Network licensing error [1.5.-18] when starting the software

When you tried to start AutoCAD®-based software from a client workstation, the following error message was displayed:

The network license manager was not able to get a valid license. If this problem continues, please contact your system administrator. Error [1.5.-18]

This error message means that the license is not supported by the license manager. This issue can occur for a variety of reasons.

Out-of-date version of the Autodesk Network License Manager (FlexLM)

AutoCAD 2006 and newer versions require a minimum of version 10.1.5 of the Autodesk Network License Manager (FlexLM) to support advanced licensing information. Check the debug log file to confirm the version of the license manager core components (lmgrd and adskflex). Refer to the following solution to upgrade the Autodesk Network License Manager: Upgrading Autodesk Network License Manager (FLEXlm®).

Permissions to client side licensing components

The user attempting to start the software must have the appropriate permissions to operating system locations in order to locate and interpret information from the license manager. You should make sure that the user currently logged in has at least read access to:

• C:\Program Files\AutoCAD 2008\Licpath.lic
• Path will vary depending on the product installed
• HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\FlexLM License Manager
• C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\NetService
• AutoCAD 2007 and newer versions

Masking another error message

The 1.5.-18 error often masks another, more relevant network licensing error that can be easily diagnosed. Check that the desired license server is running and has licenses available for the specific product you are attempting to use. Make sure that you can pull a license from the same license manager for this product and version from another client workstation.

PLIST information missing from the license file (AutoCAD 2007 and newer versions)

The 1.5.-18 error can often indicate missing or corrupted PLIST information in the license file. Make sure that all PLIST increments for all Autodesk product license files exist in the currently active license file. Check the Server Status and debug log file to ensure that the PLIST increment is available and no errors are reported with the PLIST. Refer to the following solution for instructions and examples of combined Autodesk license files: Combining Autodesk® license files.

Missing/broken client side licensing components (AutoCAD 2007 and newer versions)

Licensing components on the client workstation tell the software how to download and interpret PLIST and other licensing information. If these components are missing or not working correctly, it can lead to a failure of the product to pull the correct license from the license manager or a failure of license cascading. Check the following:

• Check the Windows Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services for the Autodesk Network Licensing Service. Verify that you can start and stop this service without error. Note that this service should be left in a stopped state with Manual startup. Refer to the following solution to reinstall the Autodesk Network Licensing Service: AdskNetSrv.exe errors when launching the program: AdskNetSrv.exe errors when launching the program.
• Check the C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\NetService directory and verify that the AdskNetSrv.DAT file exists. 
• If it does exist, delete it, and then restart the software to force the download of the latest PLIST data from the license file. 
• If it does not exist, check the PLIST increment in the license file and verify that it is available. You should also verify that you are trying to pull a license from the correct license manager. Refer to the following solution to set the ADSKFLEX_LICENSE_FILE environment variable to point the client machine at the correct license manager: Specifying license servers using the ADSKFLEX_LICENSE_FILE environment variable.