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cmaheu
Staff
cmaheu
Staff
December 14, 2025

Troubleshooting Tip: New license key with different serial number on Manager causes unexpected behavior

  • December 14, 2025
  • 0 replies
  • 350 views
Description

This article describes installing a new license key (.lic file) with a different serial number than the existing key on FortiNAC Manager VMs. Most commonly seen in environments where a license has expired and a new license must be registered and installed. 

 

This is currently not supported and can cause unexpected behavior in FortiNAC manager:

  • Multiple license entries are listed in the Manager's License Management view.
  • Communication between Managers within a cluster configuration is no longer working properly.

 

This is also listed under Known Issues in v7.6.5 Release Notes. 
Scope FortiNAC vF7.6.
Solution

Workaround:

 

See article FortiNAC-F system restore procedure for details on steps 1-6:

  1. Backup the following and save to a remote server. They will be restored later.
  • System files.
  • Database file.
  • Configuration file.
  • License Key: Download the .lic key file containing the new serial number from the Fortinet Support Portal.
  1. Perform Factory reset.
  2. Reconfigure the Manager’s port1 IP address & apply license key file.
  3. Restore the system and configuration files.
  4. Login to FortiNAC GUI.
  5. Restore the database.
  6. Once the system has been restored, add the Manager’s new serial number to the managed CAs and other Managers (if applicable). See Configuration in the FortiNAC Manager Administration Guide for instructions.
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