--- title: Troubleshooting 'License Key Not Found' Errors description: Common causes and solutions for the 'License Key Not Found' error in WATCHOUT. --- [Skip to content](https://knowledge.dataton.com/knowledge/troubleshooting-license-key-not-found-errors#main-content) English Show submenu for translations ![DATATON LOGO 2000.png\]](https://knowledge.dataton.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DATATON%20LOGO%202000.png?height=42&name=DATATON%20LOGO%202000.png) Open main navigation Close main navigation - English Show submenu for translations - Contact us Contact us Hello. How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Knowledge Base](https://knowledge.dataton.com/knowledge?hsLang=en) 2. [WATCHOUT 7](https://knowledge.dataton.com/knowledge/watchout-7?hsLang=en) 3. [Licensing](https://knowledge.dataton.com/knowledge/watchout-7?hsLang=en#licensing) # Troubleshooting 'License Key Not Found' Errors The "License Key Not Found" error is one of the most common WATCHOUT issues. It appears when WATCHOUT cannot detect a valid license on the system. This can affect both USB dongle licenses and built-in WATCHPAX licenses. ###### Quick Checklist 1. **Is the USB dongle plugged in?** — Check that it's firmly seated in a USB port. 2. **Try a different USB port** — Front and rear USB ports may use different controllers. Some ports work while others don't. 3. **Is CodeMeter running?** — Open **CodeMeter Control Center** from the Windows Start menu. 4. **Does CodeMeter detect the dongle?** — In CodeMeter Control Center, your license should appear in the list. If it doesn't, the dongle may be physically damaged. 5. **Is the correct WATCHOUT version installed?** — A WO5 license won't work with WO6, and a WO6 license won't work with WO7 (unless it's been upgraded). ### Common Causes & Solutions ###### 1. CodeMeter Runtime Not Installed ***Symptom*:** Dongle works on one PC but not another. *Solution***:** Download and install [CodeMeter User Runtime for Windows](https://www.wibu.com/support/user/user-software.html). CodeMeter is normally bundled with the WATCHOUT installer, but a standalone install may be needed if it was removed or corrupted. ###### 2. USB Controller Conflict ***Symptom*:** Dongle not detected in some USB ports but works in others. ***Solution*:** Move the dongle to a different USB port, preferably on a different controller (e.g. switch from front panel to rear panel ports). Avoid USB hubs. ###### 3. CodeMeter Security Lock (Firmware Issue) ***Symptom*:** CodeMeter shows "API Error 38 (FIRM ACCESS COUNTER ZERO)" in diagnostic logs. ***Solution*:** This indicates CodeMeter's security feature has been triggered. Contact Dataton Support — a firmware update file from WIBU may be required. *The process involves:* 1. Export a WibuCmRaC file from CodeMeter Control Center 2. Send it to Dataton Support 3. Receive an updated firmware file to apply ###### 4. License Lost After Software Update ***Symptom*:** License stops working after updating WATCHOUT.  ***Solution*:** - Verify in **Producer \> Help \> WATCHOUT Licenses** that the license is listed. - Try downgrading to the previous WATCHOUT version to confirm it's not a version mismatch. - Try version 6.7.2 if 6.7.3 is causing issues. - Reinstall WATCHOUT with a fresh install (uninstall first, reboot, then install). ###### 5. Physically Damaged Dongle ***Symptom*:** Dongle not detected on any computer, not visible in CodeMeter. ***Solution*:** The dongle needs replacement. Contact Dataton Support or your regional partner. You will need to: - Provide the serial number(s) from the dongle - Return the damaged dongle (or provide photo proof of destruction) - Purchase a replacement license ###### 6. WATCHPAX Built-in License Not Found ***Symptom*:** WATCHPAX unit shows "License Key Not Found" on boot. ***Solution*:** - Try a factory reset (see: *How to Re-image and Factory Reset a WATCHPAX*) - If the issue persists, the unit may need to be returned for repair/replacement - As a temporary workaround, a separate WO6 USB dongle can be inserted into the WATCHPAX ###### Diagnostic Steps 1. Open **CodeMeter Control Center** (Start Menu \> CodeMeter) 2. Check if your license container appears in the list 3. Click **WebAdmin** for detailed license information 4. Go to **Producer \> Help \> WATCHOUT Licenses** and take a screenshot 5. If contacting Support, include: 1. The CodeMeter Control Center screenshot 2. The WATCHOUT Licenses screenshot 3. The serial number(s) from the dongle 4. A Feedback Report (Producer \> Help \> Create Feedback Report) — WO7 only   *Last updated: 30 March 2026 · Dataton Support* - [WATCHOUT 7](https://knowledge.dataton.com/knowledge/watchout-7?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Installation](https://knowledge.dataton.com/knowledge/watchout-7?hsLang=en#installation) - [Stage & Display](https://knowledge.dataton.com/knowledge/watchout-7?hsLang=en#stage-display) - [WATCHPAX media servers](https://knowledge.dataton.com/knowledge/watchout-7?hsLang=en#watchpax-media-servers) - [Licensing](https://knowledge.dataton.com/knowledge/watchout-7?hsLang=en#licensing) - [WATCHOUT 6](https://knowledge.dataton.com/knowledge/watchout-6?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Capture](https://knowledge.dataton.com/knowledge/watchout-6?hsLang=en#capture) - [Dynamic Image Server](https://knowledge.dataton.com/knowledge/watchout-6?hsLang=en#dynamic-image-server) - [Graphics Card](https://knowledge.dataton.com/knowledge/watchout-6?hsLang=en#graphics-card) - [Network](https://knowledge.dataton.com/knowledge/watchout-6?hsLang=en#network) - [Operating System - Windows](https://knowledge.dataton.com/knowledge/watchout-6?hsLang=en#operating-system-windows) - [Video Encoding](https://knowledge.dataton.com/knowledge/watchout-6?hsLang=en#video-encoding) - [Timeline](https://knowledge.dataton.com/knowledge/watchout-6?hsLang=en#timeline) - [Control](https://knowledge.dataton.com/knowledge/watchout-6?hsLang=en#control) - [Installation](https://knowledge.dataton.com/knowledge/watchout-6?hsLang=en#installation) - [Audio](https://knowledge.dataton.com/knowledge/watchout-6?hsLang=en#audio) - [Camera Calibration](https://knowledge.dataton.com/knowledge/watchout-6?hsLang=en#camera-calibration) - [Synchronization](https://knowledge.dataton.com/knowledge/watchout-6?hsLang=en#synchronization) - [WATCHPAX](https://knowledge.dataton.com/knowledge/watchpax?hsLang=en#main-content) - [Audio interface](https://knowledge.dataton.com/knowledge/watchpax?hsLang=en#audio-interface) - [Network](https://knowledge.dataton.com/knowledge/watchpax?hsLang=en#network) - [Installation](https://knowledge.dataton.com/knowledge/watchpax?hsLang=en#installation) - [WATCHNET](https://knowledge.dataton.com/knowledge/watchnet?hsLang=en) [![DATATON LOGO 2000 black](https://knowledge.dataton.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DATATON%20LOGO%202000%20black.png?width=200&height=46&name=DATATON%20LOGO%202000%20black.png "DATATON LOGO 2000 black")](http://dataton.com) Need to register a support ticket? Go to the [Help Center](https://www.dataton.com/help-center) on dataton.com Copyright © 2026, DATATON AB