Service Information
Offboard Diagnostic Information System Service (ODIS Service)

Number: VOS-14-28

Subject: Invalid License Error after ODIS Service Reinstallation

Date: Oct. 14, 2014

Supersedes VOS-13-07 due to complete revision.

1.0 – Introduction
Certain hardware repairs and operating system revisions performed on VAS diagnostic devices may
invalidate or change its hardware key. As license files are matched with the device’s unique hardware
key, an “Invalid license” error may be displayed whenever ODIS Service is reinstalled using the license
file obtained before the hardware repair or operating system revision.
Hardware repairs can include hard drive, motherboard etc. replacements. Operating system revisions
can include operating system recovery, language or other OS settings changes. In these cases, request
and download and install new license and security certificate files as per the procedure outlined below.
If an “Invalid license” error is displayed and the device did not undergo a hardware repair or operating
system revision as described above, first confirm that the license file copied during the installation routine
is not one intended for another device in service. If the existing license file for the device cannot be
confirmed or is otherwise missing, request, download and install a new license (only) as per the
procedure outlined below.
Notes:
• The following procedure must be performed by qualified personnel only!
• Please read these instructions in their entirety before performing these procedures. If you do not
understand these instructions, ask your dealership Systems Administrator or IT Professional
for assistance.
• Discard all printed copies of this document after use. Revised versions may be issued at any
time. Always check ServiceNet for the latest version.

2.0 – Procedure
Prerequisites:
 Diagnostic device plugged in to power adapter and booted to Windows desktop.
 ODIS Service not running.
1. Locate and delete all saved copies of the diagnostic device’s previous license file and recorded
hardware key. (Remember that the previous license file and recorded hardware key may be saved on
the device desktop and/or USB flash drive).
2. Request and download a new license as specified in Sections 4.0 and 5.0 of Service Information
– ODIS Service document title: ODIS Service Installation Phase 1 – Preparation & License
Request Instructions (Shop).

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Page 1 of 3
© 2014 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual
property rights of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this
document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these
materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the publisher.

Service Information
3. Go to: Windows Start:
4. Select All Programs
5. Select Offboard Diagnostic Information System Service, and then select Configure License:

6. Click Browse:

7. Navigate to the location of the new license downloaded from eShop, i.e.: folder on desktop or other
location. Highlight the license.dat file and click Open:

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Page 2 of 3
© 2014 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual
property rights of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this
document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these
materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the publisher.

Service Information
Note:
DO NOT double-click the license file in its saved location!
8. Click OK to import the new license:

9. From the Windows desktop, start ODIS Service (connect to vehicle etc.) and confirm program start and
function.

Additional steps for devices that underwent hardware repairs or operating system revisions:
Prerequisite:
 New hardware key recorded and saved in document on device desktop or USB flash drive.
1. Logon to vwhub and the eCRMS application
2. Submit a new security certificate request as specified in Service Information – ODIS Service
document title: ODIS Service Installation Phase 3 – Security Certificate Request & Installation
Instructions.
3. Install the security certificate when available (ref. the instructions in the Phase 3 document).
4. Place the device back in service.

Page 3 of 3
© 2014 Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual
property rights of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this
document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these
materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior expressed written permission of the publisher.