FlexNet licensing error -15: Cannot connect to license server system

Summary

An Arm tool reports an error containing one or more of the following;

  • Flex error code: -15
  • Flexnet licensing error -15
  • Unable to connect to the license server.
  • Cannot connect to license server system.

What causes this error, and how do I solve it?

Answer

Please note that Arm does not support the use of WAN-based licenses.

The following table lists possible causes and resolutions for this issue:

Cause Resolution

The client has not been configured to obtain the license from the server.

The client must have the ARMLMD_LICENSE_FILE environment variable set and pointing at the correct server or a local copy of the license including the server's details. For more information, see the floating license installation FAQ.

The client specifies an incorrect port or host in the ARMLMD_LICENSE_FILE environment variable.

Check the port listed in the server's lmutil output and confirm that it matches the setting on the client. It is also possible that the license file on the server contains an invalid port number. The port number commonly used for Arm tools is 8224. See the Arm License Management Guide for more information about port numbers.

The client and license server are on different subnets.
  • Change the value of the ARMLMD_LICENSE_FILE environment variable on the client to use the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) of the license server. For example, port@myserver.mycompany.com instead of port@myserver.

  • Change the value of the ARMLMD_LICENSE_FILE environment variable on the client to use the IP address of the license server. For example, port@123.456.789.012.

  • Modify the hosts file on your client so that it maps the fully qualified domain name (FQDN) of the server to the server IP address. You may need administrator privileges to edit the hosts file, and Arm recommends that you consult with your IT department before making any changes. On Linux, the hosts file is /etc/hosts. On Windows, the hosts file is C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts. An updated entry would be of the form:    123.456.789.012  myserver.mycompany.com.

The license server name is too long.

There is a character limit on host names imposed by the FlexNet licensing software. If the license server's hostname is longer than the limit, you should alias it to something shorter in the hosts file on the client or alternatively use the IP address directly. Typically for Arm tools, the hostname length limit is 64 characters.

The license server software has not been started.

Run "lmutil lmstat -a" on the server to check that the server software is running. For more information on starting a license server, see the section "Starting the license server" in the Arm License Management Guide.

The license file has been edited and accidentally corrupted.

Replace your license file with the original file you received from the Arm Licensing portal and repeat the installation of your floating license. Instructions can be found in the floating license installation FAQ.

A firewall is blocking the connection between the client and license server.
First, ensure that your license server specifies port numbers for both lmgrd and armlmd. This is done using the SERVER and VENDOR lines of the license file:

SERVER myserver <myserver_hostid> <lmgrd-port-number>
VENDOR armlmd port=<armlmd-port-number>
Then, ensure that your firewall allows access to both of the chosen lmgrd-port-number and armlmd-port-number ports.
 
The lmgrd-port-number for Arm licenses is typically 8224, but you can use another valid port number if you wish.