Problems with a Trial License Tied to a MAC Address

Machine details:

• Windows 10

• GraphPad is installed and needs a trial key

The issue arises because GraphPad links its trial usage to a specific MAC address. After cloning a Fresh Start machine, it will typically retain the same MAC address. Usually that’s fine, but in this case the software says the license has already been used, just like on a previously cloned machine. The machine might be on a completely different server or datacenter—even in Poland—and you'll still see this error. 

So the workaround is simple: change the MAC address. On Linux, this is straightforward and well documented, but on Windows it’s a bit trickier.

Trying to change the MAC address in Windows using the usual recommended steps won’t succeed because the machine’s qemu.conf file will override any changes you make internally. So even if you modify the MAC in Win 10, that alone won’t fix the issue.

That’s because the qemu.conf file contains a hardcoded MAC address that the system expects. By editing this address, you can assign a different MAC and therefore use a different license key. 

However, for this to take effect, you first need to set ‘Network Isolation’ to ‘Disabled’ on each machine. Then the MAC address defined in qemu.conf will be applied.

If you run into this, reach out to DaDesktop Support for assistance.