Overview
The CNC Simulator License Diagnostic Tool is a utility designed to help diagnose and troubleshoot license-related issues with CNC Simulator installations. It automatically detects installed versions, tests license validation, checks server connectivity, and provides detailed diagnostic logs that can be shared with support.
Getting Started
Launching the Tool
1. Download and run `LicenseDiagnosticTool.exe`
2. The tool will automatically scan your computer for installed CNC Simulator versions
3. Detected versions will be displayed in the top panel
Main Interface
The tool is divided into three main sections:
Top Panel - Version Selection
- Detected Versions: Shows all CNC Simulator installations found on your computer
- License String (GUID): Optional field to enter a license key for testing
- Version Selection Options:
- Option 1: Continue with detected versions - Tests all found installations
- Option 2: Enter manual version - Test a specific version number (e.g., 4.0.1.5)
- Browse Button: Manually locate a CNC Simulator installation
- Rescan Button: Re-scan your computer for installations (useful after adding license files)
Middle Panel - Diagnostic Log
- Displays real-time diagnostic information during testing
- Shows connection status, license validation results, and any errors
- Automatically cleared at the start of each test run
Bottom Panel - Actions
- Run License Test: Starts the diagnostic test
- Copy Encrypted Log: Copies an encrypted version of the full diagnostic log to clipboard (for support)
- Status Indicator: Shows current test status
- Progress Bar: Animated progress indicator during testing
How to Use
Basic Usage - Test Detected Installations
1. Launch the tool - It will automatically scan for CNC Simulator installations
2. Select Option 1 - "Continue with detected versions"
3. Click "Run License Test"
4. Review the results in the diagnostic log
5. Copy encrypted log if you need to send results to support
Testing with a License Key
If you have a license key (GUID format) you want to test:
1. Paste the license key into the "License String (GUID)" field. (Remove the first *)
2. The tool will save this for future sessions
3. Select your preferred option (detected versions or manual version)
4. Click "Run License Test"
5. The tool will use your license key instead of hardware fingerprinting
Testing a Specific Version
If you want to test a specific version number:
1. Select Option 2 - "Enter manual version"
2. Enter the version number in the format shown (e.g., 4.0.1.5)
3. Click "Run License Test"
4. The tool will test that specific version
Browsing for an Installation
If the tool doesn't detect your installation:
1. Click "Browse for CNCSimulator.exe..."
2. Navigate to your CNC Simulator installation folder
3. Select `CNCSimulator.exe`
4. The tool will detect the version and check for license files
5. Click "Run License Test"
Rescanning After Changes
If you add a license file to an installation folder:
1. Click the "Rescan" button
2. The tool will re-detect all installations and license files
3. Click "Run License Test" to test with the new license file
Understanding Test Results
Server Connectivity Test
The tool first tests connectivity to the license server:
- DNS Resolution: Verifies the server domain can be resolved
- HTTP Connectivity: Tests if the server is reachable
- Status: Shows SUCCESS or FAILED with details
License Test Results
For each version tested, you'll see:
- Version Number: The CNC Simulator version being tested
- Installation Path: Location of the executable
- License File Status: Whether a license file was found
- License Source: Where the license came from (file, manual entry, or hardware fingerprint)
- Test Result:
- Success: True/False
- Status: License status (e.g., OkToStart, Invalid, Expired)
- License Details: Product, ID, and account information
- Error Messages: If the test failed
Common Status Messages
- OkToStart: License is valid and active
- Invalid: License key is not recognized
- Expired: License has expired
- Exception occurred: Technical error during validation
Sharing Results with Support
When contacting support about license issues:
1. Run the diagnostic test as described above
2. Click "Copy Encrypted Log" button
3. Paste the encrypted text into your support ticket or email
4. The encrypted log contains full diagnostic details while protecting sensitive information
Note: The encrypted log contains more detailed information than what's shown in the window, including server responses and technical details needed for troubleshooting.
Tips and Best Practices
Before Running Tests
- Close CNC Simulator if it's running
- Ensure internet connectivity for server tests
- Check firewall settings if connectivity tests fail
Working with License Files
- License files are named `cnclicense.lic`
- They should be in the same folder as `CNCSimulator.exe`
- After adding a license file, click Rescan before testing
- The tool temporarily copies license files during testing and cleans them up automatically
Troubleshooting
"No versions detected"
- Use the Browse button to manually locate your installation
- Or use Option 2 to enter the version manually
"HTTP Connectivity: FAILED"
- Check your internet connection
- Verify firewall isn't blocking the application
- Check if antivirus is interfering
"License file not recognized"
- Click Rescan after adding the license file
- Verify the file is named exactly `cnclicense.lic`
- Ensure it's in the same folder as the executable
Privacy and Security
- The tool only displays essential diagnostic information in the window
- Sensitive details (encryption keys, server responses, file paths) are hidden from view
- Full diagnostic details are only included in the encrypted log
- No data is sent automatically - you control when to share the encrypted log
- License strings you enter are saved locally for convenience
Technical Notes
- Automatic Version Detection: Scans Program Files and Program Files (x86)
- License Priority: Manual license string > License file > Hardware fingerprint
- Timeout: Server requests timeout after 30 seconds
Support
If you continue to experience issues after running the diagnostic tool:
1. Copy the encrypted log using the "Copy Encrypted Log" button
2. Contact CNC Simulator support
3. Include the encrypted log in your support request
4. Describe the issue you're experiencing
The encrypted log will help support staff quickly identify and resolve your license issues.