Skip to main content
KenFarley
KenFarley21-Topaz II
21-Topaz II
August 12, 2026
Solved

Unable to use ptcflush utility

  • August 12, 2026
  • 7 replies
  • 126 views

We recently installed a new server.

I updated the FlexLM license server to the latest version compatible with Creo 9. I think this was just the latest version.

I can no longer use ptcflush to clear out a license that is “stuck” on the server. The error message I get states that it can’t find the server. Specifically, it returns:

lmremove: License server machine is down or not responding. (-96,7:11001 “WinSock: Host not found (HOST_NOT_FOUND”)

I know the license server is running just fine, it’s supplying me with the arguments for the ptcflush command.

I wonder:

(1) Is ptcflush attempting to use a port to communicate with the server? A port that is likely not open according to our IT policies? Part of the server replacement was yet another tightening of access (can’t ping, can’t do a lot of things anymore).

(2) Is there a character limit on the server argument of the ptcflush command? Our old server name was 12 characters, the new one is 16 characters. You know, for more security…

The name of the new server does not have any types of characters that didn’t occur in the old server name, i.e. both names only consisted of letters, numbers, and the “-” character.

So, I know it’s kind of a vague question, but doesn anyone have an idea what might be preventing ptcflush from working when ptcstatus is fine?

My next step will be to contact our IT folks, but don’t know if that will yield anything.

Best answer by KenFarley

I’ve figured out the trouble.

The ptcflush.bat file contains a line specifying

set LM_LICENSE_FILE=7788@<SERVER>

Recall that we installed a new server, and as part of the process we had to install the FlexLM software on that server. The batch files on the server thus had correct references to the new server name. That’s why they work properly.

The batch files on the client computers, however, still have the old server name in them. Updating the above line in the batch files corrects the problem. A much simpler solution than digging into network settings and such.

On a side note, it would seem that ptcflush.bat doesn’t need a hardcoded reference to the server, given any invocation of the program requires the server to be specified. Oh well.

7 replies

VladimirN24-Ruby IV
24-Ruby IV
August 13, 2026

Your IT department need to check new network security restrictions.

KenFarley
KenFarley21-Topaz IIAuthor
21-Topaz II
August 13, 2026

Yes, I am thinking that would be necessary eventually, but I was hoping someone on here might have insights as to what is needed. The first thing they will likely ask is “what port is the ptcflush command using to communicate with the server” or something like that. I really don’t know if any port except 7788 is being used by lmutil or lmremove or whatever.

I’ve also seen some talk about having to a config setting to allow flushing of licenses, but the response I’m getting from ptcflush is more along the lines of “can’t contact server” rather than “you’re not allowed to flush licenses”.

KenFarley
KenFarley21-Topaz IIAuthor
21-Topaz II
August 14, 2026

Checking about on the internet seems to indicate that the default port used by lmremove is 27000. I’ve initiated a call to our corporate IT folks to see if they can open up that port for communications. If it works, I’ll post something about it so people in the future will have a solution.

KenFarley
KenFarley21-Topaz IIAuthor
21-Topaz II
August 14, 2026

The server is  set up with no firewall blocking anything when being accessed by users on our local network.

FlexLM software version is 11.19

Creo version is 9.0.9.0

 

I’m now wondering if the version of lmutil we have from the installation of Creo is completely in agreement with the latest software installed on the license server. Is “old” lmutil communicating correctly with “new” FLEXnet version 11.19?

I’m kind of at a loss to diagnose this stuff. Guess I’ll have to submit a tech support ticket and see if they might have some insights. Our IT people really aren’t familiar with this stuff.

KenFarley
KenFarley21-Topaz IIAuthor
21-Topaz II
August 17, 2026

Further investigation by me: I copied over the latest lmutil.exe and customized a copy of the ptcflush.bat script to use it. I got the same result, an error saying the license server is not reachable, even though I know it is running and functioning normally.

VladimirN24-Ruby IV
24-Ruby IV
August 17, 2026

Also take a look this solution for “FLEXnet Licensing error:-96,7. System Error: 11001 "WinSock: Host not found (HOST_NOT_FOUND)"” error: 

 

KenFarley
KenFarley21-Topaz IIAuthorAnswer
21-Topaz II
August 18, 2026

I’ve figured out the trouble.

The ptcflush.bat file contains a line specifying

set LM_LICENSE_FILE=7788@<SERVER>

Recall that we installed a new server, and as part of the process we had to install the FlexLM software on that server. The batch files on the server thus had correct references to the new server name. That’s why they work properly.

The batch files on the client computers, however, still have the old server name in them. Updating the above line in the batch files corrects the problem. A much simpler solution than digging into network settings and such.

On a side note, it would seem that ptcflush.bat doesn’t need a hardcoded reference to the server, given any invocation of the program requires the server to be specified. Oh well.

Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement