Runtime Advanced Link ~upd~ | License Key Not Available Wincc Logging For

Resolving the "License Key Not Available" Error for WinCC Logging in Runtime Advanced

Step-by-step fix:

1. Check which licenses you actually have:

   • Open Automation License Manager (ALM)
   • Look for:
     • WinCC Runtime Advanced (base runtime)
     • WinCC Logging (needed for archiving/logging)
   • If you only see the base license, you need to purchase 6AV2105-0xxxx (Logging for RT Advanced)

2. If you have the license but it's not detected:

   • In ALM, right-click the license → Check consistency
   • Ensure the license is transferred to the local PC (not left on a USB stick unless stick is always plugged in)
   • Restart the SIAX S7 USB License Manager service (Windows services)

3. For trial/test (30 days):

   • Download Simulation License from Siemens (Trial licenses for WinCC Logging exist)
   • Install via ALM → Licenses → Install → select trial license file

4. Correct licensing for Runtime Advanced link:

   • The "Runtime Advanced link" is just a shortcut to start the runtime. It doesn't cause the license error – logging does.
   • To verify: Start runtime without logging tags. If it works, logging license is the missing piece.

5. Workaround (development only):

   • Use Simulation Tags (no archiving) to bypass logging
   • Or use WinCC Professional (includes logging in higher tiers)

Phase 5: Hardware Changes and Disk Imaging

Industrial PCs often have system images deployed. If you cloned a working PC to another, the license link breaks because the hardware ID (hard drive serial, MAC address) changed.

Solution:

1. On the source PC (before cloning), use ALM to return the license to a license file (*.LicenseFile).
2. Clone the PC.
3. On the target PC, use ALM to transfer the license from the file to the local hard drive. This re-binds the license to the new hardware.
4. Warning: If you already cloned without returning the license, you must contact Siemens support to reset the license binding. This is a painful, slow process.

2. License Type Mismatch

Siemens licenses come in different types:

• Floating License (USB Dongle/ALM Server): Must be accessible over the network or via a physical USB key.
• Single-Station License (Disk-based): Tied to the hard drive or computer fingerprint.
• Trial License: Limited time; may have expired.

If you purchased a dongle but the software is looking for a disk-based license, the error appears. Resolving the "License Key Not Available" Error for

Typical Scenarios Where This Error Appears

1. During Runtime Start: The application loads, but the archiving subsystem fails to initialize.
2. After a Grace Period: WinCC often provides a 7-day or 21-day trial grace period. Once that expires without a proper license, this error appears.
3. After Hardware Changes: Changing a network card, motherboard, or even moving the license to a different USB port can invalidate the license link.
4. During Archiving Configuration: When you add a new log (e.g., a tag log for a PID loop), the system checks for available logging points and fails.

2. Common causes & fixes

| Issue | Solution | |-------|----------| | License not installed | Install using Automation License Manager (ALM) | | License on wrong storage medium | Move license to local hard drive (ALM → Drag & drop) | | License file corrupted | Re-download from Siemens Industry Mall or your SW package | | Wrong version (e.g., TIA V15 license used on V17) | Licenses are version-specific → upgrade license | | Trial license expired | Purchase full license | | Network license not found | Check ALM → ensure license server is reachable |

Verification

• After resolving, open WinCC Runtime and check:
  • Logging services start without error.
  • Message archives/audit trails populate entries.
  • License Manager shows the Runtime Advanced licensing option as "valid" and assigned.