DS License server validation error exit code 256

DS License server validation error exit code 256

Question:
Why am I seeing "The DS license server specified is not valid." error during installation of my SIMULIA software? The following messages are displayed when I tried to run the installer after setting my DSLS license server which is verified to be running properly.

"Error: The DS license server specified is not valid."
"Error: dslsStat executable returned exit code 256 for evaluation of server localhost:4085". 





Answer:
This is a generic error when setting up the license portion during SIMULIA tools installation(i.e. SIMULIA Established Products). The first thing to check is whether the DS License Server service is running properly. On a Windows machine, open the task manager and go to the "Services" tab. Verify that the "DS License Server" status is "Running". 

If the service is running, and using "localhost" in the "License Server 1" line still results in the error seen above, please try the following steps:

1. Try entering the actual machine name(Device Name) on the "License Server 1" line. On a Windows machine, Settings --> System --> About will tell you the Device name. 


2. Try entering the IP address on the "License Server 1" line. The IP address can be obtained by opening Command Prompt, then enter "ipconfig" without the double quote. 


3. If step 1 and 2 failed. Verify that the software version you are installing matches that of the DSLS version. For example, 2025 version of the DSLS should be installed if CST or Abaqus 2025 are to be installed. Installing CST/Abaqus 2025 with the 2024 version of DSLS will result in the error above.

The latest DSLS version can be downloaded at https://software.3ds.com. Scroll down to the bottom and download the "Part_DS_LicenseServer... R2025x". 


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