Datamine Discover KB - Network Licenses

Unable to connect to license server

kbadmin — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 06:57:00 GMT

Occurrence

I have an Encom (Discover) license server. When I start Discover or the Encom License Manager, I receive an error unable to connect to the license server.
However I have checked the server name and the server is "visible" from my computer (i.e. you can see it in Windows Network explorer).

Solution

1) Check that the version of the License Manager on the server matches the version on the client computer

2) Check the the EncomLM service is running on the server computer (Ask your IT admin to check).

3) Check on a client computer, open Powershell and run -

Test-NetConnection <ServerName> -Port 6150

The TcpTestSucceeded should be True

4) You can used advanced network diagnostic tools such as Wireshark on the server to verify connectivity.

Open a browser on the server and go to: https://www.wireshark.org/download.html. Install with the default settings and open Wireshark.

Select the active NIC (usually Ethernet) and double click it to start monitoring. In the display filter bar copy and paste - tcp.port == 6150

When you connect with a ...

What is a distributable license?

kbadmin — Mon, 06 May 2024 04:16:21 GMT

The distributable license model was created by MapInfo Pro, to overcome a shortcoming in not having a customer licensing portal, so there was no way to manage a large pool of standalone node locked licenses and license keys. Like with standalone licenses, a user needs to manually return the license to the server to release it.

It requires -

1. A on-site local license "server" and network (i.e. a wifi router all computers connect to). This can be on any windows PC that is always left on and configured to never sleep/hibernate.

2. A user connect to the license server, and a license is automatically assigned to that computer's hardwareID (not user) and borrowed for the default maximum borrow time (380 days).

3. The users on that computer no longer need to connect to the license server for the remainder of this borrow time. Another user's computer cannot use the license even if the first user closes the software.

4. The license can be returned to the server at anytime, to allow it to be used by another user (transferred). If it is not returned before it expires it automatically becomes 'revoked' free on the server for another user.

The admin portal for the server can be accessed from any computer on the network, to view license usage details.

This is different to a traditional network concurrent or "floating" license, as with that model as soon s any users closes the software, the license is returned and free for a different user to user. No manual return of the license is required.

Causes of server mismatch error

kbadmin — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 01:45:26 GMT

The Encom License server tracks usage in a number of locations.

This is in the files -

C:\ProgramData\Encom\EncomLM.xml

C:\ProgramData\Encom\ETDISK.SEC

And in some registry keys.

If either of these files is reverted to an older version, or if the service cannot access these (C:\Program Files (x86)\Encom\EncomLM.exe), they may become out of sync and cause the mismatch error.

It can also occur if the service is exited abnormally.

I am upgrading a network server license, do I need all users return their borrowed license seats?

kbadmin — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 04:48:19 GMT

Occurrence

I am upgrade a network server version, or activating a new version of a product licence. Do I need to have all licences returned/checked in to the server before doing this?

Solution

No you do not, provided you are activating a sufficient number of license seats that are currently in use, then you will be overwrite/upgrade and existing license without affecting the borrowed/checked out license states.

Installing a new version of the license server software will not effect current users using a license from it..

How to install/upgrade and activate an Encom License Server

kbadmin — Wed, 24 Feb 2021 04:47:50 GMT

This process applies to both a first time setup of a server, or for the upgrade of an existing server e.g. when a new Discover update is released.

If you are upgrading an existing license, user DO NOT need to return their licenses beforehand. any borrowed/checked out license will automatically update itself the net time the software is run on the user's computer.

TO ACTIVATE A NETWORK SERVER LICENSE:

1. Download and install the License Manager software and select the Network Server installation type (see downloads page).

Note a 64-bit server install can be used with 32-bit end user software and vice versa. Technically, the EncomLM service is always a 32-bit process.

Note The server must be installed on a computer separate to the client computer. You will not be able to run any client software on the computer that has been activated for a server license.

2. Start License Manager from the Windows Start menu by selecting All Programs>Encom Programs>Encom License Manager. The Create License File dialog box is displayed.

3. Type the Company name and click OK. The License Manager is displayed.

4. Select the Activate License tab.

5. Select the Product you are activating.

6. In the Customer No box, type the 7-digit customer number.

7. In the Serial Number box, type the 10-digit serial number. If upgrading an existing license, the serial number is displayed.

Note The seria ...

Error: Failed to Borrow a license from the server

kbadmin — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 03:49:03 GMT
Occurrence

When attempting to borrow a license from the server I receive the error "Failed to borrow a license from the server"

Solution

This is generally caused when the server is in a erroneous status. To check this, open the License Server Admin dialog (NOTE you do not need to be on the server computer to view this), by following these steps -

1. Navigate to the Start Menu>>Encom Programs>Encom License Manager
2. Select the Licensed Software tab
3. Click the Server Administration Console button

4. Enter the password (by default, the server's computer name spelt backwards)
On here check the status code -

If the status is not normal - you will need to request a reset code from support.discover@dataminesoftware.com
Enter this code provided and click Reset.
Once the status is restored to normal, you will be able to borrow a license.

NOTE: ...

How do I transfer a license server to another computer?

kbadmin — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 23:50:33 GMT

How do I transfer my Encom license server to another computer?
This procedure requires you to have access to the destination computer. If you are unsure of this - see the related article on transferring a License to park on the Encom license server.

NOTE: This procedure does NOT require a connection to the internet and does not require contacting Datamine.

1. Have all users return any borrowed licenses to the license server. See the related article for instructions on how to do this in MapInfo Discover.

2. Install Encom License Manager version 8.80 or later on the original server. See the related article for information on upgrading a license server.

How do I return a license to the server for someone else to use

kbadmin — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 01:13:49 GMT

How do I return a license to the server for someone else to use?
If you have a distributable license, this is not automatically returned when you shutdown Discover. You will need to manually return it before someone else is able to borrow and use the licnese.

This procedure requires you to have access to the intranet network license server i.e. you are on the VPN and can ping it.

1). On your computer open the Encom license manager by either -

How do I open the Encom Network License Admin console and adjust settings?

kbadmin — Tue, 28 Nov 2017 23:53:51 GMT

To open the Admin console for your network licence server, you can log onto to any client computer that has the Encom software product or Encom License client installed
(NOTE you do not need to remote desktop on-top the server it self to access these settings).
1. Navigate to the Start Menu>All Programs>Encom Programs>Encom License Manager
2. Select the Licensed Software tab
3. Click the Server Administration Console button

4. Enter the password (by default, the server's computer name spelt backwards)

5.The user permissions field can be set for either simply typing in a user name (including domain prefix), so the user may access multiple computers with the client/local software installed.
Or alternatively can be assigned on a per-computer basis by type-in "m=computername"
6. To adjust the default time-out period for a license, simply edit the Max Days column, and enter the number of days.
Note: For distributable licenses that are already borrowed/in use; to refresh the license expiry date the user has to return the license and then borrow it again.

How do I connect to an Encom License Server?

kbadmin — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 00:32:02 GMT

Solution

If your company has setup an internal Encom Licence Server, you can connect your machine to use this licence by -

1. Navigate to the Start Menu>All Programs>Encom Programs>Encom License Manager

2. Select the Licensed Software tab

3. Click the Network Server Connection button

4. Tick the box to enable the server, and enter the server name and port (the port is usually the default 6150).

5. Click OK.

You will now be able to view the Server licences and will utilise these for the Encom program when no suitable local license is found.

If you are unable to access the server licence, ensure that sufficient licences are available in the Users.

Note: If your computer already has disk or server based licensing for this or another Encom application you DO NOT need to delete any disk licence files before activating a server license.