Resolving the "License Key Not Available" Error in WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced
Follow this systematic workflow to resolve the issue.
If your project was originally created for a Comfort/TP Panel and is now running on a PC: Resolving the "License Key Not Available" Error in
Here’s a technical write-up for the error message :
License stored on a USB Stick intended for runtime usage, or on non-Siemens CF cards treated as removable media. Solution 4: Cleanly Exit Runtime Siemens provides a procedure to recover these licenses,
If ALM shows a license as damaged, , as end-users do not have the tools to repair them. Siemens provides a procedure to recover these licenses, and it is often free of charge. You can find more information on the process in their official documentation (e.g., entry ID 772175). To prevent this in the future, ensure proper shutdowns:
If you don't need logging, check your project for configured or Alarm Logs and delete them to remove the license requirement. SmartServer Popup SmartServer Popup At its core, this error message
At its core, this error message indicates that the WinCC Runtime environment has detected an active or potential use of logging functions, but it cannot find a for the "Logging for Runtime Advanced" option. Many users are confused because their core WinCC Runtime Advanced license might be present and functional, yet the error persists. This is because, in the WinCC licensing model for PC-based Runtime, the core PowerTag license and the logging option are separate items that must each be licensed.
The message often appears intermittently (for example, every 5 minutes), and while it can be temporarily dismissed, it will keep coming back. In some cases, the alarm logging may still function during a grace period before eventually switching to a "Demo Mode," which can be catastrophic for production environments.
For critical production environments, always maintain a *.axf file backup of your licenses and keep a spare USB dongle. If you continue to see the error after purchasing the proper license, contact Siemens Technical Support with your License Serial Number and a screenshot of the ALM window.
