 2020 with the Product Key of 001L1 and the Product Version of 2020.0.0.F.  to accept these default values, all you need to do is press <Enter> to continue.  If the values of your product are different, then enter those values instead.  For example, if you have AutoCAD LT 2020 installed, you will use Product Key 057L1.  It will verify your entry and prompt you to confirm that you wish to reset your license back to factory default. 

I suspect product versions will change as different updates and service packs are released. 

4.  To reset your license choose to answer Y to the prompt:  WARNING THIS WILL RESET YOUR LICENSE? [Y or N] _

Successful Result has no output between brackets []

If successful, you should receive no output between the brackets.  This is because the Autodesk license helper displays no output for a successful command.  If you made a typo or the product does not exist on your machine, then an error message will be displayed instead. 

Error when product not found

Also, if you are using the Autodesk Network License Manager for Network Licensed products, then resetting the licensing will also open the folder location for the LICPATH.LIC file, which contains the location of your license manager.  This will allow you to easily modify the file or remove it altogether if unneeded. 

5.  You can then choose whether or not to reset another licensed product or to quit the program.  When you quit the program, it is set to log an application event to your Windows logs.  This can help you keep track of when the program has been run.  Choosing Y will take you back to the main menu, while choosing N will exit the program.

Bonus options:

There are a few extra options included in this batch script that are helpful with Autodesk licensing.  These are optional settings to help make changes that are also otherwise difficult to do or understand. 

 Set ADSKFLEX_LICENSE_FILE -  This will allow you to change the System Environment Variable (and subsequently the registry value) of the Autodesk Network License Manager server location on the current client.  Acceptable values are often 27000@SERVERNAME or simply @SERVERNAME.  More information on this variable or instructions on how to set this manually can be found here.

Set FLEXLM_TIMEOUT - This will allow you to change the System Environment Variable for the amount of time that Autodesk software waits to check out a network license.  This is helpful when there is network latency or you are using a VPN or WAN to connect to your NLM.  A good start is usually a value of one-million.  (1000000 = 1 second.)  More information on this variable or instructions on how to set this manually can be found here.

Open adskflex*.data file location - This will allow you to open the file location where the adskflex*.data file exist that keeps track of single user licensed products.  For more information about manually removing license files, please see this KB Article. 

Download and unzip the script attached below.  Run as Administrator.  If Windows complains that the file is dangerous, you will need to click more information and run anyway. 

If you have any issues or want to add features, please feel free to contact me!

Good Luck!

---

[Anonymous]

The 2020 debacle goes on... I saw there was an hotfix before for supposedly fixing the licensing service: first of all, it didn't work, second of all, it's no available anymore (no wonder why).

I have to manually kill all process, then the service restart, then I start autocad 2020, it complains about license not being found, then I have to quit, kill all licensing processes (AdskLicensingAgent, AdskLicensing Service, AdSSO), and finally restart Autocad to get a working license. Then as soon as my PC enter sleep state (S2 or S3), I have to do this freaking process again !

This is really a scandal to see that this issue is not being solved by Autodesk ! Elite members have to dig in and do their work whereas we pay a premium for products that get worst and worst.

"If it doesn't work, reinstall windows": WTF is that answer from Autodesk ? Aren't they ashamed ? You would reinstall windows on all your computers in a corporate environment ? Absolutely not, this takes ages even with network deployment.

This is really outrageous to say the least. Not even an official reply in this topic whereas it's a known issue.

Thanks @TravisNave for doing Autodesk job.