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Chromeleon License Activation !!better!! May 2026

The activation of software licenses in the Thermo Scientific™ Chromeleon™ 7 Chromatography Data System (CDS) is a critical administrative task that ensures continuous laboratory operations and regulatory compliance. Since the release of version 7.3, Chromeleon has transitioned to a modernized dongle-free licensing system, replacing physical hardware keys with a digital activation workflow managed through the Chromeleon Administration Console. Key Licensing Components

The activation process involves three distinct codes, as detailed in the Chromeleon Installation Guide:

License Initialization Code (LIC): Provided with the software installation package, this code identifies the purchased features.

License Request Code (LRC): A unique identifier generated by the Chromeleon software during the activation process to link the license to a specific computer. chromeleon license activation

License Activation Code (LAC): A code generated by the Thermo Fisher license server that validates and unlocks the features associated with the LIC. Activation Methods

Chromeleon provides flexibility for different laboratory environments, offering both online and offline activation paths. Every installation includes a 60-day grace period, allowing labs to remain functional while finalizing their license registration. 1. Web Activation (Online)

For workstations with direct internet access, Web Activation is the fastest method. The software communicates directly with the Thermo Fisher server to validate the license codes and automatically generate and apply the LAC. 2. Manual Activation (Offline) The activation of software licenses in the Thermo

For secure or isolated laboratory computers, Manual Activation is required. The process involves: Generating an LRC on the offline machine.

Using a mobile device to scan a provided QR code or entering the LRC into the Chromeleon License Activation web portal from a separate internet-enabled device.

Manually entering the resulting LAC back into the Chromeleon application to complete the process. The Server Set Up

License web activation - Chromeleon 7.3.2 Installation Guide

The Server Set Up

  1. Designate a dedicated PC (never an instrument PC) as the license server.
  2. Install the Chromeleon License Server component (not the full CDS).
  3. Activate the enterprise license using your master activation code.
  4. Note the Server Hostname and Port (e.g., LICSRV01@27005).

Part 7: Deactivation & Transferring Licenses

When retiring an instrument or moving to a new server, you must deactivate the license. Failure to do so "burns" the license.

3. Online activation (easiest)

  1. Open Chromeleon → Help → Activate License (or License Manager from Start menu).
  2. Select Activate with Thermo Fisher.
  3. Enter the license key.
  4. Choose Save license locally (for node-locked).
  5. Click Activate → automatic validation.
  6. Restart Chromeleon.

Part 1: Understanding the Chromeleon Licensing Ecosystem

Before clicking any activation buttons, you must understand what you are activating. Chromeleon uses a tiered licensing model. Misidentifying your license type is the number one cause of activation failure.