Return activations using a data file

Use a data file to return a CodeMeter activation from the computer (the destination computer) that borrowed the CodeMeter activation back to another computer (the source computer) when the computers cannot connect over a network. The data file passes the necessary data between the destination and source 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 resides, to the source computer, where the borrowed activation is returned.

To return activations using a data file

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

   Expand the detailed instructions for this step.

   1. Open the FactoryTalk Activation Manager and select the Advanced tab.
   2. Select Return by file.
   3. Select step 1, Select the activation to return.
   4. Select Specify data file.
   5. Beside the File location box, select the Browse button to navigate to the file location.
   6. Select the file to use. The default name of the data file is FTAManagerData.xml.
   7. Select Select Activation to Return.
   8. Select the check box for the activation to return.
   9. Select Create data file. The context data for the selected activation 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.
2. On the source computer, import the data file that contains the return information.

   Expand the detailed instructions for this step.

   1. Open the FactoryTalk Activation Manager and select the Advanced tab.
   2. Select Return by file.
   3. Select step 2, Create the update file.
   4. Select Specify data file.
   5. Beside the File location box, select the Browse button to navigate to the file location where you put the data file in step 1.
   6. Select the data file (by default, FTAManagerData.xml).
   7. Select Create Update to display the activation that is being returned.
   8. Select Create Data File to add the information on the returned activation to the data file.
   9. Select Go to Data File Location to move or copy the data file 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 Return by file.
   2. Select step 3, Import update and create receipt.
   3. Select Specify data file.
   4. Beside the File location box, select the Browse button to navigate to the file location.
   5. Select the data file (by default, FTAManagerData.xml).
   6. Select Return Activation From Destination to display the activation that is being returned.
   7. Select Create Data File to import the information on the returned activation 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 Return by file.
   2. Select step 4, Finalize the return.
   3. Select Specify data file.
   4. Beside the File location box, select the Browse button to navigate to the file location.
   5. Select the data file (by default, FTAManagerData.xml).
   6. Select Complete Return by File.
   7. (Optional) Open the Find available activations list to verify that the activation is marked as returned:
      • Select the Manage Activations tab.
      • Select Find Available Activations.

See also

Borrow activations using a data file

Find available activations