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TOP Server License Status showing Broken Binding

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What does Broken Binding mean?

TOP Server and the license functionality is based on a trust relationship. Certain changes in the environment can create a breach of trust that can trigger the Broken Binding status, invalidate the license, and result in TOP Server entering demo mode.

What can cause Broken Binding on a TOP Server license?

The Broken Binding License Status indicates that the unique machine identifier has changed enough to where the licensing mechanism no longer trusts that it is on the same machine that the license was initially activated on. On a physical computer/server, a Broken Binding license status occurs when the physical makeup of the machine changed - this can happen if there were any hardware changes on the machine, or if there were new Windows drivers installed. On virtual machines, Broken Binding can be triggered by changes to the MAC address, VM UUID, or VM Generation ID. Cloning or copying a VM (as opposed to migrating it) will break the license binding and is a violation of the EULA. For more details, please review:  What can cause a Broken TOP Server License?

How do I recover from a Broken Binding issue?

First, the old Broken Binding license must be removed by following these procedures (before removal, you must take note of the Activation ID(s) displayed in the TOP Server License Utility): How to clear TOP Server Trusted Storage: Failed to generate request [Trusted storage load failed]

Once the License Utility is cleared, you can continue operations quickly by using the Emergency ID to temporarily reactivate TOP Server for 10-days. Emergency IDs are provided with your normal Activation ID and can be found in the original product delivery email. Please refer to our article here for additional details: Tech Support Corner: Why You Need Your TOP Server Emergency ID

Because the Emergency ID is only a temporary fix, a new Activation ID must still be generated by Software Toolbox to fully recover the TOP Server license. To address this:

NOTE: License Recreations are a benefit included in an active Support and Maintenance Agreement. To receive a quote to renew your Support Agreement, please email your license Serial Number(s) and/or Activation IDs to: insidesales@softwaretoolbox.com

How can I prevent Broken Binding from happening again in the future?

To help prevent unexpected downtime, special care must be taken to avoid encountering a Broken Binding error on your TOP Server license:

  • On virtual machines, ensure that you review our FAQ for Running TOP Server on Virtual Machines before applying your license to prevent common causes of the Broken Binding status on VMs. This includes things like setting a static MAC Address.
  • For any machine, if performing any of the actions that are known to potentially change the trusted profile of the license (covered in What can cause a Broken TOP Server License?), the license should first be transferred off the machine and then reactivated after the change to prevent breaking the license. Please follow our TOP Server License Transfer Procedure.

How does an active Support and Maintenance Agreement help me?

As mentioned before, it is important that your licenses have an active Support and Maintenance agreement. The recreation of an Activation ID for any reason is included in the service provided with a valid Support and Maintenance Agreement, which also grants access to product updates and technical support. If your license is not on an active Support and Maintenance Agreement, please refer to our guide on TOP Server License Re-Registrations for Non-Support Holders for your license recreation options.

If you have any questions, please contact Technical Support through our Ask A Question form or by emailing support@softwaretoolbox.com.

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