The Complete Guide: How to Activate RSLogix 500 RSLogix 500 is the industry-standard programming software for Allen-Bradley SLC 500 and MicroLogix controllers. Whether you are a student setting up a lab environment, a maintenance technician upgrading a workstation, or an integrator deploying a new system, getting the software up and running is the first critical step. However, the activation process for Rockwell Automation software has evolved significantly over the years. It has transitioned from legacy "Master Disk" activations to modern FactoryTalk Activation Manager. This evolution often causes confusion, particularly when older software versions meet modern operating systems. In this detailed guide, we will explore every method of activating RSLogix 500, troubleshooting common errors, and migrating legacy licenses to modern hardware.
Understanding the Types of Activations Before you begin, it is vital to understand which type of license you possess. The method you use depends entirely on the age of your software package.
FactoryTalk Activation (Modern): This is the current standard. It uses a "Product Key" (a 25-character alphanumeric code) and is managed via the FactoryTalk Activation Manager . This allows for node-locked (tied to one PC) or concurrent (floating) licensing on a server. EVRSI / Master Disk (Legacy): This was the standard for RSLogix 500 versions prior to roughly v8.x. It utilized a physical "Master Disk" (usually a 3.5-inch floppy or later a USB security dongle) to store the activation. The files usually end in .lic and are stored in a specific directory.
Note: RSLogix 500 typically comes in three editions: Starter, Standard, and Professional. The activation process is identical for all editions, but the Product Key dictates which features are unlocked. How To Activate Rslogix 500
Method 1: Activating Modern RSLogix 500 (FactoryTalk Activation) If you have purchased a new license recently or have upgraded your software, you will likely be using the FactoryTalk Activation Manager (FTAM). This is the cleanest and most reliable method. Step 1: Installation During the installation of RSLogix 500, the installer will prompt you to install FactoryTalk Activation Manager if it isn't already present. Ensure this is installed. Step 2: Launching the Activation Manager
Open the FactoryTalk Activation Manager from your desktop or Start Menu. Select the "Manage Activations" tab. Click on "Get New Activations" .
Step 3: Entering the Product Key
You will be prompted to enter your Product Key . This is typically found on a sticker inside the DVD case or in a delivery email if purchased digitally. Enter the 25-character key and click Next .
Step 4: Selecting the Host ID The software needs to know where it is allowed to run. This is called the "Host ID." You will see options such as:
Disk Volume Serial Number: Tied to your C: drive. (Good for stationary desktops). MAC Address (Ethernet): Tied to the network card. (Recommended for laptops, as it survives OS reboots/reformats if the hardware stays the same). Hard Drive Serial Number: Tied to the physical disk. The Complete Guide: How to Activate RSLogix 500
Recommendation: Select your Ethernet MAC Address . This is the most flexible option for future hardware changes. Ensure you type the MAC address correctly (without dashes or colons, usually just the alphanumeric string). Step 5: Generating the License
Once you hit Next , the software will contact the Rockwell Automation activation server via the internet. If successful, it will download the license file ( .lic ) and automatically place it in the correct directory: C:\Users\Public\Documents\Rockwell Automation\Activations . Open RSLogix 500. It should now open without prompting for an activation code.