Common Tech Issue of the Week #2

Softlock Manager Error when starting AutoCAD

Issue:

When starting AutoCAD with standalone license the following error appears and software does not start:
“The security system (Softlock license manager) is not functioning or is improperly installed” (screen shot attached)

Causes:

There may be several reasons for this error, but most likely it’s the FLEXnet Licensing Service which is stopped or disabled.

Solution:

1. Go to Control Panel – Administrative Tools and double-click Services.
2. Find “FLEXnet Licensing Service” and “FLEXnet Licensing Service 64” (depending on the system, only one of the two may exist).
3. Right-click on “FLEXnet Licensing Service” and select “Properties”.
4. Set Startup type to “Automatic”.
5. Under Service status click “Start” button.
6. Click OK.
7. Repeat steps 3-6 for “FLEXnet Licensing Service 64”.
8. Start AutoCAD.