Encountering a license check failure in DirectAdmin can be frustrating. This article provides steps to resolve this issue. At Bluehoster, our DirectAdmin Support Services team is ready to assist with any such problems.
Overview
- Resolving the “DirectAdmin license check failure” error
- Common Triggers of License Check Failure
- Steps to Troubleshoot License Check Failures
- Best Practices to Prevent Future Failures
- Conclusion
Resolving the “DirectAdmin license check failure” error
The “DirectAdmin license check failure” error can prevent access to your server management panel, making it impossible to manage server resources. This issue typically occurs when DirectAdmin is unable to verify the license validity. Luckily, most of the reasons are straightforward to fix. This guide will walk you through resolving the problem and implementing preventative measures.
Common Triggers of License Check Failure
1. Network Connection Problems: DirectAdmin requires a stable internet connection to talk to its licensing servers. If your server has network issues, like DNS problems or firewall restrictions, it will be unable to validate the license. This leads to failure.
2. Incorrect IP Address or Hostname: DirectAdmin licenses are linked to specific IP addresses or ranges. If the server’s IP changes, perhaps due to dynamic IPs or a server migration, DirectAdmin will fail to authenticate the license.
3. Expired License: DirectAdmin licenses, like software licenses in general require regular renewal. If the license has expired, or if there’s an issue with payment for subscription plans, the license check will fail.
4. Invalid or Misconfigured License Key: An incorrect license key, or one that is improperly configured, can prevent DirectAdmin from verifying the license
5. DirectAdmin Licensing Server Downtime: Although rare, if the DirectAdmin licensing server is temporarily down, the server won’t be able to reach it, causing a license check failure.
6. Firewall or IP Blocking: If the firewall blocks connections going out to DirectAdmin’s licensing server, you will face a license validation issue.
7. Corrupted License Files: License files may become corrupted because of accidental deletion or changes, which disrupts the validation process.
8. Incorrect Server Time or Timezone: DirectAdmin uses the server’s date and time for periodical license checks. A noticeable time difference can cause the license validation to fail.
Steps to Troubleshoot License Check Failures
1. Check Network Connectivity
Confirm that the server can connect to the DirectAdmin licensing server. Run the following commands to check:
ping license.directadmin.com curl -v https://license.directadmin.com
If these fail, look into any network issues linked to DNS or firewall settings.
2. Verify the IP Address
Ensure the server’s IP matches that registered with DirectAdmin. Use the following command:
curl ifconfig.me
Compare it with the IP in the DirectAdmin client portal. If they don’t match, update the IP in the client portal or contact DirectAdmin support.
3. Check for Expired License
Login to the DirectAdmin client portal to see the license status. If it’s expired, renew it, or sort out payment issues. Additionally, you can force a license update like this:
/usr/local/directadmin/scripts/getLicense.sh your_client_id your_license_key
4. Manually Force a License Check
Force DirectAdmin to perform a license check by using this command:
echo 'action=directadmin&value=restart' >> /usr/local/directadmin/data/task.queue
5. Verify Firewall Rules
Verify that the firewall isn’t blocking outgoing traffic to the licensing server. Check your settings:
For iptables:
iptables -L
For firewalld:
sudo firewall-cmd --list-all
See if any rules are blocking outbound traffic on port 443 (HTTPS).
6. Ensure Correct Server Time
Check if the server time is correct:
date
If it’s incorrect, synchronize the time with NTP:
sudo timedatectl set-ntp true
Or, manually set the time:
sudo date -s "YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS"
7. Reinstall or Reissue License
If the license files are damaged, download a fresh license like this:
/usr/local/directadmin/scripts/getLicense.sh
8. Check DirectAdmin Licensing Server Status
Sometimes, the DirectAdmin licensing server can be down. Check their support forums or contact them to verify whether there’s an issue.
Best Practices to Prevent Future Failures
To avoid the “license check failure” error in the future, follow these practices:
1. Use Static IP Addresses: Use a static IP for the server to prevent mismatches.
2. Track License Expiry Dates: Keep track of the license’s expiry date and ensure timely payments or renewals.
3. Stable Connectivity: Regularly check that the server can connect to DirectAdmin’s licensing server, particularly after network or firewall changes.
4. Use NTP for Time Synchronization: Keep the server’s time synchronized using NTP to avoid time-related issues.
5. Set up Alerts for License Failures: Set up monitoring that will alert you if DirectAdmin’s license check fails.
[Need more help? Get in touch if you have any further questions.]
Conclusion
By understanding the common causes and troubleshooting steps, you can quickly fix any DirectAdmin license validation issues and maintain your server’s smooth operation. Ensure the license is updated, network settings are stable, and system time is accurate to avoid future interruptions.
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