This subject refers to a legacy automation tool used for activating license keys for Siemens SIMATIC
Intended Use: It is primarily used by students and researchers for educational purposes when professional licensing costs are prohibitive.
1.2 The "2010 03 20" Significance
The version "2010-03-20" (March 20, 2010) is widely regarded as a "new" or "golden" release in the EKB Install lineage. Why?
While this 2010 version works for older software, modern platforms like TIA Portal V14 or V17
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution | |--------|--------------|----------| | "No keys found after install" | ALM service blocking write access | Stop ALM service (services.msc → "Automation License Manager" → Stop) before running EKB Install. | | Error: "Key already exists" | Duplicate or conflicting licenses | Use the "Remove Key" function in EKB Install first, then reinstall. | | Antivirus deletes .exe | Heuristic detection of hacktool | Exclude the folder in Windows Defender or use a VM with network isolation. | | Tool crashes on launch | Missing VB6 runtime or Windows 10 incompatibility | Run in Windows XP SP3 compatibility mode or use a VM. | | WinCC still shows demo mode | WinCC stores licences differently | Use "WinCC Flexible" section in EKB Install, or manually transfer using ALM import. |