> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.wproofreader.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.wproofreader.com/deployment/licensing/common-license-errors.md).

# Common license errors

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Confirm what you’re doing

* Are you activating a license right now?
* Which OS are you on (Windows / Linux / Docker)?
* Are you using **automatic** or **manual** activation?

If you’re not sure, check the activation guides:

* [License activation on Windows](/deployment/licensing/license-activation-on-windows.md)
* [License activation on Linux](/deployment/licensing/license-activation-on-linux.md)
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Collect the basics

* Copy the **full error text**.
* Note the **timestamp** when it happened.
* Grab **AppServer logs** (folder: `AppServer/Logs`).

To verify the current license status in logs, use:

* [License verification](/deployment/licensing/license-verification.md)
* [Main AppServer commands](/deployment/configuration/application-server/main-appserver-commands.md) (status/version checks)
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### If you use automatic activation, verify outbound connectivity

Automatic activation requires outbound access to WebSpellChecker licensing API.

* Make sure your server can reach the Internet.
* Check firewall / proxy rules.
* See the exact endpoint and allowlist notes in:
  * [Internet connectivity requirements](/deployment/installation-requirements/internet-connectivity-requirements.md)

If you activate through a proxy:

* [License activation through proxy server](/deployment/licensing/license-activation-through-proxy-server.md)
  {% endstep %}
  {% endstepper %}

### Activation error messages

Open the exact message you see and follow the steps.

<details>

<summary><strong>Error. The License Ticket ID that you have entered is incorrect or invalid. Please recheck your Ticket and try again.</strong></summary>

**What it means**

The License Ticket ID was not accepted by the licensing server.

**Fix**

* Re-copy the License Ticket ID.
* Avoid leading/trailing spaces and line breaks.
* Make sure you’re using the ticket for the correct product/environment.
* If you upgraded from very old versions, confirm you’re not using a legacy license type.

**If it still fails**

Email <support@webspellchecker.net> and include:

* the License Ticket ID you used
* the exact error message
* OS and WebSpellChecker version

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Error. Unable to connect to the remote license server. The automatic license activation has failed. Check your Internet connection or try to activate your license manually.</strong></summary>

**What it means**

Your server can’t reach the licensing endpoint during **automatic** activation.

**Fix**

* Verify outbound access from the server.
* Check firewall rules, proxy, DNS, and SSL inspection.
* Allowlist the licensing endpoint mentioned in:
  * [Internet connectivity requirements](/deployment/installation-requirements/internet-connectivity-requirements.md)
* If the server has no Internet access, switch to **manual** activation:
  * [License activation on Windows](/deployment/licensing/license-activation-on-windows.md)
  * [License activation on Linux](/deployment/licensing/license-activation-on-linux.md)

**If you’re behind a proxy**

* [License activation through proxy server](/deployment/licensing/license-activation-through-proxy-server.md)

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Error. License decoding failed. Invalid or corrupted license string. Verify and retry.</strong></summary>

**What it means**

This is a **manual activation** issue. The License Response string is incomplete or altered.

**Fix**

* Re-copy the **entire** License Response string.
* Don’t remove URL-encoded characters.
* Avoid leading/trailing spaces and line breaks.
* Make sure you didn’t paste only part of the string.

{% hint style="warning" %}
If you’re copy/pasting through terminals, disable “smart” formatting tools.
{% endhint %}

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Error. The license activation has failed. You have exceeded the maximum allowed number of attempts to activate the license.</strong></summary>

**What it means**

There is a fixed limit for activation attempts per License Ticket ID.

**Fix**

* Contact support to increase attempts.
* If you’re using Docker, activate during the image build or persist the license in the image.

**Send to support**

* License Ticket ID
* Number of installations/activations you already ran

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Error. The license activation has failed. Your license expired.</strong></summary>

**What it means**

The License Ticket ID is no longer valid.

**Fix**

* Check if your team has a newer License Ticket ID.
* If not, contact <support@webspellchecker.net> to renew.

**Send to support**

* License Ticket ID

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Warning. Failed to update information in the license file. System exception.</strong></summary>

**What it means**

AppServer couldn’t update the local license file on disk.

**Fix**

* Check write permissions for the license storage directory:
  * Windows: `C:\ProgramData\WebSpellChecker`
  * Linux: `/var/lib/WebSpellChecker`
* If you run as a service, verify the service user has access.
* On Docker, make sure the mounted volume is writable.

{% hint style="info" %}
This warning often doesn’t break the already activated license.\
Still fix it to avoid issues on reactivation/renewal.
{% endhint %}

</details>

### Still stuck?

Email <support@webspellchecker.net>.

Include:

* The exact error message
* OS and WebSpellChecker version
* Activation mode (automatic/manual)
* `AppServer/Logs` (zipped)

### Related topics

* **Connectivity / proxy**
  * [Internet connectivity requirements](/deployment/installation-requirements/internet-connectivity-requirements.md)
  * [License activation through proxy server](/deployment/licensing/license-activation-through-proxy-server.md)
* **License files and lifecycle**
  * [Custom path to the license file](/deployment/licensing/custom-path-to-the-license-file.md)
  * [Disable license auto-reactivation](/deployment/licensing/disable-license-auto-reactivation.md)
  * [License deactivation on Windows](/deployment/licensing/license-deactivation-on-windows.md)
  * [License deactivation on Linux](/deployment/licensing/license-deactivation-on-linux.md)
* **General backend troubleshooting**
  * [How-to troubleshoot the service issues](/troubleshooting/server-side-backend/how-to-troubleshoot-the-service-issues.md)
* **Contact support**
  * [How do I contact support?](/faq/general/support/how-do-i-contact-support.md)