Why do I get the error message "Inconsistent encryption code" in the log file and/or "Invalid passcode" when starting MATLAB?

I get the following error messages when starting MATLAB:

ERROR: Invalid passcode.
Check date and passcodes in <application> FEATURE line of
$MATLABROOT/etc/license.dat.  Check hostid in SERVER line."

In the log file, I see the following error:

ERROR: (MLM) Invalid license key (inconsistent encryption code for <application>)

Note, "<application>" represents MATLAB or one of the Toolboxes, and "$MATLABROOT" is the path to the root MATLAB directory.

Answer 1

[MathWorks Support Team]

There are mulitple reasons why you might receive this error.

1. Your license passcodes were probably generated with a HostID that is inappropriate for your configuration. The HostID of your machine should match the HostID that was used to generate the passcodes (found in license.dat). See the Installation Guides for instructions on determining the HostID of your machine. If you do not have the Installation Guides, they are available at the following URL:

https://www.mathworks.com/help/pdf_doc/install/index.html

If your license file was generated for the incorrect HostID, contact our Customer Service Department to request a new set of passcodes. Our Service department may be contacted by phone at 508-647-7000 or at:

https://www.mathworks.com/support/contact_us.html

2. There may also be a typographical error on the INCREMENT line in your license.dat. Please compare the INCREMENT line against the e-mail we sent you, which contained the passcodes. Please check for additional carriage returns, extra spaces, and additional characters on the INCREMENT lines.

3. If you have a 'USER=user' or 'ID=123456' style license, make sure your SERVER line looks like:

SERVER hostname USER=user 27000

(where 'user' is the username locked to the license.)Or,

SERVER hostname ID=123456 27000

(where '123456' is your license number.)

NOTE: If you change your license file, remember to restart the network license manager before launching MATLAB.