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How to Install and Configure Seagull License Server The Seagull License Server (SLS) is the core application that manages printer licensing for BarTender software. It monitors the number of unique printers used by your network to ensure compliance with your BarTender edition. Proper installation and configuration prevent printing interruptions and optimize license distribution across your enterprise. System Requirements and Prerequisites

Before starting the installation, ensure your environment meets the necessary criteria.

Operating System: Windows Server 2019, 2022, or Windows ⁄₁₁ (Pro or Enterprise).

Network: A static IP address for the license server host is highly recommended. Privileges: Full administrator rights on the host computer.

Firewall: Open ports 5160 and 5162 (default TCP/UDP) to allow client communication. Step 1: Download and Install Seagull License Server

Seagull License Server is bundled into the main BarTender installer package.

Download the Installer: Obtain the latest BarTender installer from the official Seagull Scientific website. Match the architecture (64-bit or 32-bit) to your operating system.

Run the Setup: Right-click the downloaded executable file and select Run as administrator.

Accept Terms: Read and accept the License Agreement, then click Next.

Specify Installation Type: Choose Advanced Installation Options and click Next. Select Features:

Select BarTender Licensing Service and Administration Console.

Uncheck the BarTender design application if this server is dedicated strictly to licensing.

Service Account: Choose to run the service under the default Local System Account or a specific network service account with domain permissions. Click Install. Finish: Once the installation completes, click Finish. Step 2: Activate Your License

After installation, you must activate your software product key code (PKC) to start the licensing service.

Open Administration Console: Launch the BarTender Administration Console from your Windows Start Menu.

Navigate to Licensing: Click on the Licensing section in the left-hand navigation pane. Activate Product Key: Click Activate a new Product Key.

Enter PKC: Input your 25-character Product Key Code and click Next.

Internet Activation: Choose Activate Online. If the server lacks internet access, select Browser Activation to generate an activation file code you can upload from an internet-connected device.

Register: Fill out the required registration information and click Submit. Your license status will now change to “Active.” Step 3: Configure License Server Settings

Fine-tuning your configuration ensures secure, efficient connection management between BarTender client workstations and the host server. Network and Port Configuration

In the Administration Console, go to Licensing > Network Settings.

Verify the Port Number (Default is 5160). If this conflicts with existing software, change it here and document it for client setup. Set Up Printer Pools and Permissions

Printer permissions prevent unauthorized departments from consuming your shared printer licenses. Select License Management under the Licensing section.

Right-click your active license and select User Permissions.

Define rules to Allow or Deny specific IP ranges, computer names, or user groups.

Create Printer Pools if you need to dedicate a specific number of printer seats to certain facilities or production lines. Configure Redundancy (Optional)

For mission-critical production environments, set up a backup license server.

Install SLS on a secondary server using the same installation steps.

In the primary server’s Administration Console, navigate to Licensing > Redundancy.

Select Establish Relationship and enter the secondary server’s IP address to create a failover cluster. Step 4: Connect BarTender Clients to the Server

With the server running, you must point your remote BarTender workstation clients to the newly configured host.

Open the BarTender Administration Console on the client computer. Click on Licensing in the left menu.

Click Search for Existing License or select Directly Specify a License Server.

Enter the IP address or Hostname of your Seagull License Server along with the configured port number.

Click Test to verify the connection. Once successful, click Apply. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Error 1402 (Connection Refused): Verify that the Windows Firewall on the license server host is not blocking port 5160. Check that the “BarTender Licensing Service” is running in Windows Services (services.msc).

Printer Count Exceeded: SLS allows a brief grace period if you exceed your printer limit. Check the Printer Usage tab in the Administration Console to identify and disconnect inactive printers.

License Detachment: If a laptop needs to go offline, right-click the license in the console and select Detach License to provision temporary offline printing seats. To help tailor further details, please share:

What version of BarTender (e.g., 2021, 2022, 2025) are you deploying?