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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. 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