Activation: Automatic activation fails behind corporate proxy or in offline network

Description
Online (automatic) activation may fail on machines that are behind a strict corporate proxy or do not have direct Internet access. In these cases, users typically see a timeout or a generic “activation failed” message.

Solution

1. Check environment connectivity
   • Ask whether the machine:
     • Has direct outbound Internet access, or
     • Requires use of an HTTP/HTTPS proxy, or
     • Is completely offline/air‑gapped.
   • If a browser cannot reach external sites from this machine, online activation will likely fail without extra configuration.
2. Proxy configuration (if Internet is available via proxy)
   • If the application supports proxy configuration:
     • Enter proxy server, port, and any required credentials in the activation or network settings.
   • If proxy is enforced at OS level:
     • Confirm system proxy settings are correct and test connectivity to the activation endpoint (IT may assist with this).

3. Perform manual activation

   When the activation error message appears, click Cancel and follow the product’s manual activation procedure, which typically involves:

• Generating a machine‑specific request file from the client.
• Transferring this file (via USB or other secure channel) to a machine with Internet access.
• Uploading the request to the activation portal or sending by email, then obtaining a response file.
• Importing the response file on the original offline machine to complete activation.