When I activate a license on multiple machines, does user account need to be configured in a common way?

I am in the process of activating my MATLAB license on a 3rd Windows machine, (i.e., it is a Standalone Named User license and this is my 3rd activation). My question is, since the license is tied to me as the common user, is there user account information that has to be synchronized on all the machines to ensure that the license manager recognizes me? For example, is it my login ID that has to be the same on all three machines, something else, or nothing at all?

[John Jensen]

I have a similar question. When on the Matlab site do i find how many users machines i have agreed to? I need to add a new machine now.

Answer 1

[Star Strider]

If I remember correctly, you can activate it on as many as 4 machines without causing problems. This information is stored under your accounts page. MATLAB uses your HDD identifier to identify each machine it is installed on. (Use the DOS ‘vol’ command to find it.) If you want to activate it on a 5th machine, you either have to deactivate it on an existing machine from that machine, or if that machine died, go to the tab in your account page that lists the various activations and delete (deactivate) the one that is no longer running MATLAB.

With only a third activation though, you shouldn’t have any problems activating or using MATLAB on your new machine.

[Matt J]

MATLAB uses your HDD identifier to identify each machine it is installed on.

Thanks, but the terms of the license say that the different activated instances of MATLAB have to be used by the same named user (me, in this case). What mechanism is used to enforce that? How does it know that 3-4 different users aren't using the same license?

[Star Strider]

It probably doesn’t. It simply knows that MATLAB is installed on various computers under your license.

If it somehow ‘knows’ if someone else is using MATLAB on one of your computers at the same time, or if you are using MATLAB on two different computer simultaneously, then MathWorks has perfected the Mind Reading Toolbox and MATLAB Answers will cease to exist.

[Matt J]

Well, it obviously cannot know physically who is sitting at the terminal, but it can/does keep track of the Windows User Name in each installation. The user names don't have to be synchronized? It won't raise a red flag if they are different?

[Star Strider]

I’m not sure I understand, but I have different Windows user names on each computer, with different computer names as well. No problems.

It may be different for MATLAB Answers and access to the online documentation. ‘Image Analyst’ says he has two accounts here, one associated with a license and one not (his ‘Image Analyst’ account). The one not associated with a license cannot access the online documentation.

[Matt J]

I have different Windows user names on each computer, with different computer names as well. No problems.

Ok. I'll take your word for it. The cops haven't shown up here yet, so I'll assume it's fine.

[Star Strider]

The cops won’t show up, or I’d have seen them long since. The only problem is the four-installation limit. MATLAB just refuses to activate on the fifth machine in that situation (personal experience), so you have to delete a previous installation.

Thanks, Matt!