: If you are in a trial phase, ensure your trial license for WinCC Advanced Professional is properly activated in ALM. Summary of Necessary Licenses Required License Key Basic Runtime WinCC Runtime Advanced (e.g., 512 PowerTags) Historical Data WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced Recipe Mgmt WinCC Recipes for Runtime Advanced Remote Access WinCC Sm@rtServer for Runtime Advanced Siemens SiePortal article numbers
Before attempting to fix the issue, identify the root cause: A. Missing "Logging" License
The error message triggers when an active industrial PC (IPC) or PC-based simulation tries to process historical data logs or alarm logs without an authorized add-on license key. While local hardware components like Siemens Comfort Panels process data logging natively without external licensing, the PC-based equivalent running WinCC Runtime Advanced requires a distinct, standalone option license to write historical information to databases or local CSV files. Root Causes of the Licensing Error
: If you do not actually need logging, check your project for any configured Data Logs or Alarm Logs and delete them to stop the license request. : If you are in a trial phase,
Open on both the source computer and target PC. Connect both computers to the same network.
: If you have configured Tag Logging or Alarm Logging in your project, you must purchase and install the WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced license (Article No. 6AV2107-0GA00-0BB0 ).
Follow the instructions in the Siemens SIOS support article to restore it. Solution 3: Verify License Storage Location While local hardware components like Siemens Comfort Panels
: If you do not actually need logging, ensure you haven't accidentally checked "Good Manufacturing Practice" (GMP) or other logging-dependent settings in Runtime Settings in the TIA Portal.
Understanding the root cause is the first step toward a solution. The error typically appears for one of the following reasons:
In Siemens SIMATIC WinCC (TIA Portal) environments, particularly when using WinCC Runtime Advanced for IPCs or PC stations, encountering license errors can be a significant bottleneck. A common error message is: Connect both computers to the same network
Is the license stored on the local hard disk (not a removable device)?
If an IPC experiences a sudden power failure or is abruptly turned off without a clean closure of the WinCC software, active licenses cannot release properly. On the next boot cycle, the Siemens Industry Online Support team notes that Automation License Manager will mark these unreleased keys as . Step-by-Step Troubleshooting and Resolution
If you have both a trial license and a full license installed, the trial may be taking precedence.