Issue

The current hardware ID changes several times even though you haven’t changed your installation. This issue forces you to request a new license because the server registers a mismatch with the licensed hardware ID and displays an invalid license error on the License page of the Dashboard ("License installed/hardware mismatch").

Cause

When installed, Acrolinx generates a hardware ID based on the first network adapter found on the destination computer. This hardware ID is then associated with the user license. If Acrolinx finds a new network adapter (such as a wireless connection, which has been switched on or off after startup) it may generate a new hardware ID, making the license invalid.

Solution

One solution to this problem is to set the order in which your computer accesses its network devices so that the fixed network card is always found first. The fixed network card can then be used to generate the hardware ID, regardless of whether wireless is on or off.

To change the access order of network devices on a Windows installation:

1. Open your network connections Start > Control Panel > Network Connections.
2. From the Advanced menu, select "Advanced Settings".

   The adapters are listed in the Connections window of the Adapters and Bindings pane. Move the "Local Area Connection" to the top of the list (above "Wireless Network Connection") using the arrow buttons on the right.

   Bluetooth adapters aren’t in the adapters list and therefore can’t be controlled. They can also influence the hardware ID.

Workaround

An alternative solution is to request a license that is adapted for computers with changeable network adapters, such as laptops.