While error 120 is specific, it is often part of a broader set of license issues. Below is a quick guide to common CSI license errors: License file incomplete or invalid. 11: User-defined license not found. 17: LM Servers are not running. 30: License found, but update failed (check system date). 40/50: License not served or issued by CSI. When to Contact CSI Support
Before diving into the solutions, it is important to understand what triggers this issue:
Leftover registry keys from older or evaluation versions are conflicting with the current activation. 📋 Definitive Solutions to Make ETABS Work
: If the software is mapped to machine lock code 310 (Ethernet MAC) or 4 (Disk ID), changing network cards, altering motherboard components, or installing VPNs can invalidate the license. etabs license not recognized error 120 work
For network setups, ETABS relies on system environment variables to locate the server holding the licenses.
: ETABS relies on strict, hardcoded text string structures for local standalone keys. Region settings outside standard US formats break the validation parser.
Error 122 ("SentinelLM Error # 122") is a related but distinct error that indicates a different licensing failure. While Error 120 points to an incomplete license file, Error 122 often indicates issues with the Sentinel License Manager service itself. While error 120 is specific, it is often
Navigate to the ETABS installation folder (typically C:\Program Files\Computers and Structures\ETABS [Version] ). Locate the file named lservrc . Delete the existing lservrc file. Copy the new lservrc file provided by CSI into this folder. Launch ETABS and check if the error persists. 2. Check System Time and Date
: The Sentinel RMS License Manager driver is either stopped, outdated, or corrupted.
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Incorrect system date or regional number formats have been known to cause licensing errors. Verify that your system date is correct and consider using US date format ( mm/dd/yyyy ) when troubleshooting license issues.
Check the subfolder inside the root directory and delete any duplicate lservrc files found there.
For standalone licenses locked to a specific computer, avoid making unnecessary hardware changes. If you must change hardware (e.g., replace a hard drive), contact CSI to request a new license file before making the change.