Redgate Sql Prompt Offline Activation May 2026
How to Activate Redgate SQL Prompt Offline Activating Redgate SQL Prompt
on a device without internet access (an "air-gapped" or restricted network machine) is done using offline permits
. This process involves generating a permit on a device with internet access and transferring it to the offline machine to unlock the software. Prerequisites A device with Redgate SQL Prompt installed that cannot connect to the internet. A separate device with internet access to generate the permit.
A method to transfer a small text file (e.g., USB drive, internal network share). Redgate ID serial key (if using a legacy version). Step 1: Generate the Request Code (On the Offline Device) SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) Visual Studio In the top menu, navigate to SQL Prompt
Guide: Redgate SQL Prompt Offline Activation There are times when the workstation you use for database development is intentionally kept off the grid for security reasons, or perhaps you're working in a high-security environment with a restrictive firewall. Whatever the reason, if you can’t connect to the internet, you can still activate your Redgate SQL Prompt license using the manual offline method.
This guide walks you through the steps to get your tool up and running without an active internet connection. Prerequisites Before starting, ensure you have:
SQL Prompt Installed: The software should already be installed on your offline machine.
A Valid Serial Number: You’ll need the license key provided in your Redgate purchase confirmation email.
A Second Device with Internet Access: You need a way to reach the Redgate activation server (a laptop, smartphone, or another PC) to exchange activation codes. Step-by-Step Offline Activation Process 1. Initiate Activation in SQL Prompt redgate sql prompt offline activation
Open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or Visual Studio where SQL Prompt is installed. Go to the SQL Prompt menu in the top toolbar. Select Help > Enter Serial Number. Enter your serial number and click Activate. 2. Trigger the "Manual Activation" Mode
Because the machine is offline, the initial activation attempt will fail.
After a moment, SQL Prompt will display an error message stating that it couldn't connect to the activation server.
Look for a link or button that says Activate Manually. Click it. 3. Generate the Request Text
The Manual Activation window will open, showing a block of encrypted XML text (the "Activation Request").
Click Copy to Clipboard or save this text into a .txt file on a USB drive. 4. Use the Redgate Activation Website Now, move to your device that has internet access. Go to the Redgate Manual Activation Page.
Paste the XML text you copied from the offline machine into the text box on the website. Click Activate. 5. Capture the Response Text
If your serial number is valid and has available seats, the website will generate a new block of XML text called the "Activation Response." How to Activate Redgate SQL Prompt Offline Activating
Copy this response text and move it back to your offline workstation (via USB or manual typing, though copying a file is much safer). 6. Finalize Activation
Return to the Manual Activation window on your offline machine. Paste the Response XML into the empty text box. Click Finish. Troubleshooting Common Issues
"Machine Limit Reached": If you see this error, you may need to log into the Redgate License Management Portal on an internet-connected device to de-activate an old machine before you can activate the new one.
Version Mismatch: Ensure the version of SQL Prompt you have installed matches the version your serial number supports. Perpetual licenses are version-specific.
Copy-Paste Errors: Ensure you copy the entire block of XML, including the tags at the beginning and end. Missing a single character will cause the activation to fail. Why Use Manual Activation?
Manual activation is the standard protocol for air-gapped environments or servers behind strict corporate proxies. It ensures that your productivity isn't hindered by network security policies, allowing you to use features like advanced IntelliSense, code formatting, and refactoring regardless of your connectivity status.
By following these steps, you can maintain a secure environment while still leveraging the full power of Redgate’s SQL development suite.
The feature for offline activation in Redgate SQL Prompt is called Manual Activation. This process allows you to activate the software on a computer that does not have an internet connection or is unable to make SOAP requests. How Manual Activation Works Procedure: The user cannot simply update the key
The process requires a second computer that has internet access to act as a bridge:
Generate Request: On the offline computer, launch SQL Prompt and attempt to activate it with your serial key. When the connection fails, select the Activate Manually button to generate a unique activation request.
Get Response: Copy that request and paste it into the Redgate Activation Service on the computer with internet access to receive an activation response.
Finalize: Copy the response back to the offline computer and paste it into the activation dialog to complete the setup. Activating - SQL Prompt 8 - Product Documentation
To activate Redgate SQL Prompt on a device without internet access, you must use an Offline Permit or Manual Activation. This process requires a second device that is connected to the internet to generate the necessary activation data. 🛠️ Activation Process Step 1: On the Offline Device Open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or Visual Studio.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of offline activation for Redgate SQL Prompt, including when it’s needed, prerequisites, step-by-step instructions, and important limitations.
License Validity and Subscription Renewals
For subscription-based licenses, the activation response file contains a "next check" date. If the license is due for renewal, the offline machine will eventually lose functionality or revert to trial mode.
- Procedure: The user cannot simply update the key. They must perform a "Refresh" action. In SQL Prompt, this is often done via the "Manage License" tab, which allows the generation of a new request file to verify the subscription status against the Redgate portal.
User Sentiment Summary
“It works, but it’s a pain compared to online activation. If you can possibly give SQL Prompt a brief internet connection once every few months, do that instead.”
2. Prerequisites
Before starting offline activation:
- A valid SQL Prompt license key (purchased or trial).
- Redgate SQL Prompt installer (offline MSI or EXE) – available from Redgate’s website using another internet-connected machine.
- A USB drive or network share to transfer files between offline machine and an internet-connected machine.
- Administrator rights on the offline machine.