> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.ntop.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Configuring a Local License Server for nTop

**Applies to:** IT Administrators and users managing nTop local or floating licenses on Windows.

***

## Objective

This guide explains how to configure a local license server using LMTOOLS to ensure stable communication between your computer and nTop software.

Following these steps helps prevent common "Vendor Daemon" errors and firewall blocks.

***

### Procedure

#### 1. Prepare the License File

Before starting the server, you must configure the license file to allow local communication.

* Open your \*.lic file in Notepad or a similar text editor.
* SERVER Line: Change this\_host to localhost. Verify that the port 27000 is listed at the end.
  * Example: SERVER localhost HOSTID 27000
* VENDOR Line: Add PORT=2080 to the end of the line. This locks the vendor daemon to a specific port, preventing Windows Firewall from blocking random port assignments.
  * Example: VENDOR ntoplm PORT=2080
* **Save** the file.

#### 2. Configure LMTOOLS

Open **LMTOOLS** as an **Administrator**. Administrative privileges are required to create Windows Services and write to debug logs.

**Step A: Config Services**

1. Navigate to the **Config Services** tab.
2. **Service Name:** Type **nTopLM**.
3. Paths: Use the Browse buttons to select your lmgrd.exe, your edited \*.lic file, and a location for a debug .log file.
4. **Settings:** Check both **Use Services** and **Start Server at Power Up**.
5. Click **Save Service**.

**Step B: Start the Server**

1. Go to the **Start/Stop/Reread** tab.
2. Click **Start Server**. The status bar should display "Server Start Successful."
3. Troubleshooting: If the start fails, open Task Manager, select End Task for any existing lmgrd.exe or ntoplm.exe processes, and try clicking Start Server again.

**Step C: Verify Status**

1. Go to the **Server Status** tab.
2. Click **Perform Status Enquiry**.
3. Scroll through the results to confirm the following lines appear:

   * `license server UP (MASTER)`
   * `ntoplm: UP`
   * `Users of ntop_full: (Total of X licenses issued)`

#### 3. Point nTop to the Local Server

Now that the server is active, you need to configure nTop to look for the license locally.

1. Launch **nTop**.
2. On the login screen, click **License Settings** at the bottom.
3. Server Address: Enter **27000\@localhost**.
4. Click **Apply**.

**And that's it! You've successfully configured your local license server.**

***

### Why is this necessary

* Why **localhost**? This tells nTop to look internally for the license rather than searching the external network, speeding up the handshake.
* Why **PORT=2080**? Without a fixed port, the vendor daemon "jumps" between ports. This often triggers the error: "VD is starting, please check the vendor daemon's status" because the Windows Firewall blocks the unexpected random ports.

Are you still having issues? Contact the **nTop Support Team** at [support.ntop.com](https://support.ntop.com/hc/en-us), and we'll be happy to help!