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Troubleshooting "License Key Not Available" Error in WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced

The "License Key Not Available" error in WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced can be a frustrating issue, hindering the efficient monitoring and management of industrial processes. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the error, its causes, and step-by-step solutions to resolve the problem.

Understanding WinCC Logging and Runtime Advanced

WinCC (Windows Control Center) is a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system developed by Siemens. It is widely used in industrial automation for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing processes. WinCC Logging is a feature that enables the collection and storage of process data, while Runtime Advanced is a component that allows for the execution of WinCC projects.

Causes of the "License Key Not Available" Error

The "License Key Not Available" error typically occurs when the system is unable to detect a valid license key for WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced. This can be attributed to several factors: Troubleshooting "License Key Not Available" Error in WinCC

1. Missing or incorrect license key: The license key might not be installed or configured correctly.
2. License server issues: The license server might be offline, misconfigured, or experiencing technical difficulties.
3. Software version incompatibility: Incompatibilities between WinCC versions and the license key can cause the error.
4. System configuration errors: Misconfigured system settings or registry entries can prevent the system from detecting the license key.

Step-by-Step Solutions

To resolve the "License Key Not Available" error, follow these steps:

1. Verify License Key Installation:
   • Check the license key documentation to ensure it is installed and activated correctly.
   • Verify that the license key is associated with the correct WinCC version and Runtime Advanced component.
2. Check License Server Configuration:
   • Ensure the license server is online and properly configured.
   • Verify that the license server is reachable from the client machine.
3. Update WinCC and Runtime Advanced:
   • Ensure that WinCC and Runtime Advanced are updated to the latest version.
   • Verify that the software versions are compatible with the license key.
4. System Configuration and Registry Checks:
   • Verify that system settings and registry entries are correctly configured.
   • Check for any errors or inconsistencies in the system configuration.

Advanced Troubleshooting

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, perform the following advanced troubleshooting:

1. Check Event Logs: Review event logs for error messages related to the license key or license server.
2. Use License Server Tools: Utilize license server tools, such as the License Server Manager, to diagnose and resolve license-related issues.
3. Contact Siemens Support: Reach out to Siemens support for assistance with resolving the issue.

Conclusion

The "License Key Not Available" error in WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced can be a complex issue, but by understanding its causes and following step-by-step solutions, you can efficiently resolve the problem. Regular maintenance, software updates, and proper system configuration can help prevent such errors in the future. If issues persist, do not hesitate to contact Siemens support for expert assistance.

This content is structured to help troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve the issue within a Siemens TIA Portal and WinCC environment.

Technical Brief: Resolving "License Key Not Available" for WinCC Logging (Runtime Advanced)

Issue Summary When attempting to use the WinCC Logging (archiving) functionality in Runtime Advanced (part of SIMATIC WinCC Advanced V13, V14, V15, V15.1, V16, V17, or V18), the system fails to record or display archived process data. The Runtime Loader or Alarm Log Viewer displays the error:

“License key not available” or “No valid license found for WinCC Logging”

As a result, data logging stops, and historical trends or alarm records are unavailable. Missing or incorrect license key : The license

Step 3: Disable Conflicting Software (Less Common)

Rarely, security software or virtual network adapters block the communication between TIA Portal and ALM.

• Action: Temporarily disable Windows Firewall and any third-party antivirus.
• Action: In TIA Portal, go to Extras > Settings > Licenses and confirm the "License Server" is set to Local (unless using a network server).

Step 2: Check for Grayed Out Licenses (Transfer List)

Sometimes licenses are "borrowed" by another PC or are in the "Transfer List" waiting to be moved.

• Action: In ALM, look at the license status column. If it says "Available" but grayed out, right-click and select "Remove from transfer list."
• Action: Right-click the license and select "Check" to verify file integrity.

3. Resolution Strategies

There are three primary ways to resolve this issue, depending on your project requirements and budget.

The "Power Tag" Confusion

If you purchased a Power Pack (e.g., 16k tags), you still need the base license (e.g., RT Advanced 128 tags) first. The Power Pack only adds tags; it does not add logging if the base license was Compact. You cannot stack a Power Pack on a Compact license.

Root Cause Analysis

The error occurs under the following conditions: Step-by-Step Solutions To resolve the "License Key Not

1. Missing or Incorrect License Key – The installed license does not include the WinCC Logging option. Runtime Advanced base license only provides basic visualization and alarming without archiving.
2. License Not Detected – The license is present on the dongle or hard disk but not recognized by Automation License Manager (ALM).
3. Version Mismatch – The license is for a different version (e.g., V13 license used with V17 runtime).
4. Trial License Expired – The 21-day trial license for Logging has expired.
5. Floating License Conflict – If using a network license (floating), the number of concurrent users exceeds the allowed count, or the license server is unreachable.
6. Software Platform Limitation – Using WinCC Runtime Advanced on a PC without proper Windows OS permissions or with corrupted license files.

4. Special Scenario: Upgrading from WinCC Flexible

If you are migrating a project from the older WinCC Flexible to WinCC Advanced/Professional, licensing models change.

• WinCC Flexible "Runtime" licenses are different from TIA Portal "Runtime" licenses.
• If using WinCC Runtime Professional, the logging capability is usually included in the license count (e.g., RT 2048 includes 2048 Power Tags and 2048 Archive Tags).
• If using WinCC Runtime Advanced, you must ensure your dongle supports the exact version you are trying to run.

Troubleshooting Guide: "License Key Not Available" for WinCC Logging (Runtime Advanced)