node locked license question

[tstanley]

I have an older computer with patran/Nastran on it with a node locked license. The computer developed a problem some time ago. I suspect the problem may be the graphics card because I can start it up in safe mode. Before I spend any money to fix it I was wondering how the license was actually tied to the computer. The license file is still on the hard drive. If I have to replace the graphics card or the motherboard will that invalidate the license?

I have NEiNastran on the new computer that I bought so I can still work on most problems, but it would be nice to have the patran/Nastran back. It may be cheaper to repair this computer rather than the fee for transferring to another computer.

tstanley

 

[hezhj2000]

It is tied to the network card of your machine. If you open the license file, you will find hostID, which is the MAC address of the associated network card.

 

[tstanley]

Thank you!

It doesn't use the exact words you do but it seems to say the same thing.

SERVER "computer name" 0001803BBAF5 1700
followed by the list of modules that I have access to.

tstanley

 

[Onda]

I'm not sure if is legal but I believe is very interesting: You can run virtual box on your new machine and install the OS you need for Patran/Nastran (I imagine XP or XP64) You can set the virtual LAN Card to the same address to your license "0001803BBAF5" and install your software and use actual license.
In this way you run on new PC your old software. I believe that if you throw away old PC and use only the virtual one you are legal, but you should read the contract.
Another way to go, is to check if the LAN Card in the broken PC is removable, in this case you can move it from the old to the new PC (if OS is compatible). The license software will detect the correct LAN Card and will work correctly.
Onda

 

[hezhj2000]

The virtual LAN card is an interesting idea, but personally I think it is breaking the contract.

Moving the LAN card to the new machine is a better idea in my opinion.

Another option is to talk to the MSC sales. I remember you can change the machine by re-generating the license file. It costs some money, but it should not be big.

 

[Onda]

I think that is interesting to talk to MSC sales representative regarding the virtual machine.
Regenerating a new license file is costly. around 500 euro in Europe.