In this article we explain the following errors that can occur when attempting to activate a GeoStudio license:

These errors can occur with both the GeoStudio client software and the lmadmin license manager.

Cause

• GEOSLOPE software sends license activation requests on outbound port 80 and 443.
• The following (among others) can impede outbound traffic on these ports, even if you have an active internet connection:
  • Anti-virus software.
  • Internet firewall.
  • Malware prevention software.
  • Insufficient permissions on the user account.

Before You Start

• The steps listed involve actions that require full administrator access to the computer.  The local admin account is suggested.
• The steps listed need to be performed directly on the computer experiencing the problem.

Steps to Resolve

1. Log on to the computer with the local administrator account and try to activate the license. 
   • Some system policies will block communication over the internet for user accounts other than the system administrator.
   • This may be the case, even for accounts that have been given administrator permissions.
2. Temporarily disable any anti-virus or malware prevention software.
   • Some anti-virus and malware prevention software will block unauthorized internet communication. 
   • GeoStudio may not be an authorized program.  
   • Try temporarily disabling these and then re-attempt the activation.
3. Temporarily disable your internet firewall.
   • You may have an internet firewall appliance or software program that is preventing the communication.  
   • Temporarily disable this and re-attempt the activation.
4. Check that the Domain Name System (DNS) resolves to an Internet Protocol (IP) address.
   • DNS is how domain names (i.e. geoslope.com) are translated into IP addresses.
   • GeoStudio attempts to communicate with the following domain names during activation:
     • licsvr.geo-slope.com and / or licsvr.geoslope.com.
     • activate.geo-slope.com
   • Make sure these will resolve to an IP address.
     1. On the 'Windows Taskbar', click on the 'Start' button (shortcut:  Windows logo key or Ctrl + Esc).
     2. Open the 'Windows System' folder.
     3. Click on 'Command Prompt'.
     4. Enter the following command to test if DNS resolves to an IP address for licsvr.geo-slope.com and licsvr.geoslope.com:
        ping licsvr.geo-slope.com
        
     5. Then, enter the following command to test if DNS resolves to an IP address for activate.geo-slope.com:
        ping activate.geoslope.com
        
     6. The ping commands may time-out. This is normal.
     7. We are looking to see if they return an IP Address (The IP address returned may be different than the ones illustrated above).
     8. If either of these commands does not return a ping, you will need to check with your internet service provider to find out why.
5. GeoStudio executables that need permission.
   • If the previous steps still have not resolved the problem, the next step is to ensure that the following programs are able to communicate over the internet.
   • This may involve adding a rule exception to your firewall, anti-virus, or malware prevention software for the following programs:
     • GeoStudio programs:
       • GeoLicense.exe
       • Gsi.TS.Client.exe.
     • lmadmin programs (If activating on a network license server):
       • LicenseInstaller.exe
       • Gsi.TS.Server.exe.
6. If the above steps do not resolve the problem, you may need to look for the communication blockage further upstream.  
   • Open a command prompt and run the following command:
     tracert activate.geo-slope.com
   • The trace will show you a route of IP addresses that your communication is taking to reach our license activation server.  
   • This can help you determine where the communication is being blocked.  
   • Provide this information to your network administrator or internet service provider so they can assist you in allowing communication.

Additional Help

• If you need additional assistance when performing these steps, open a support ticket and include a detailed list of the steps you performed and any messages / errors / responses you received.