: Sometimes a simple mismatch in the machine's date can invalidate a license file.
| Step | Action Taken | Result | |------|--------------|--------| | 1 | Restarted ETABS and computer | Error persisted | | 2 | Verified that CSI License Manager service is running ( services.msc ) | Service was [running / stopped / missing] | | 3 | Checked firewall rules for ETABS and lmgrd.exe | [Blocked / Allowed] | | 4 | Temporarily disabled antivirus software | Error [resolved / persisted] | | 5 | Verified license file ( lservrc ) exists in C:\ProgramData\CSI\Licenses\ | File [present / missing] | | 6 | Checked USB hardware key (if applicable) | Key [detected / not detected] | | 7 | Ran ETABS as Administrator | Error [resolved / persisted] | | 8 | For network license: Pinged license server IP | [Successful / Failed] |
Proactive measures can minimize future licensing issues.
Right-click the time on your Windows taskbar and select . etabs license not recognized error 120
: The Sentinel RMS License Manager service is not running.
Add the entire ETABS installation folder ( C:\Program Files\Computers and Structures\ETABS [Version] ).
If it exists, ensure its value matches your license server’s exact IP address or network name (e.g., 192.168.1.50 or ServerName ). : Sometimes a simple mismatch in the machine's
How to Fix ETABS License Not Recognized Error 120 Encountering in CSI ETABS can completely halt your structural engineering workflow. This specific error means the software cannot communicate with or validate your license file, whether you use a standalone local license or a network-based setup.
: This tool is often mentioned in the context of software that is not officially licensed. Misusing it could violate your software agreement, and CSI technical support will not provide assistance for issues arising from its use. Proceed at your own risk.
Check your ETABS installation folder for a file named lservrc . It should not have a file extension (like .txt ). : The Sentinel RMS License Manager service is not running
Run the Sentinel installer application (usually named Setup.exe or Sentinel RMS License Manager.msi ) as an administrator to reinstall the core licensing framework. Summary Troubleshooting Checklist Action Item Target Component Run ETABS as an Administrator OS Permissions 2 Sync Windows Date and Time System Clock 3 Remove .txt extension from lservrc file License File 4 Set LSFORCEHOST variable to Server IP Network Mapping 5 Open Port 5093 on Firewall Network Security 6 Restart Sentinel Local License Manager Background Services
This is the solution that resolves the issue in 90% of cases. ETABS installs a driver called the "Sentinel Protection Installer" to manage licenses. If this driver becomes corrupted or fails to update, ETABS will throw Error 120.
