ESPRIT Server Migration Guide: Moving Your Licenses to a New or Virtual Server

A practical guide for IT teams covering server replacements, virtual machine migrations, USB security keys, license activation, and network requirements.

Planning to replace your current ESPRIT license server or move your licensing environment to a virtual machine?

Whether you're upgrading aging hardware, consolidating servers, or transitioning to virtual infrastructure, it's important to understand how your ESPRIT licenses are configured before making any changes.

At Production Machining Technologies (PMT), we regularly assist customers and their IT departments with these transitions.

This guide explains the two most common migration scenarios, what needs to happen before the move, and how to avoid common licensing issues.

1. Which Type of Server Migration Are You Planning?

There are two common situations:

Scenario A: Moving ESPRIT to Another Physical Server

You're replacing an existing physical server with another physical machine.

Depending on your license configuration, you'll either move the existing USB security key or transfer a machine-bound license through deactivation and reactivation.

Scenario B: Moving ESPRIT to a Virtual Server

You're retiring a physical machine or replacing an existing virtual server with a new virtual environment, such as VMware, Hyper-V, or a compatible hosted virtual machine.

If your current server license uses a physical USB security key, the license must first be converted to machine-bound licensing under PMT's recommended virtual-server migration procedure.

If your license is already machine-bound, no conversion is necessary. You'll follow the standard license transfer process.

Not sure what type of server license you have?

Open ESPRIT Server Security Manager on your current server and review the Locking Devices section.

• USB-based: The locking device may appear as SafeNet or reference a physical USB security key.
• Machine-bound: The license is associated with the host computer's machine identification rather than a physical security key.

Contact PMT if you need assistance identifying your configuration.

Scenario A: Moving ESPRIT to a New Physical Server

If you're replacing your current physical server, the migration procedure depends on whether your server license uses a USB security key or a machine-bound activation.

Option 1: Your Current Server Uses a USB Security Key

A USB-based server license relies on a physical security key connected to the computer hosting your ESPRIT licenses.

To move this configuration to another physical server:

1. Install ESPRIT Server Security Manager on the replacement server. The installer is included with the appropriate ESPRIT installation media.
2. Confirm the replacement server has administrator access and the necessary network and firewall configurations.
3. Ensure all users have closed ESPRIT and are no longer using the server licenses.
4. Stop the license service on the existing server.
5. Disconnect the USB security key from the original server and connect it to the replacement server.
6. Open ESPRIT Server Security Manager on the new server using Run as Administrator.
7. If activation is required, click the blue Activation button, select Activate or Get License with the Internet, and enter your assigned Customer Code and server license serial number.
8. Set the server license as the default by double-clicking it. A green indicator will appear.
9. Click Start Server.

Once the license server is running, verify that client computers can connect.

If the new server uses a different IP address, follow the workstation connection instructions later in this guide.

Important: Moving a USB-based server license to another physical machine generally does not require converting the license to machine-bound.

Option 2: Your Current Server Uses a Machine-Bound License

Unlike USB-based licensing, machine-bound licensing is associated with the computer hosting the license service.

This means the license must be deactivated on the original server before it can be activated on the replacement.

Step 1: Prepare the New Server

Before modifying the existing server:

• Install ESPRIT Server Security Manager on the replacement machine.
• Confirm the operating system is supported.
• Verify the new server's network configuration and IP address.
• Confirm TCP port 13579 communication is permitted between the license server and workstations.
• Ensure you have your ESPRIT Customer Code and server license serial number.

Step 2: Deactivate the Existing Server License

1. Ensure no users are currently using ESPRIT.
2. Open ESPRIT Server Security Manager on the original server as Administrator.
3. Stop the license server service if it is running.
4. Right-click the applicable server license (S license).
5. Select Deactivate and click Next.
6. A deactivation code will appear.
7. Click Next again.
8. Confirm the message Deactivation Completed Successfully.

Do not delete, shut down permanently, or decommission your original server until the license has been successfully deactivated.

Step 3: Activate the License on the New Server

1. Open ESPRIT Server Security Manager on the replacement server using Run as Administrator.
2. Click the blue Activation button.
3. Select Activate or Get License with the Internet.
4. Enter your assigned Customer Code and server license serial number.
5. Click Finish.
6. Double-click the server license to set it as the default.
7. Click Start Server.

Your ESPRIT license server should now be available for workstation connections.

Scenario B: Moving ESPRIT to a Virtual Server

Many organizations are replacing physical servers with virtual infrastructure to simplify hardware management and improve flexibility.

ESPRIT server licensing can operate in appropriately configured virtual environments. However, there is an important requirement to address before the migration.

Step 1: Determine Whether Your Existing Server Uses a USB Key

If your current license server relies on a physical USB security key, contact PMT to request conversion to a machine-bound server license before migrating.

This eliminates the dependency on the physical USB security key in the virtual environment.

