Hi Daba,
This technote...
ID:
BF13983 | Access Levels: Everyone
FactoryTalk Activation Manager: FlexNet Stopped
...about half way down it mentions...
BF13983 said:
...For testing purposes, disable your antivirus software and refresh the activation server. If you find out that the server state changes to Running and doesn’t go back to FlexNet Stopped please add Rockwell software to the antivirus exceptions list.
Note: This has been seen with AVG antivirus software...
It then links you to another technote...
ID:
PN826 | Access Levels: Everyone
Security considerations when using Rockwell Automation Software Products
...which "should" have a PDF attachment with all of the necessary information for adding exceptions to Firewall/AVG. But it does not (get to that in a second)...
Also in the first technote, it says...
BF13983 said:
Note: Even though the exclusions list includes activation-related services (FactoryTalk Activation Helper/Service, Codemeter etc.), this procedure was made with Studio 5000 in mind and includes Studio 5000 processes. It is recommended to add this list completely.
So, whatever it is they tell you to add to exclusions, it will likely be more than you have been adding?
As that PDF attachment is missing in the "fancy newfangled whoopdeedoo" support layout, I contacted Rockwell via Chat using the free Activations Support option, and a very helpful Wiktor promptly emailed me the PDF file that's missing...
Chat By Chat (Wiktor) (04/02/2020 09:49 AM)
[09:42:16 AM]Hello, welcome to Rockwell Automation. My name is Wiktor. How may I assist you today?
[09:43:34 AM]George: Hi,
https://rockwellautomation.custhelp.com/app/answers/answer_view/a_id/609492 [rockwellautomation.custhelp.com] The file attachment is missing (PDF). A colleague requires it to add exceptions to AVG antivirus as it is currently blocking FTActivations from seeing available activations.
[09:44:06 AM]Wiktor: please give me a minute
[09:44:36 AM]George: No problem, thank you.
[09:46:07 AM]Wiktor: george...@... this will be good mail to send it to ?
[09:46:22 AM]George: Yes, please, thank you.
[09:46:46 AM]Wiktor: please check your mail
[09:47:48 AM]George: PDF received, thank you very much Wiktor.
[09:48:28 AM]Wiktor: you are welcome
[09:48:35 AM]Wiktor: is there anything else i can help you with ?
[09:48:56 AM]George: No, thank you, you have been most helpful and prompt.
[09:49:09 AM]Wiktor: have a nice day then and stay safe
[09:49:11 AM]'George: You too!
[09:49:13 AM]'George' disconnected ('Concluded by Agent').
Although I now have this PDF file, I cannot attach a link to my private copy of it here, as that is against Forum Rules. However, if you PM me I'm sure I can discuss its "contents" a little with you? Else, you could also use Chat support and do as I did? It took no more than 10 minutes, as you can see.
It is worth having this file as the list of Rockwell "things" that need made exception of is quite lengthy and, I'm sure, may relate to more than just one brand of Firewall/Antivirus.
Regards,
George