How to force return PME license version >2021 (license configuration tool)

Issue

A license may become unreturnable through use of the License Configuration Tool

Some situations may include a customer's PME server crashing or migrating, causing the license to become untrusted on the customer's machine, but remain activated in the Schneider Electric servers

NOTE: Starting from PME 2021 and going forward, the License Configuration Tool is used for license configuration and has a different process to force return licenses than the Floating License Manager.

Product Line

Power Monitoring Expert 2021
Power Monitoring Expert 2022
Power Monitoring Expert 2023
Power Monitoring Expert 2024

Environment

License Configuration Manager

Cause

When a license is activated using the online method and later taken offline, it cannot be returned with the conventional online methods.

If the license has been activated using the online method, but the server no longer has internet access. The following method will release the license.

Resolution

A license can be force returned by following the steps below:

1) Email your local Schneider Electric support group with the relevant Activation ID and request that it be manually released
2) After receiving confirmation that the licenses have been released, follow the next steps:
3) Close the License Configuration Tool, as well as any Power Monitoring Expert applications that may be open
4) Open File Explorer and confirm Show Hidden Items is checked:

​​​​​5) Use the above screenshot to verify that the "ProgramData" folder is visible, then navigate to "C:\ProgramData\Schneider Electric\Power Monitoring Expert\License"
6) Delete all the hidden files in this "License" folder
7) Relaunch the License Configuration tool
8) Activate the license using the offline method

Released for: Schneider Electric Saudi Arabia