Question

How to activate a license on a computer that does not have access to the internet?

Answer

The internet is needed for the step of activation of FineReader PDF. However, it is possible to activate the program on the offline workstation from another computer that has access to the internet.

Local installation

Please follow the steps below to activate FineReader PDF on a PC with no internet access:

1. Install FineReader PDF on a computer that does not have access to the internet.
2. Start the program and enter the serial number.
   If the activation window does not appear, go to the Help menu > select About > License info... > Activate....
3. In the Activation Wizard, select the activation method on the website > click Next.
   
4. Save the generated information about the serial number and Product ID.
5. On a computer with internet access, go to the ABBYY website. The link is also provided in the Activation Wizard.
6. On the ABBYY website, enter the serial number and Product ID > click Submit > click Get the file.
   

   Note: The license file can only be used to activate the installation of FineReader PDF with the specified parameters.

7. Transfer the downloaded license file to the computer with no internet.
8. In the Activation Wizard on this computer, click I already have a license file > click Browse... to specify the path to the license file.
9. Follow the instructions of the Activation Wizard to complete the activation.

Installation in LAN

For volume licenses to be activated offline in the License Manager on the License Server, please follow the steps below:

1. Launch the License Manager on the server.
2. Click the Add button and enter the serial number > click Next.
3. Select the activation method by email from another computer > click Next.
4. Copy the activation request and email it to the specified ABBYY email address from the PC with internet access.
   

   Note: Do not change the information in the activation request.

5. The license file will be delivered to your email in response. Transfer it to the server.
6. In the License Manager on the server, click Add.
7. Select I already have a license file > click Browse... to specify the path to the license file.
8. Follow the instructions of the Activation Wizard to complete the activation.

For both local and network installation, our Customer Support Team can generate a license file for the PC that has no internet access. Please send a serial number and Product ID of the offline PC to our Support Team by submitting a request.

Additional information

This serial number cannot be activated automatically

Is Internet connection required on the License Server during installation of Per Seat licenses, when administrative installation is performed?