Generally speaking, On Center Software does not provide technical support for using OCS License Manger over a WAN/VPN connection. However, some clients' have provided feedback on methods to make this authorization process more successful.
There are two ways, on the workstation, to change the time that the application waits for a response back from the server where the license manager is running:
- Option 1, create an environmental variable to override the application defaults - this the best when setting up one user in a unique situation
- Option 2, create a registry setting to do this - this method is easier for an IT Department to script and push out to users
The process outlined in this article are performed on the individual workstations not the server where the license manager is installed. Changing this setting can slow down some functionality of the software because the software must wait for a response from the license server before it can be used
On Center Software does not provide technical support for these procedures - the license manager is designed and licensed to work in a One Server/One Location, LAN environment, WAN functionality is not guaranteed.
Only a System Administrator, familiar with Advanced Windows configuration should proceed with these changes. Incorrectly modifying Environmental Variables or the Windows Registry can cause the workstation's operating system to no longer function.
Environment Variable Method
This is the "recommended" method (over the Registry DWORD method).
To modify the amount of time that Quick Bid and On-Screen Takeoff® wait to hear back from the licensing server, you will need to create a System environment variable called FLEXLM_TIMEOUT and set its value to the number of microseconds you want it to wait (1 second = 1,000,000 microseconds). The default is 100,000 (0.1 seconds). This value is entered without commas (11 seconds would be entered as 11000000).
Registry DWORD Method
The following steps require you to modify the Windows registry. Modifications to the Windows registry, if not done correctly, can cause serious problems to a Windows system. If necessary, please contact an IT Professional to assist you.
Click Start, then Run (Windows 7), or just start typing (Windows 8, 8.1, and 10), type regedit, and then press the <Enter> key to open the registry editor
Browse to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/FLEXLM LICENSE MANAGER
Right-click to create a NEW > DWORD VALUE
Name the VALUE NAME as FLEXLM_TIMEOUT and set the Base to Decimal, then the VALUE DATA to the number of microseconds you want the software to wait for a response from the license manager (1 second = 1,000,000 microseconds). The default is 100,000 (0.1 seconds) - this value is entered without commas (6 seconds would be entered as "6000000").
Exit the Registry Editor
The workstation must be restarted for this change to take effect.