Error: 104x15 no connection to the network license

What does the error mean?

If you want to use MAXQDA with a network license, a connection to the license on your organization's/company's server must first be established. If MAXQDA cannot connect to the network license, error code 104x15 is reported.

The most common reasons for not being able to establish a connection are:

1. Incorrect connection data
2. A missing VPN/internet connection
3. Blocking by a firewall or antivirus software
4. Problems with the MAXQDA license server

Important: The causes of connection problems lie outside MAXQDA and are either human, device- or network-related. Our support options are therefore limited, and contact with your IT team is particularly important for troubleshooting connection problems.

1) Incorrect connection data

The vast majority of error code queries can be traced back to the use of incorrect or outdated connection data, as well as typing errors when entering the data. Therefore, please check carefully, if necessary by asking your IT team, whether the following information is correct and up to date:

• Server address
• Port number
• License name

2) Missing VPN/internet connection

If you are located in a different network than the MAXQDA license, e.g. because you want to access the network license while traveling or at home, you must first establish a VPN connection to the license server's network so that MAXQDA can connect.

Please note: A stable and permanent VPN/internet connection to your organization's license server is required to work with a network license. If you have any questions or problems with the VPN/internet connection, please contact your IT team or internet service provider.

3) Blocking by a firewall or antivirus software

For user protection, Windows and macOS have built-in security features that can restrict or completely prevent installed software from communicating with the network/Internet. Even if you have not activated any security features in the operating system or have additionally installed a third-party firewall, antivirus programs with application control or firewall features can also prevent MAXQDA from communicating.

Therefore, when you encounter error 104x15, always check whether the error is being caused by security software such as a firewall or antivirus program, or by security features activated in the operating system. If necessary, contact the manufacturer of your operating system or the installed security software.

Below, you will find links to information about the security features built into Windows and macOS:

Windows: Windows Security App
macOS: Firewall of macOS

4) Problem with the MAXQDA license server

If you have ruled out incorrect connection data, an unstable or missing VPN/internet connection, or a block by security functions of the operating system or a firewall or antivirus program as the cause of the error, it is likely that there is a problem with your organization's MAXQDA license server. To rule this out, please contact your IT team.

What should I do if the error still occurs despite all the measures I have taken?

If error 104x15 continues to be reported even after you have ruled out all the above causes, please contact your local IT team, who will be happy to work with our technical support team to check the log files of the MAXQDA license server.