LDRA Test tools: License server setup via license.dat

This article explains how to install and configure an LDRA FlexLM license server that provides licenses to client machines across a network.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure that you have received:

• FlexLM Server Tools package (email subject: LDRA FlexLM License Manager Utilities (Stage 1))
• license.dat file (email subject: LDRA FlexLM License Delivery)

If you have not received the FlexLM Server Tools package, download it from: http://www.ldraftp.com/licensing/Download.htm

Administrative privileges may be required for some installation and configuration steps.

Install the FlexLM server tools

Extract the FlexLM Server Tools package to a suitable location.

• Windows: C:\FlexLM\
• Linux, macOS, and Solaris: /home/<user>/flexlm/

You can install the tools in a different location if required.

Install the license file

Copy the supplied license.dat file to the appropriate directory.

Windows

Copy the file into either the FTYPE or LTYPE directory, as specified in the LDRA FlexLM License Delivery email.

Examples:

• C:\FlexLM\FTYPE\
• C:\FlexLM\LTYPE\

Linux, macOS, and Solaris

Copy the file to the FlexLM installation directory.

Example: /home/<user>/flexlm/

Start the license server

Run the appropriate startup script for your operating system.

Windows

• Start_LicenseServer.bat
• Install_LicenseService.bat (installs the license server as a Windows service)

Linux, macOS, and Solaris

• Start_LicenseServer.sh

Windows-specific notes

Ensure that the startup script is executed from the correct directory ( FTYPE or LTYPE ) specified in the license delivery email.

Most licenses use the FTYPE directory.

If the server fails to start due to a host ID mismatch:

1. Stop the server.

2. Try starting the server from the other directory (`FTYPE` or `LTYPE`).

3. If the issue persists, contact **[licensing@ldra.com](mailto:licensing@ldra.com)** and include the `ldra.log` file.

Configure automatic startup (optional)

Configure automatic startup if you want the license server to start automatically after a system restart.

Windows

Choose one of the following methods.

Option 1: Install as a Windows Service (recommended)

1. Run: Install_LicenseService.bat

2. Verify that the LDRA License Manager service has been created successfully.

Administrative privileges are required.

Option 2: Start the server at user login

1. Create a shortcut to Start_LicenseServer.bat.

2. Place it in: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\StartUp

The server starts automatically when a user logs in.

Linux

To start the server automatically during system boot:

1. Create a startup script in /etc/init.d/.

For example: /etc/init.d/ldra_flexlm_startup

2. Configure the script to call Start_LicenseServer.sh using its full path.

3. Make the script executable:

sudo chmod 755 /etc/init.d/ldra_flexlm_startup

4. Register the script to start automatically:

sudo update-rc.d ldra_flexlm_startup defaults

Start the server at user login

If automatic startup at boot is not required, add the startup script to the end of: ~/.bashrc

Verify the license server

Verify that the license server is running successfully before configuring client machines.

• Confirm that the server process is running.
• Check that no startup errors are reported.
• Review the ldra.log file for any licensing issues.
• Verify that the server is listening on the configured port.

Troubleshooting

License server does not start

Verify that:

• Correct license.dat file has been installed.
• Server is being started from the correct directory (FTYPE or LTYPE).
• Administrative privileges are available if required.
• Server host ID matches the license.

Host ID mismatch error

Most licenses use the FTYPE directory. If a host ID mismatch occurs, try starting the server from the other directory.