Invalid -inconsistent- License Key --8 544 0- Solidworks 2020 ((link))

Troubleshooting the "Invalid - Inconsistent - License Key (–8, 544, 0)" Error in SOLIDWORKS 2020

Experiencing Error Code (–8, 544, 0) in SOLIDWORKS 2020? Here’s the Definitive Fix.

There are few things more frustrating for a mechanical engineer, product designer, or manufacturing professional than sitting down to meet a critical deadline, launching SOLIDWORKS 2020, and being met with a cryptic red error message: "Invalid - Inconsistent - License Key (–8, 544, 0)."

In most cases, this error also carries a secondary line: "The license key you have provided is not consistent with the licensed product SOLIDWORKS 2020." Troubleshooting the "Invalid - Inconsistent - License Key

This specific error code is not a random hardware glitch or a Windows bug. It is a deliberate security response from the SOLIDWORKS license manager. This article will break down exactly what codes –8, 544, and 0 mean, why they appear specifically in SOLIDWORKS 2020, and provide a step-by-step guide to resolving the issue permanently.

Method 1: Restart the License Manager Service

Often, the service simply needs to be refreshed to read the license file correctly. Open the SolidNetWork License Manager (found in your

1. Open the SolidNetWork License Manager (found in your Start Menu or on the Server).
2. Go to the Server Administration tab.
3. Click Stop.
4. Wait a few seconds, then click Start.
5. Attempt to open SolidWorks again.

When to Contact SolidWorks Support

If you still see “8 544 0” or similar after trying the above, gather:

• Full error screenshot
• swlicensemanager.log (located in C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp\SOLIDWORKS\)
• License server debug.log (if network)
• System information (Windows version, hardware changes)

Contact your reseller or Dassault Systèmes support. When to Contact SolidWorks Support If you still

2) Standalone license: common causes & fixes

Common causes:

• Wrong year/product for the serial.
• Serial already used/activated on max allowed machines.
• Corrupt activation entries on the machine.
• Blocked activation servers (internet, proxy, firewall).

Step-by-step fixes:

1. Verify serial/product:
   • Confirm the SOLIDWORKS 2020 serial exactly matches your license paperwork/email and is for SOLIDWORKS 2020 (not 2019/2021 or a different product such as Composer/PDM).
2. Check activation count:
   • SOLIDWORKS standalone serials may have a limited number of activations. If you previously installed on another computer, deactivate there first: in SOLIDWORKS go to Help → Licenses → Deactivate, then activate on the new machine.
3. Run activation as admin:
   • Start SOLIDWORKS as Administrator and try Help → Activate/Reactivate product.
4. Clear corrupted activation entries:
   • Exit SOLIDWORKS. Rename or backup the folder:
     • C:\ProgramData\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS 2020
     • Also clear registry keys only if comfortable (backup registry first): HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\SolidWorks (be cautious).
   • Re-launch and attempt activation.
5. Check network/proxy/firewall:
   • Ensure outbound access to SOLIDWORKS activation servers is allowed. Temporarily disable firewall/antivirus to test.
   • If behind a corporate proxy, configure proxy settings in Internet Options (Windows) so SOLIDWORKS can reach activation servers.
6. Reinstall/repair SOLIDWORKS:
   • Run the SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager → Modify/Repair and repair the installation, then reactivate.
7. Contact reseller/SolidWorks support:
   • If serial shows as invalid or activation limit reached, contact your reseller/SOLIDWORKS support to verify the serial status and request deactivation or replacement.

Solution 5: Network License Only – Fixing the Server Side

If you are on a floating network license, the --8 544 0- error can appear on all clients if the server is misconfigured.

1. On the License Server: Open the sw_d.lic file in Notepad. Verify the HOSTID= line matches the server’s physical MAC address exactly (no spaces, lowercase letters).
2. Check the log: Locate the lmgrd.log file (usually in C:\Program Files\SolidWorks License Manager). Search for 544. You will see lines like: "Invalid hostid in license file. (-8,544)". This tells you the server is rejecting the clients.
3. Regenerate the license file: Log into the SolidWorks Customer Portal, download a fresh sw_d.lic file for your 2020 license, and replace the old one.

Method 2: Check Windows Firewall and Antivirus

SolidNetWork License Manager requires specific ports to be open to verify the license key. If Windows Defender or a third-party antivirus recently updated, it may have blocked these ports.

1. Open Windows Defender Firewall.
2. Click Allow an app through firewall.
3. Ensure sw_d.exe and lmgrd.exe are allowed on Private and Public networks.
4. Specific Ports: Ensure that Ports 25734 and 25735 (inbound and outbound) are open.

5) Specific command & log checks (advanced)

• On license server, check lmgrd and sw_d.exe (vendor daemon) logs for “No such feature” or “Denial” messages.
• Use FLEXnet utilities:
  • lmutil lmstat -a -c [license_file_path] to show license status.
• On client, check Windows Event Viewer for SOLIDWORKS-related errors.
• Search logs for feature names like “SolidWorks Premium” or “SNL” to identify which product line is failing.

Troubleshooting Guide: SolidWorks 2020 Error -8 544 0- (Invalid License Key)

7. Check for Mixed Version Components

• If you upgraded from an older version, leftover license files may cause conflicts.
• Search entire C:\ for sw_d.lic and remove all except the current one.