Borrow activations using a data file

Use a data file to borrow a CodeMeter activation from a source computer to a destination computer when the computers cannot connect over a network. The data file passes the necessary data between the source and destination computers.

This table describes the steps in the process, and the computer on which the steps are carried out. The process requires switching back and forth from the destination computer, where the borrowed activation should go, to the source computer, which contains the activation to borrow.

To borrow activations using a data file

1. On the destination computer, set up a data file and select the binding to store the activation.

   Expand the detailed instructions for this step.

   1. Open the FactoryTalk Activation Manager and select the Advanced tab.
   2. Select Borrow by file.
   3. Select step 1, Select the binding.
   4. Select Specify data file.
   5. Beside the File location box, select Browse to navigate to the file location.
   6. Select the file to use.
   7. Select Get bindings.
   8. Select the check box for the binding to use.
   9. Select Create data file. The binding is written to the data file.
   10. To move or copy the data file to removable media or to a shared network directory, select Go to Data File Location. Make sure the file is moved or saved to a location that is accessible from the source computer. The default name of the data file is FTAManagerData.xml.
2. On the source computer, import the data file, select the activation to borrow, and set the borrow time limit.

   Expand the detailed instructions for this step.

   1. Open the FactoryTalk Activation Manager and select the Advanced tab.
   2. Select Borrow by file.
   3. Select step 2, Select the activation to borrow.
   4. Select Specify data file.
   5. Beside the File location box, select Browse to navigate to the file location where the data file was saved in step 1.
   6. Select the data file (by default, FTAManagerData.xml).
   7. Select Select Activations.
   8. Select the check box for the activation to borrow.
   9. Select Set Borrow Term.
   10. Set the borrow time limit using a calendar date, a number of days, or a number of hours. When the time limit expires, the activation is returned.
   11. Select Create Data File to add the information on the activation and borrow term limit to the data file.
   12. Select Go to Data File Location to move or copy the data file (by default, FTAManagerData.xml) to removable media or to a shared network directory.
3. On the destination computer, import the update data added to the data file and create a receipt.

   Expand the detailed instructions for this step.

   1. On the Advanced tab, select Borrow by file.
   2. Select step 3, Import update and create receipt.
   3. Select Specify data file.
   4. Beside the File location box, select Browse to navigate to the file location.
   5. Select the data file (by default, FTAManagerData.xml).
   6. Select Import Update.
   7. Select Create Data File to import the information on the activation and borrow term limit and write the receipt data to the data file.
   8. To move or copy the data file to removable media or to a shared network directory, select Go to Data File Location.
4. On the source computer, import the receipt data added to the data file.

   Expand the detailed instructions for this step.

   1. On the Advanced tab, select Borrow by file.
   2. Select step 4, Finalize the borrow.
   3. Select Specify data file.
   4. Beside the File location box, select Browse to navigate to the file location.
   5. Select the data file (by default, FTAManagerData.xml).
   6. Select Import Receipt to import the receipt from the data file.
   7. (Optional) Open the Find available activations list to verify that the activation is marked as borrowed:
      • Select the Manage Activations tab.
      • Select Find Available Activations.

See also

Return activations using a data file

Find available activations