What Does the Conversion Involve?

PMT will coordinate the licensing changes with Hexagon.

The process generally includes:

1. Reviewing your existing server license configuration.
2. Requesting conversion from USB-based to machine-bound licensing.
3. Issuing or confirming the updated server license information.
4. Ensuring your existing ESPRIT licenses are allocated under the correct server license.
5. Providing the new activation instructions.
6. Confirming any applicable USB security key return requirements.

Please note: Your server license serial number may change during this conversion. Always use the updated license information provided by PMT.

Do not return or dispose of your physical USB key until you have received instructions confirming when it is safe to do so.

Does Converting to Machine-Bound Licensing Cause Immediate Downtime?

Not necessarily.

In many cases, your existing USB-based licensing environment can continue operating while the conversion is being processed.

However, a planned cutover and license reactivation will still be necessary to complete the transition.

Coordinate the final migration with your IT department and PMT.

Step 2: Prepare Your Virtual Server

Once the licensing configuration is confirmed, your IT team can prepare the replacement virtual machine.

Before proceeding:

• Install a supported Windows operating system.
• Install ESPRIT Server Security Manager.
• Ensure the virtual server has a stable network configuration.
• Verify TCP port 13579 communication.
• Confirm administrative access.
• Ensure that the virtual machine's identifying hardware configuration remains consistent.

Machine-bound licenses rely on a unique machine identification.

Changes to virtual hardware, cloning, rebuilding, or moving a virtual machine in ways that alter that identification may require license reactivation or assistance from support.

Important: The fact that a particular Windows Server version allows the application to install does not automatically mean the operating system is officially supported. Confirm compatibility with PMT or Hexagon before deploying to production.

Step 3: Transfer and Activate the License

If your previous server license was converted from USB-based licensing, follow the activation instructions and use the new license details provided by PMT.

If your existing server license was already machine-bound:

1. Make sure ESPRIT is not in use.
2. Deactivate the license on the original server using the procedure in Scenario A.
3. Open ESPRIT Server Security Manager on the new virtual server as Administrator.
4. Click the blue Activation button.
5. Select Activate or Get License with the Internet.
6. Enter your Customer Code and server license number.
7. Set the activated license as the default.
8. Click Start Server.

Once the license service is running, test workstation connectivity.

Requirements That Apply to Both Migration Scenarios

Regardless of whether you're moving to another physical server or a virtual machine, the following considerations apply.

How Much Downtime Should We Expect?

The time required varies depending on your server configuration, network environment, and IT preparation.

You can complete much of the preparation in advance, including installing Server Security Manager on the replacement server and configuring the necessary network settings.

However, the same machine-bound license cannot normally be active on two different servers simultaneously.

We recommend scheduling the actual license transfer during a planned maintenance window when ESPRIT is not being used.

For machine-bound licensing, the recommended order is:

Prepare the new server → Stop license usage → Deactivate the original license → Activate on the new server → Test workstation connections.

Do not assume that activating a second server in an isolated network will allow both copies of a machine-bound license to operate simultaneously.

Server IP Addresses and Workstation Connections

When the license server is moved, workstations must still be able to locate it.

If the IP Address Is Changing

Remove the previous server connection from each affected workstation:

1. Open the applicable ESPRIT Security Manager.
2. Select the old server connection.
3. Under General, set Active to False.
4. Right-click the connection and select Delete.
5. Refresh or close the Security Manager.

Then establish the new connection:

1. Open ESPRIT Security Manager.
2. Click the blue Activation button.
3. Select Add Server Connection.
4. Enter the new server's IP address in both the Name and IP Address fields.
5. Confirm the server licenses appear.
6. Close Security Manager and launch ESPRIT.

If the IP Address Is Staying the Same

Workstation configurations may not require any changes.

However, always verify that client computers can retrieve licenses from the replacement server before considering the migration complete.

ESPRIT 2000 Series vs. ESPRIT EDGE

These applications use their respective workstation Security Managers.

If your organization uses both ESPRIT 2000 Series and ESPRIT EDGE, verify the license connections for both applications.

The Server Security Manager should be installed on the computer hosting the network licenses. Client workstations generally require only the appropriate workstation Security Manager, not the server application.

Firewall and Network Configuration

ESPRIT license servers communicate with client computers using TCP port 13579.

If client workstations cannot connect after the migration, your IT team should verify that communication is allowed between the server and affected workstations.

Check the applicable Windows Firewall inbound and outbound rules and any other firewalls between the systems.

Rules should allow the necessary traffic on trusted network connections in accordance with your organization's security policies.

A successful ping does not necessarily mean the ESPRIT license service is accessible.

For detailed setup instructions, visit:

ESPRIT Network License Installation Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we install ESPRIT on the new server before deactivating the old one?

Yes. You can install ESPRIT Server Security Manager, prepare the operating system, and configure the network ahead of time.

