Mathcad 15 License

[DD_7959491]

My Mathcad 15 license is no longer functions for last several days (offers to open License Wizard every time when starting. Despite pointing to correct license file, it does not work on next attempt to start). The same license file worked normally for years. The same license file works fine for Prime 5. cpuid.exe returns a HostID matching the license file. I downloaded a new license file, also not working. Nothing else changed on computer as far as I know. It does not appear I can get PTC support as a legacy user. Any ideas anyone has would be greatly appreciated.

[LucMeekes]

First read this: https://community.ptc.com/t5/Mathcad-Tips/Official-PTC-Mathcad-15-and-Prime-1-6-End-of-Sale-Announcement/ta-p/818870

Are you saying that Mathcad 15 doesn't run anymore, but Prime 5 still does (with the same license file)?

Success!
Luc

[DD_7959491]

Yes, you are correct. The same license file works for Prime 5, but no longer for Mathcad 15. Mathcad 15 worked until sometime last week. Even though Mathcad 15 is end-of-life, they wouldn’t render it inoperable, would they?

[LucMeekes]

They would.

If you read the anouncement well, it says that effectively end of dec 2021 it stops. But there was  a possibility to buy an extra 4 years of operation: "we are offering a multi-year renewal option that will give you the ability to use your current version for up to four additional years."

I guess you/your company have bought this option. The four years are over now. End of story for your Mathcad 15. Expect to see Prime 5 to switch to express mode in a couple of weeks (the grace period after ending the license validity is 30 days).

For any complaints, refer to PTC customer support (that's NOT this user forum).

Success!
Luc

[DD_7959491]

Unfortunately, I think you are right. There is one statement of the press release that you linked that seems to confirms it: “PTC will not be able to issue new licenses or provide access to software downloads for end-of-sale versions.”

Next step is to reach out to customer service, in the hopes that they really aren’t turning off Mathcad 15. I think it depends on what they mean by “new licenses”. I have a many-years old license that I just want to keep using. I’ll report back what response I get.

[DaveDixon]

Very peculiar. I tried launching Mathcad 15 today, and now it works. For the past 4 months trying to start Mathcad 15 would launch the License Wizard, which would not accept the license file and shut down. Now it launches normally. I have made no changes to Mathcad or the license file, although there have been the usual Windows 11 updates in the meantime. In practical terms, it still forces me to use Prime, since I will have no assurance of 15 continuing to work. At least I can access old files.

[LucMeekes]

Assuming that you have a perpetual license for Mathcad 15, and the license file remains accessible for your computer, it should continue to work.

You will run into challenges as soon as you need to re-install Mathcad 15 on another PC. Be sure to keep a safe copy of the installation source and the license file in case you need to change your harddisk. The license is most probably tied to the MAC address of your internet connection (LAN/Wi-Fi) so if that changes, the license will fail.

Success!
Luc