Summary

This article provides step-by-step troubleshooting for situations where GibbsCAM cannot communicate with the GibbsCAM Activation Service during license registration or license updates.

Connection failures are typically caused by Internet connectivity problems, firewall restrictions, proxy servers, antivirus software, or corporate network security policies.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Symptoms

You may experience one or more of the following:

  • The Registration Tool cannot connect to the activation server.

  • License Update fails.

  • Online Registration does not complete.

  • An activation timeout or connection error is displayed.

  • GibbsCAM reports that it cannot contact the activation service.

  • Registration succeeds on another computer but not on the current workstation.

Before You Begin

Before troubleshooting:

  • Verify that your Internet connection is working.

  • Ensure GibbsCAM is installed correctly.

  • Have your Product Code available.

  • Confirm that you are using the latest supported version of GibbsCAM.

Process

Step 1 – Run the Activation Check Utility

Before making changes to your computer, run the ActivationCheck.exe utility.

The utility verifies whether your workstation can communicate with the GibbsCAM Activation Service.

If the test succeeds, proceed to Step 7.

If the test fails, continue with the remaining troubleshooting steps.


Step 2 – Verify Internet Connectivity

Open a web browser and confirm that you can access external websites.

If Internet access is unavailable:

  • Restore the network connection.

  • Verify Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity.

  • Contact your IT department if necessary.


Step 3 – Check Firewall Settings

Windows Firewall or third-party security software may block communication with the activation service.

Verify that:

  • GibbsCAM licensing utilities are allowed through the firewall.

  • Outbound HTTPS traffic is permitted.

  • No endpoint security software is preventing the connection.

If appropriate, temporarily disable antivirus or firewall software to test the connection. Re-enable all security software immediately after testing.


Step 4 – Verify Proxy Server Configuration

If your organization uses a proxy server:

  • Confirm that HTTPS traffic is permitted.

  • Verify that the proxy allows connections to external licensing services.

  • Ensure proxy authentication requirements are satisfied.

If you are unsure of your proxy configuration, contact your IT department.


Step 5 – Verify DNS Resolution

Incorrect or restricted DNS settings may prevent your computer from locating the activation servers.

To isolate DNS-related issues:

  • Restart the computer.

  • Restart your network connection.

  • Test the registration process from a different network if available.


Step 6 – Test on Another Network

If possible:

  • Connect the computer to another trusted Internet connection (for example, a mobile hotspot).

  • Run ActivationCheck.exe again.

  • Retry the registration.

If registration succeeds on another network, the issue is likely related to your organization's firewall, proxy, or network security policies.


Step 7 – Verify Your Registration Information

If the Activation Check utility reports a successful connection but registration still fails:

Verify:

  • Product Code

  • Customer information

  • License type

  • Correct hardware key (if applicable)

Then retry the registration.


Step 8 – Use an Alternative Registration Method

If online registration is still unavailable, use one of the following methods:

  • E-Mail Registration

  • Offline Registration

These methods allow the registration request to be processed without a direct connection to the activation service.

Expected Result

The workstation successfully communicates with the GibbsCAM Activation Service and completes the registration or license update.

Troubleshooting

Problem: Activation Check Fails

Possible Causes

  • Firewall restrictions

  • Proxy configuration

  • No Internet connection

  • Corporate security policies

Resolution

Work through Steps 2–6 above. If the issue persists, consult your IT department.


Problem: Activation Check Succeeds but Registration Fails

Possible Causes

  • Incorrect Product Code

  • Invalid registration information

  • Outdated or incorrect license file

  • Temporary activation service issue

Resolution

Verify your registration information and retry the operation. If the problem continues, contact CAMCO Support.


Problem: Registration Works on Another Computer

Possible Causes

  • Local firewall settings

  • Endpoint security software

  • Proxy configuration

  • Local Windows networking issue

Resolution

Compare the working and non-working systems, paying particular attention to firewall, antivirus, and proxy settings.


Problem: Corporate Network Blocks Registration

Possible Causes

  • Restricted outbound Internet access

  • SSL inspection

  • Proxy authentication

  • Security policy restrictions

Resolution

Provide your IT department with the details of the activation issue and use the Offline Registration Guide if network changes cannot be made.

Information to Collect Before Contacting CAMCO Support

If the issue persists, gather the following information before contacting CAMCO Support:

  • GibbsCAM version

  • Windows version

  • Product Code

  • License type (Hardware-Locked or Network License)

  • Screenshot of the Registration Tool error

  • Screenshot of the Activation Check results

  • Description of the network environment (home, office, VPN, etc.)

  • Whether the issue occurs on multiple computers

Providing this information can significantly reduce troubleshooting time.

Best Practices

  • Run the Activation Check utility before reinstalling GibbsCAM.

  • Keep Windows and network drivers up to date.

  • Verify Internet connectivity before attempting registration.

  • Coordinate with your IT department for firewall or proxy changes.

  • Keep a copy of your Product Code and registration information in a secure location.

Related Articles

Keywords

Unable to Connect, Activation Server, GibbsCAM Activation Service, ActivationCheck.exe, Registration Tool, License Update, Online Registration, Connection Failed, Firewall, Proxy Server, DNS, HTTPS, Internet Connection, License Activation, Licensing Troubleshooting