Error "license-control cannot be used on this system" During Offline Registration

Products

• Messaging Gateway

Issue/Introduction

When attempting to register Symantec Messaging Gateway (SMG) offline using the command-line interface (license-control), the registration fails with the following error message:

This system has previously been registered in the normal fashion. license-control cannot be used on this system; please register your license via the control center

Cause

This error occurs because the SMG appliance was previously registered online via the Control Center.

Once an appliance has been registered using the standard online method, the system locks the licensing mechanism to that method. It prevents the command-line license-control utility from being used for offline registration to prevent license conflicts and synchronization issues.

Resolution

1. Take a full backup of your existing SMG Control Center (Administration > Version > Backup).

2. Download the backup file to a secure local location.

3. Deploy a brand-new SMG virtual machine or appliance.

4. During the initial setup of the new machine, apply your new license offline.

5. Once the new machine is active and licensed, restore the full backup you took in Step 1.