Configuring a Local License Server for nTop

Applies to: IT Administrators and users managing nTop local or floating licenses on Windows.

Objective

This guide explains how to configure a local license server using LMTOOLS to ensure stable communication between your computer and nTop software. 

Following these steps helps prevent common "Vendor Daemon" errors and firewall blocks.

Procedure

1. Prepare the License File

Before starting the server, you must configure the license file to allow local communication.

• Open your *.lic file in Notepad or a similar text editor.
• SERVER Line: Change this_host to localhost. Verify that the port 27000 is listed at the end.
  • Example: SERVER localhost HOSTID 27000
• VENDOR Line: Add PORT=2080 to the end of the line. This locks the vendor daemon to a specific port, preventing Windows Firewall from blocking random port assignments.
  • Example: VENDOR ntoplm PORT=2080

• Save the file.

2. Configure LMTOOLS

Open LMTOOLS as an Administrator. Administrative privileges are required to create Windows Services and write to debug logs.

Step A: Config Services

1. Navigate to the Config Services tab.

2. Service Name: Type nTopLM.

3. Paths: Use the Browse buttons to select your lmgrd.exe, your edited *.lic file, and a location for a debug .log file.

4. Settings: Check both Use Services and Start Server at Power Up.

5. Click Save Service.

Step B: Start the Server

1. Go to the Start/Stop/Reread tab.

2. Click Start Server. The status bar should display "Server Start Successful."

3. Troubleshooting: If the start fails, open Task Manager, select End Task for any existing lmgrd.exe or ntoplm.exe processes, and try clicking Start Server again.

Step C: Verify Status

1. Go to the Server Status tab.

2. Click Perform Status Enquiry.

3. Scroll through the results to confirm the following lines appear:

   • license server UP (MASTER)

   • ntoplm: UP

   • Users of ntop_full: (Total of X licenses issued)

3. Point nTop to the Local Server

Now that the server is active, you need to configure nTop to look for the license locally.

1. Launch nTop.

2. On the login screen, click License Settings at the bottom.

3. Server Address: Enter 27000@localhost.

4. Click Apply.

And that’s it! You’ve successfully configured your local license server.

Why is this necessary

• Why localhost? This tells nTop to look internally for the license rather than searching the external network, speeding up the handshake.
• Why PORT=2080? Without a fixed port, the vendor daemon "jumps" between ports. This often triggers the error: "VD is starting, please check the vendor daemon's status" because the Windows Firewall blocks the unexpected random ports.

Are you still having issues? Contact the nTop Support Team at support.ntop.com, and we’ll be happy to help!