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Authorize ArcGIS Server

Each installation of ArcGIS Server requires an authorization file. You must apply the same ArcGIS Server license edition to each machine in your site.

There are several ways to authorize ArcGIS Server. Before installing ArcGIS Server, you can visit customers.esri.com to obtain your authorization numbers for use in the software or to create a provisioning file which can be used to quickly complete the authorization process. You can also authorize ArcGIS Server using the setup program. See Install ArcGIS Server for more information.

You can obtain an authorization file using the Software Authorization wizard that opens at the end of the ArcGIS Server setup installation. If you've already obtained an authorization file, the Software Authorization wizard configures your machine using your authorization file.

The authorization tool can also be launched with one of the following methods after ArcGIS Server has been installed:

The authorization process is the same regardless of the type of server you intend to license on the machine. The licensing information is passed to ArcGIS Server in the authorization file you provide. If you have authorization files for multiple servers, ensure that you are using the correct one when authorizing ArcGIS Server.

  • Use the shortcut on your desktop environment by clicking ArcGIS > Authorize ArcGIS Server.

A valid authorization file is required for ArcGIS Server. To reconfigure your machine with an updated authorization file, run through the Software Authorization wizard again. To open the Software Authorization wizard at a later time, click Start > Program Files > ArcGIS > Software Authorization.

  • Run the authorization script: <ArcGIS Server installation directory>/tools/authorizeSoftware. For more information about this authorization tool, see Silently authorize ArcGIS Server.

The sections below explain how to successfully authorize your ArcGIS Server installation.

Authorization requires the authorization numbers (similar in format to ECP123456789) provided by Customer Service. Visit customers.esri.com for more information.

Choosing an authorization option

Each new version of ArcGIS Server requires a new authorization.

There are three authorization options:

  • I have installed my software and need to authorize it.

  • I have already authorized the software and need to authorize additional options or extensions.

  • I have received an authorization file from Esri and am now ready to finish the authorization process.

I have installed my software and need to authorize it

Select this option if you do not already have an authorization file. There are two methods that you can use to provide your authorization information:

  • Authorize with Esri now using the internet.—This option allows you to receive the authorization file immediately. It requires an internet connection.

  • Authorize at Esri's website or by email to receive your authorization file.

Click the authorization method you want to use to provide your authorization information.

I have already authorized the software and need to authorize additional options or extensions

Select this option if you've already authorized ArcGIS Server for use, but you want to authorize additional options or extensions (if available). There are two methods that you can use to provide your authorization information:

  • Authorize with Esri now using the internet.—This option allows you to receive the authorization file immediately. It requires an internet connection.

  • Authorize at Esri's website or by email to receive your authorization file.

Click the authorization method you want to use to provide your authorization information.

I have received an authorization file from Esri and am now ready to finish the registration process

Select this option if you've already received your authorization file from Esri Customer Service. If you select this option, you can either browse to the location of the file (if you received the file by email) or manually enter the authorization information.

If you choose the option to browse to an authorization file on disk, you are required to choose or enter the location of the authorization file that you received from Customer Service.

If you choose the option to manually enter the authorization information, you are required to provide the following information (this information can be obtained from the authorization file you received by mail, email, telephone, or fax):

  • Feature name

  • Version number

  • Time-out date

  • Registration number

  • Authorization code

Authorize ArcGIS Server silently

Run the following command to authorize ArcGIS Server silently, editing the command line where necessary to reflect the actual authorization file location:

<System disk drive>\Program Files\ArcGIS\Server\tools\SoftwareAuthorization\SoftwareAuthorization.exe /S /Ver <Version number> /LIF <path to .prvc authorization file>authorizationfile.prvc

Note:

The .prvc authorization file must have all user information completed before running the command to authorize ArcGIS Server silently. Open the authorization file in a text editor, and complete the User Information section.

Obtain an authorization file

Each machine with an installation of ArcGIS Server requires an authorization file. There are several ways to register ArcGIS Server. You can visit My Esri to obtain an authorization file (by email, fax, phone, or mail) before proceeding with the installation. You can also register ArcGIS Server using the Software Authorization wizard that launches after the setup installation completes (this is the recommended method).

Registration requires registration numbers similar in format to ABC123456789. Visit My Esri for more information.