LDRA Test tools: FlexLM Error -9 Invalid host

Cause

The machine attempting to use the license is not recognized as a valid host. A valid host is determined by the HOSTID specified in the license:

• For standalone licenses, the HOSTID is tied to the licensed machine.
• For network licenses, the HOSTID is typically based on the client's IP address or IP range.

If the machine's current host information does not match the HOSTID in the license, the license will be rejected.

Common causes

VPN or Network Address Translation (NAT)

A VPN or network translation service may alter the IP address seen by the license server, causing it to differ from the machine's expected IP address.

Multiple Network Adapters

If multiple network adapters are installed, FlexLM may identify a different network than the one you expect.

Examples include:

• VirtualBox virtual adapters
• VMware virtual adapters
• Docker virtual networks
• Secondary Ethernet or Wi-Fi adapters

A common example is VirtualBox, which creates a virtual network adapter using an address such as 192.168.56.1. Because this adapter is often installed after the primary network adapter, it may become the preferred interface used by FlexLM.

Solution

Standalone licenses

If you are using a standalone license:

1. Verify that the license was issued for the correct machine.

2. Confirm that the machine's host information has not changed since the license was generated

3. Generate a new .info file.

4. Send the file to Technical Support for verification and license regeneration if required.

Network licenses

If you are using a network license, the client IP address detected by FlexLM is not within the range specified in the license.

Step 1: Verify Your IP Address

Ensure that the IP address detected by FlexLM falls within the licensed IP range.

To view the IP address that FlexLM is using:

• Windows

lmutil lmhostid -n -internet

• Linux/macOS

./lmutil lmhostid -n -internet

Step 2: Check for IP Translation

Verify that there is no network translation between the client and license server.

Examples include:

• VPN connections
• NAT devices
• Remote desktop gateways

These can cause the license server to see a different IP address than the one reported locally.

Step 3: Verify the preferred network adapter

If multiple network adapters are present, ensure that the adapter associated with the licensed IP range is the preferred adapter.

Consult your IT department before making any changes.

Step 4: Request a license update (if required)

If your organization has moved to a different IP range, contact your sales representative or Technical support and provide:

• The new IP address or IP range
• The reason for the change

Windows clients

When multiple network adapters are installed, FlexLM uses the adapter associated with the preferred network route.

To change the preferred adapter:

1. Open Network Connections.

2. Open the properties of the required network adapter.

3. Open Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) properties.

4. Select Advanced.

5. Clear Automatic metric.

6. Enter a metric value lower than the other network adapters.

The adapter with the lowest metric is typically preferred.

Consult your IT department before making these changes.

Linux clients

FlexLM obtains host information from the system configuration, including the /etc/hosts file.

Verify that the file contains the correct hostname and IP address for the machine.

Example:

10.0.20.150    ubuntu

where:

• 10.0.20.150 is the machine's IP address
• ubuntu is the hostname

Consult your Network Administrator or IT department before modifying this file.