Expedite software launch

Depending on whether a license is standalone or network, the time it takes a CSI program to locate the license and then launch the software may be reduced as described on this page.

On this page:

Standalone licenses

Option 1 - using level.txt

Create a level.txt file which lists only the program level on the first line, then save this file to the folder in which the software is installed. This file, included when a new license is sent, will speed the time it takes the software to locate the license. Please refer to the level.txt article for additional information.

Option 2 - using command line option

As an alternative to using the level.txt file, the program level can be specified as a command-line option. To do so, create a shortcut that points to the SAP2000.exe file in the installation folder by running the Windows Run command, then by adding " /L [Program Level]" (in which [Program Level] is one of the options listed in the previous section) to the command line after "...SAP2000.exe" such that the entry reads: "...SAP2000.exe" /L [Program Level]. Specification of program level on the command line will supersede that in the level.txt file.

NOTE

Software released prior to version 15 does not offer this command-line option.

Network license

Option 1 - using lmhost.ini

Create a text file named lmhost.ini as described in the Network license lookup article, then save this file to the folder in which the software is installed.


Option 2 - using shortcuts

As an alternative to using the lmhost.ini file, or to assist with selecting a specified program level when pulling a network license, customized shortcuts can be created. This allows multiple shortcuts to be created, each specifying a different program level. To do so, create a shortcut pointing to the program executable in the installation folder by right-clicking on the executable (.exe) and selecting "Create Shortcut". Right click on the shortcut and select "Properties". Edit the "Target" location by adding: /L [Program Level]  (where [Program Level] is the level name such as "PLUS" or "ADVANCE"). The "Target" line for ETABS 2013 would read as follows: "...Computers and Structures\ETABS 2013\ETABS.exe" /L PLUS
Specification of program level in the shortcut will supersede that in the level.txt file. Please note when creating multiple shortcuts, shortcut names can be edited for the convenience of identifying which shortcut launches which program level.

NOTE

The program levels are case sensitive and must be in ALL CAPS.

See also