For an existing machine-bound license, the original activation must be deactivated before the replacement server is activated with that license.

Can we keep the current server running while preparing the replacement?

Yes. The existing server can remain operational while IT completes the preliminary configuration of the replacement server.

The final license transfer should occur during the scheduled cutover.

Can ESPRIT run on VMware, Hyper-V, or Microsoft Azure?

ESPRIT licensing can operate in suitable virtual environments, subject to licensing, operating system compatibility, and network requirements.

For virtual environments, we recommend machine-bound server licensing instead of relying on a physical USB security key.

Your IT department should confirm that the proposed virtual infrastructure supports a stable machine identity and provides reliable connectivity to the ESPRIT workstations.

What if our old server has already been retired or deleted?

If the original server used a machine-bound license and it was not deactivated before being removed, you may be unable to activate the license on the replacement server.

Contact PMT with your server license number. We may need to coordinate a forced deactivation with Hexagon before the new activation can proceed.

Why am I getting a "License Missing Lock" error?

This generally means the license cannot locate or validate its expected locking device.

For USB-based licensing, verify that the key is connected and recognized.

For machine-bound licensing, confirm that the license has been deactivated from the previous server and activated using the correct information for the new machine.

If the issue persists, contact PMT with the error details.

What if Server Security Manager reports a Trusted Storage error?

Trusted Storage errors can occur when the licensing system cannot properly read or validate its stored license information.

These errors may require a repair file issued through support.

Please provide the exact error message, relevant screenshots, license serial number, and Machine ID when requesting assistance.

See also our Trusted Storage troubleshooting guide.

Our licenses appear on the server but not on the workstations. What should we check?

Confirm that:

• The server license is activated and selected.
• The license service is started.
• TCP port 13579 communication is permitted.
• Workstations are pointing to the correct server IP address.
• Old server connections have been removed where necessary.
• The correct workstation Security Manager is being used.

If the problem persists, provide PMT with screenshots from both the Server Security Manager and an affected workstation.

Do we need to reinstall ESPRIT on all workstations?

Not normally.

If only the license server is changing, the existing workstation installation can generally remain in place.

You may only need to update the server connection within ESPRIT Security Manager.

Does Moving the License Server Also Move Our KBM Database?

No.

The ESPRIT license server and your KnowledgeBase Manager (KBM) database are separate components.

If your company also hosts a shared KBM database, SQL Server instance, machine files, or other resources on the original server, those migrations must be planned separately by your IT department.

This guide specifically addresses the ESPRIT licensing environment.

What Does PMT Handle, and What Does Your IT Department Handle?

To make the migration as straightforward as possible, it's important to understand the responsibilities of each team.

Your IT Department

• Prepares the replacement physical or virtual server.
• Confirms Windows operating system compatibility.
• Installs the required Server Security Manager.
• Configures the network, firewall, and server IP address.
• Ensures administrative access to the necessary systems.
• Coordinates the maintenance window.
• Performs the license transfer using the provided instructions.
• Updates workstation connections and verifies client access.

Production Machining Technologies (PMT)

• Helps identify your existing ESPRIT license configuration.
• Provides the relevant license migration instructions.
• Coordinates USB-to-machine-bound license conversions.
• Provides updated license information when required.
• Assists with licensing-related questions and errors.
• Coordinates licensing resets or repair requests when necessary.

We recommend having your IT team review this article and complete the preparation before scheduling the actual migration.

Final Checklist Before Starting

• Confirm whether the destination is a new physical server or a virtual server.
• Identify whether your existing server license is USB-based or machine-bound.
• If migrating USB-based licensing to a virtual server, contact PMT to arrange the machine-bound conversion first.
• Confirm the replacement operating system is supported.
• Install ESPRIT Server Security Manager on the replacement server.
• Confirm the correct Customer Code and server license number.
• Verify TCP port 13579 and network connectivity.
• Confirm administrator access to the required systems.
• Schedule a maintenance window with no active ESPRIT users.
• Deactivate the old machine-bound license before retiring the existing server.
• Activate and start the license service on the replacement server.
• Update client workstation connections if necessary.
• Confirm ESPRIT launches successfully from the required workstations.

Need Help Planning Your ESPRIT Server Migration?

With the correct preparation, moving your ESPRIT license server to another physical machine or a virtual environment can be a straightforward process.

The most important step is identifying your current licensing configuration and following the appropriate migration procedure.

If your company is planning a migration and you're unsure whether your licenses use USB-based or machine-bound licensing, please contact our team before making any changes.

Contact PMT Support: support@pmtechnologies.com

When contacting us, please include your company name, current server license number, whether you are migrating to a physical or virtual server, and any specific licensing questions.

For additional installation and networking information, visit our ESPRIT Network License Installation Guide.

Production Machining Technologies
ESPRIT Licensing & Customer Support