Failure to add license key on Windows 8.1 or higher

Symptoms

Though the user is logged in as administrator, the license manager still doesn't accept a valid license key, with one of the messages below:

  • "Failed to add license key (error 25)" (or error 27).
  • "Error creating registry key (need administrator rights for this operation)."
  • "Error opening registry key."
  • "Error setting registry key value (need administrator rights for this operation)."

Cause

On Windows 8.1 or higher, access rights are more restricted. Even if you are logged in as administrator, it appears that the application has not enough rights to write in the registry under HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.

Solution

Log in with administrator rights and try again to enter the license key. Note that on Windows 8.1 it is not sufficient to log in as administrator or main user. You also have to start BricsCAD by right-clicking the shortcut and choosing Run as administrator. This will launch BricsCAD with full elevated rights and privileges. During such an elevated session, you will be able to enter the license key.