License Server: Return Borrowed button unavailable for borrowed licenses

Description

Some users may be unable to return borrowed licenses because the Return Borrowed button is unavailable. This behavior has been observed when an older client version connects to a newer License Server. The issue may occur if license keys were not validated on the License Server computer. In the reported case, it was resolved by reclaiming the licenses from the License Server Configuration and re-adding the main registration key on the server. Additional checks of borrowing groups and borrowing duration may also help.

Solution

Check client/server versions and connectivity:
- Confirm that the client is connected to the License Server. On the client computer, run REGISTER.EXE, click License Server, and then click Check Connection to see the successful message.
- If users are running an old client version, consider updating the client or proceed with the steps below.

Try returning the license from the License Server computer (admin rights required):
- Open the License Server Configuration with administrative privileges.
- Go to the Borrowing tab.
- Locate the affected users and attempt to return the borrowed licenses from the server side.

Use the client-side borrow/return workaround:
- On the client computer, open REGISTER.EXE while connected to the License Server. Administrative rights are not required.
- Click Borrow and complete a borrow operation. Do not close REGISTER.EXE.
- The Return Borrowed button should reappear. Click it, complete the return operation, and then close REGISTER.EXE.

If the issue persists, proceed with the steps below.

Refresh Application Registration Keys on the License Server (to clear stale offline entries):
- Open the License Server Configuration.
- Go to the Registration Keys tab and click New.
- Re-enter the Application Key, which is the main key for the affected license and usually starts with 23. Enter the key for the affected license ID and click OK. No additional activation should be required.

- If multiple license IDs are affected, repeat these steps for each main key.
- Click Apply and OK, then wait for the License Server to restart. If needed, restart it manually.


Verify the borrowing configuration:
- In the Borrowing configuration on the server, confirm that the correct groups are selected for the applicable license type, such as seat-based, user-based, or concurrent licenses.
- If needed, try clearing Other for seats, users, or both, depending on the license type.
- Reduce the maximum borrowing period if necessary and apply the changes.

Re-test:
- On the client computer, reopen REGISTER.EXE and confirm that the Borrow and Return Borrowed buttons are available and working as expected.