HWLockDLL internal error

Error or Warning Message

When opening RAM Elements, the following error occurs:
HWLockDLL internal error. Unable to get license.

Explanation

HWLockDLL is a licensing library used by some RAM programs to communicate with the Bentley IEG License Service. The error will occur if the 32-bit release of the Bentley IEG License Service is not installed. This can occur if the 64-bit release, known as Bentley IEG License Service x64 is installed instead. Programs that are 32-bit will only communicate with the 32-bit release of the Bentley IEG License Service.

Solution

1. Updating to the latest version of RAM Elements and configuring the license will resolve the issue.

If you are unable to upgrade at this time, please follow the steps as stated below.

      2.  Open the Add or Remove Programs (Windows XP) or Programs and Features (Windows Vista/7/8/10) control panel, and ensure that the Bentley IEG License Service is installed.

The IEG License Service can be downloaded here: https://communities.bentley.com/products/ram-staad/m/structural_analysis_and_design_gallery/272998 .

Important: RAM Elements and other 32-bit programs cannot communicate with Bentley IEG License Service x64.

If the above does not resolve the problem, remove the HWLockDLL.dll file from the following location:

C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Bentley\Engineering\RAMHWLock

Then, perform a repair of the RAM Elements installation to restore the file.

Server Based Installations

Typically we recommend that the software be installed on each PC that needs to use it. In at least one case on a Windows 2012 terminal server, a user was able to get Ram Elements to function, but only after manually registering the HWLockDLL. To do that go to Start - and type "Run" + enter to get the command prompt. On the command prompt execute:

regsvr32  "C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Bentley\Engineering\RAMHWLock\HWLockDLL.dll"

If it succeeds, a message should appear like this:

See Also

RAM Connection Support Solutions