All OpenLab CDS software versions need a valid license file (.lic) to work. The creation and insertion of this license file into your software is typically part of the software installation. Nevertheless, you will have to update your license file when: Updating the software or hardware enablements of your license, changing your computer name or MAC address (e.g. by changing the network card) or installing the OpenLab software on a new computer. For any of the previously mentioned occasions, you go through several steps using the SubscribeNet Portal accordingly. If there is a license issue, the OpenLab Software may generate the error messages "Not enough license features" or "Cannot connect to license server system". However, they can also point to a problem with the licensing servers.


Error Message

When opening the OpenLab program, one of the following exemplary errors may occur:

  • "Could not connect to the instrument server" 
  • “Agilent OpenLAB Acquisition unable to connect to instrument server”


Solution

Step 1: Check whether the license file is still loaded and valid

If the MAC address or computer name was recently changed, this may result in the license file becoming invalid. In this instance, the old license will need to be returned and a new license generated. This is discussed in a different solution article "How to add an OpenLab license"


Step 2: Reregister the host

  1. Go to the Agilent Technologies folder under programs and open the OpenLab Configuration program. 
  2. Under hostname type “localhost” and say Connect.
  3. Click Register. 
  4. Restart the PC after these changes.


Step 3: Ensure that the instrument server service is running

  • Go to the Windows Control Panel, and select Administrative tools. Once opened, select Services. 
  • Look for the Agilent OpenLab Instrument Server service. Check if it is running. If it is not, right-click on it and start it. If it is running, right-click on it and restart it. 

  • Once done, reboot the PC. Once booted up, wait 5 minutes, then open the software.
  • If you encounter any problems when restarting some of the Agilent OpenLab services, try one of our other solutions - Unable to start OpenLab Services


Step 4: Investigate your company's group policy settings

  • For some CDS2 revisions, this error can also sometimes come up depending on the security policy settings on that PC as setup by a company’s IT group. 
  • In this case, the PC must be connected to the company network (either via a secondary LAN card, USB-to-ethernet adapter, WIFI or VPN) in order to be able to access the acquisition software.
  • You can also try connecting to the domain and be logged in as a domain user. Then in a command prompt run gpupdate /force to update the group policy.