AS Java License Key Installation using Telnet

[nickrankin]

It is possible to install a license key for your AS Java system using telnet. This can be useful if you cannot get the system fully started before the 30 minute grace period elapses, or there is some error with access to the /nwa (e.g: in a upgrade scenario). The telnet licensing command also allows you to install a temporary key if required.

In this blog post I will explain the process and useful commands e.g: how to find hardware ID, system ID, install permanent or temporary keys etc. The Telnet licensing option was introduced under NetWeaver 7.1, and is available under the releases specified under SAP KBA: 2003564.

Getting Started

• You will need access to the file system of the application server, as telnet only works via localhost connections (<sid>adm user login)
• You will need a Telnet Client installed under the OS, consult your Windows or Unix OS team for this request. Do not assume it is already installed
• You will need suitable permissions/role to access telnet. Easiest way to achieve this is to use the J2EE_ADMIN or Administrator users

Logon to Telnet console and add licensing menu

NB: Telnet service runs under port 08. E.g: to access telnet under Java engine you would use port 5XX08 (where XX is instance number)

1. Open your command prompt/terminal depending on OS and connect to the SAP System via Telnet, e.g for a system with instance number 00 we would use:
   
   telnet localhost 50008
2. You will now see the option to logon to the telnet server, use your admin user to logon as below:
   
3. When you logon to Telnet, you will need to ensure you are on cluster 0. Type > jump 0 to do this.
4. Next add the licensing menu using command > add licensing.
   
   The licensing menu is now activated, you can use the man command to view the list of available options:
   
   
   

Install a permanent or temporary license key

1. Firstly, we need the hardware id and system id for the target system. Type > mshardwareid and mssystemid if the SID is not known. Resulting output will display as below:
   
   
2. Request a license key via SMP: http://support.sap.com/licensekey and follow the process. Download the license key onto the server.
3. Install the license key with command > install_license -file /usr/path/to/license/key.txt
4. To install a temporary key, use the command > install_license -temp
5. Validate the newly installed license key via command: > list_licenses
   
6. You have now installed your AS Java license key via Telnet! :smile: