To install an Altium Designer floating license on your company's network, first install and configure the Floating License Server, then install the Altium Designer product on each of the end-user's computers (the Clients).
Installing the Floating License Server
Step 1:
The Floating License Server is a separate and distinct installation. It is installed on the target machine as a Windows Service. To begin the install process, insert the Altium Designer Software Installation DVD into your computer's DVD ROM drive. A window should appear (shown) where you can select “Install Floating License Server” to run the setup wizard for the install. If this does not run automatically, navigate to and click on, the Setup.exe file in the \Floating License Server Setup\Setup folder. The Altium Designer Floating License Server Setup Wizard will appear.
Note: If you are upgrading your floating license server, you will need to uninstall the existing installation of the floating license server, using the "Add or Remove programs" Windows control panel.
Instructions on upgrading the floating license server >
Step 2:
To begin the installation click Next. The 'License Agreement' screen will now appear. You must accept the End-User License Agreement (EULA) in order to proceed.
Read the End-User License Agreement >
Step 3:
Once you have accepted the EULA, click Next to continue. You will be asked to enter your full name and organization name in order to personalize your installation.
Step 4:
Select the folder where you wish to install the files for Altium Designer. Click Next and the 'Ready to Install the Application' screen will appear (not illustrated). Click Next again and the installation will begin.
Upon completion of the installation, the software (service) will be running and an icon will appear in the Windows System Tray.
Connecting to Windows 2003 server:
When you connect to a Windows 2003 server through terminal services the service is not allowed to interact with the desktop and therefore the icon is not visible. To work around this you can do the following:
- Stop the Floating License Server through the Control Panel
- Run C:\Program Files\Altium Designer\DXPSecurityService.exe /app
- This should run the security service in application mode. The icon should appear
- Double click on the icon
- Install your licenses
- Exit the security service
- Start the Floating License Server through the Control Panel
This will allow you to connect to the Floating License Server and use the installed licenses.
Activating the Floating License Server
Step 1:
Activation and configuration of the Floating License Server is carried out from the Licensing dialog. This dialog is accessed by double-clicking on the Altium Designer icon in the Windows System Tray.
Click on the Activate button at the bottom left of the Licensing dialog.
Step 2:
The Floating License Server Activation dialog will appear. Select your preferred activation method, nominating either internet or email activation. The quickest and simplest way to activate your license is by the use of the internet. The email activation option is recommended where access to the internet is limited. Click OK to start the Activation Wizard.
Step 3:
You will now be asked to enter your Activation Code and Customer Number. These details are supplied in the license notification email. If you have not received these details, contact your local Altium Sales and Support Center or Reseller. Click Retrieve License.
Step 4:
The license details will be retrieved. Check the information displayed. If any details are incorrect, contact your local Altium Sales and Support Center or Reseller.
Enter the email address to receive the license file and click Activate License.
Step 5:
When your license is successfully activated, the following window will appear. Click OK and Close to complete this process.
The license file will be sent to your nominated email address. Follow the instructions in this email to add your license file and finalize your activation.
Installing the Client Software
Step 1:
To install Altium Designer on the Client computer, insert the Altium Designer Software Installation DVD into the computer's DVD ROM drive. The Installation Wizard will automatically start. Select “Install Altium Designer” and it will guide you through the standard Altium Designer installation process. If this Installation Wizard does not start automatically, run Setup.exe located in the Setup directory on the Software Installation DVD.
Step 2:
Once the installation is complete, launch Altium Designer from the Start menu. You will be taken to the 'My Account' screen. If this page does not appear click on DXP » My Account.
In the Licensing Mode region of the view, enable the Floating option, then click Yes in the Confirm dialog to proceed to the Floating License Server Setup dialog. Click OK once the primary server has been located.
Step 3:
The Floating Licenses configured on the server will appear listed in the Available Licenses region of the view. Click on the entry for the license you wish to use and then click on the Use selected floating licenses link.
To discontinue use of a particular license start the 'Licensing' screen by clicking on DXP » Licensing. Click on the entry for that license and then click on the Release selected floating licenses link. This will free-up the license for use by another User.
Read the License Service Setup Guide for detailed instructions on installing and setting up an Altium Designer Floating License configuration.
