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SOLIDWORKS-Based Knowledge Base
Frequently asked Questions
There are several reasons why this problem may occur:
- If you don't have the Microsoft Visual C++ 2017 Redistributable Package installed on the server, the server daemon (FTI.exe) won't start. You can download the package here.
- If you are using an old version of the FTI.exe server daemon or out of date FlexLM utilites, the server may not work. Please contact support for instructions for downloading the latest server license install package.
- If the server name or formingid/hostid/dvsn is incorrect or if the license is expired, the server won't start. You can open the license file with a text editor to check these values. If the server name is incorrect, you can change it with the text editor. If the license codes are incorrect, you will require a new license.
- There is a security feature in Windows called Data Execution Prevention. In some cases, this feature may prevent the license server from starting. If this is the case, the log file may show an error like "Failed to open socket to lmgrd, Exiting" and/or "EXITING DUE TO SIGNAL 28 Exit reason 5". To avoid this error, do the following:
- Stop the license service using LMTOOLS or in Windows Services
- Stop any process in Task Manager named lmgrd.exe or FTI.exe
- Start the DEP program from Control Panel > System > Advanced > Performance Settings > Data Execution Prevention.
- Add an exception for lmgrd.exe and FTI.exe where the license manager is installed
- Restart the service
- Make sure that all the licensing files are in the same folder and that you have full control over the folder and the files. Ideally, the folder should be on the same drive as the operating system (typically the C: drive). Some problems have been reported when the folder has the same name as the daemon (FTI) so a different name should be used.
Firewalls on the server are the most common cause of this problem. If there is a firewall running, you should create exceptions for FTI.exe, lmgrd.exe and open ports 27000 to 27009 (or the port specified in the license file).
The system requirements for BLANKWORKS® are very similar to the requirements for SOLIDWORKS®. If you are running SOLIDWORKS® successfully, many of the requirements listed below have already been met. The following operating systems are recommended by Forming Technologies:
- Microsoft Windows 7 or Windows 10 (64-bit)
- Multi-core, 64-bit processor (ex. Intel i5, i7 or Xeon)
- Dedicated graphics card recommended (not integrated on motherboard such as Intel Integrated graphics)
- 4GB of RAM - 8GB or more is highly recommended
- 10GB Free Hard Disk space
- Microsoft Office 2013 or newer for report generation
For further information on the requirements for SOLIDWORKS®, see http://www.solidworks.com/pages/services/SystemRequirements.html
The system requirements for BLANKWORKS® are very similar to the requirements for SOLIDWORKS®. If you are running SOLIDWORKS® successfully, many of the requirements listed below have already been met. The following operating systems are recommended by Forming Technologies:
- Microsoft Windows 7 or Windows 10 (64-bit)
- Multi-core, 64-bit processor (ex. Intel i5, i7 or Xeon)
- Dedicated graphics card recommended (not integrated on motherboard such as Intel Integrated graphics)
- 4GB of RAM - 8GB or more is highly recommended
- 10GB Free Hard Disk space
- Microsoft Office 2013 or newer for report generation
- For further information on the requirements for SOLIDWORKS®, see http://www.solidworks.com/pages/services/SystemRequirements.html
The FlexLM utilities can be downloaded from the FTI CATIA based downloads page. You will require a username and password to access the downloads page (please contact FTI for this information). These files are suitable for Windows based license servers. If you require the FlexLM utilities for a different server, you can download them here. You will also need the FTI server daemon. If you require the FlexLM utilities for a different server, please contact support@forming.com.
This error is often the result of incorrect iges export settings. BLANKWORKS® requires surfaces for creating the mesh so if SOLIDWORKS® is set to export only wireframe data, it won't work. To fix the problem, select File/SaveAs and change the file filter to *.iges. Press the Options button and make sure it is set to export surface data and not just wireframe.
The problem may also be caused by a problem with the permissions on the temporary folder used by BlankWorks. The folder may be Program Files\BlankWorks\Temp or Temp\BlankWorks. You can check the location by looking in the registry under HKLM/Software/FTI/BlankWorks/4.2.0/Configuration. Verify that you have full permissions to this folder (read/write/modify).
The problem may also be caused by a problem with the permissions on the temporary folder used by BlankWorks. The folder may be Program Files\BlankWorks\Temp or Temp\BlankWorks. You can check the location by looking in the registry under HKLM/Software/FTI/BlankWorks/4.2.0/Configuration. Verify that you have full permissions to this folder (read/write/modify).
When you install the software, an email will be generated that will include your name, company and formingid. Send this email to support@forming.com and we will send you a seven day trial license. Note that trial licenses will only be provided to users who provide legitimate information when requesting and installing the software.
The "Date Licensing Error" is caused by rolling your system clock back. If this error message occurs, reset your system date to the current date. If this does not resolve the issue, please contact Technical Support for further instructions.
If you want to permanently move a nodelocked license from one computer to another and you are currently up to date with maintenance, fill out a License Transfer Request and send it to support@forming.com. To download the request form, click here.
A FormingID is a composite ID generated from various components of your PC. It is used for license generation to ensure that the license can only be used for the specified machine.
A FormingID is generated automatically during installation and can also be generated manually using lmformingid.exe. See below for where to download this executable.
A FormingID is generated automatically during installation and can also be generated manually using lmformingid.exe. See below for where to download this executable.
The lmformingid.exe utility will return the code you need to send to us when requesting a license for the FTI CATIA software. You can download the lmformingid tool from here.
Server licenses allow licenses to be floated over a network. Server licenses control the number of concurrent users of the software. For example, if you have 5 server (also called floating) licenses, 5 people can access the software at a time. As soon as a user exits the software, the license becomes available for other users to access.
Nodelocked licenses are locked to a single computer using the hardware ids.
Nodelocked licenses are locked to a single computer using the hardware ids.
You should be using FlexLM version 11.15 or newer. The appropriate files can be downloaded from the FTI CATIA based downloads page. You will require a username and password to access the downloads page (please contact FTI for this information).
Contact us
Forming Technologies, a division
Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence Canada Limited
555 Michigan Drive, Unit 200
Oakville, Ontario L6L 0G4
Canada
T: +1.905.340.2997