Etabs License Not Recognized Error 120 -

Product: CSI ETABS
Error Code: 120
Error Message: "License not recognized" or "The license server does not support this feature (Error 120)"

| Component | Details | |-----------|---------| | Operating System | [e.g., Windows 10 Pro, 64-bit] | | ETABS Version | [e.g., v19.0.0, v20.1.0] | | License Type | [Local / Network Concurrent / USB Hardware Key] | | License Manager (if network) | [e.g., CSi License Manager vX.X] | | Network Connectivity | [Local / VPN / Remote Desktop] | | Antivirus / Firewall | [e.g., Windows Defender, McAfee] | etabs license not recognized error 120

Your local ETABS needs to know where to find the server. If this path is incorrect, you get Error 120. Product: CSI ETABS Error Code: 120 Error Message:

  • Verify the HOSTNAME matches the actual computer name of your license server.
  • Verify the PORT number (default is 1947 for Sentinel RMS). Ask your IT department if firewalls are blocking this port.
  • Test connectivity: Open Command Prompt and type: ping [HOSTNAME]. If ping fails, you have a network issue, not a license issue.
  • Verify server process and ports:
  • Test connectivity:
  • Confirm license file / server name:
  • DNS and hostname:
  • Check multiple network interfaces:
  • Review logs:
  • License borrowing (if used):
  • Reinstall / repair license manager:
  • Verify OS-level limits:

    • | Pros | Cons | |------|------| | Network licenses allow flexible sharing across a team. | Error 120 is cryptic and requires admin-level troubleshooting. | | Standalone (USB) option available for frequent travelers. | License Manager tools feel outdated (based on FlexNet). | | | No clear error log explaining which feature is unrecognized. | Your local ETABS needs to know where to find the server

    If you are running a newer version of ETABS (v18, v19, 20, or 21), CSI changed how the licensing service runs in the background.

    Restarting this service forces the computer to "re-read" the license file, which often clears Error 120 immediately.

    Enter your antivirus dashboard and add the ETABS folder to the "Allowed" or "Trusted" list. You may need to disable the antivirus temporarily to test if the software opens successfully.