Ensure the key you are using is for the version of Toad you have installed. A license for Toad 13.x might not work for Toad 16.x unless you have an active maintenance agreement.
If your license has expired, an activation prompt will appear automatically.
: This error appears when entering a license key for Toad Intelligence Central.
The Site Message is a text string that acts as a security validator paired directly with your License Key. Toad will not activate if the Site Message does not exactly match the cryptographic signature of the License Key. Key Characteristics
After purchase, Quest sends an automated "License Authorization" email. This contains your unique License Key and the exact Site Message (case-sensitive) required for activation. Toad License Key And Site Message
The key determines whether you have access to the Base, Professional, Xpert, or Developer editions.
If it’s a new install, an authorization window should pop up automatically. If not, go to . Click on Add (or Update if you are replacing an old key).
As of Toad v13 and newer, Quest has migrated almost entirely to licensing via Toad Intelligence Central (TIC) or offline license files ( .lic ). You will rarely type a raw key into the UI anymore.
Toad stores activated license parameters in a file named ProductLicenses.xml , typically located in the application's local configuration directory ( %APPDATA%\Quest Software\Toad for Oracle\ ). Ensure the key you are using is for
Log into the Quest Support Portal to check if your key is eligible for an upgrade, or contact support to request a migrated key compatible with your current version.
The Toad license key and site message system is designed to provide secure, flexible licensing for one of the database industry's most powerful tools. While the two-part authentication may seem complex initially, understanding the relationship between the authorization key and site message—and the importance of case and space sensitivity—will help you navigate the registration process with confidence.
A 21-digit numeric string (e.g., 1-12345-67890-... ). How to Apply the License Launch the Toad application. Navigate to Help > Licensing .
If you are a DBA or system administrator, you can locate your licensing details through several channels: : This error appears when entering a license
Are you getting a when entering the credentials?
What (e.g., 16.x, 17.x) and database platform (Oracle, MySQL, SQL Server) are you deploying?
Ensure you didn't accidentally copy a trailing space at the end of the key or message.
Toad stores its licensing data locally (often in a QSAuth.lic or similar file within the application data directory). Admins can sometimes distribute a pre-validated license file to the correct user directories via Group Policy Objects (GPO).