For ArcGIS at IU, how can I correct the error message "Cannot find SERVER hostname in network database"?

If you attempt to run ArcGIS at Indiana University and see the error message "Cannot find SERVER hostname in network database", your computer cannot see the specified server. To correct this error, use the appropriate instructions below.

On this page:

• ArcGIS on the Central License Service
• ArcGIS on a local license manager with a sentinel key

ArcGIS on the Central License Service

If you are running ArcGIS on the Central License Service, confirm the following:

• The DNS suffix in your computer's local network is uits.indiana.edu. For instructions on adding DNS suffixes, see In Windows 2000, XP, or Vista, how do I change the DNS and WINS server IP numbers?
  
  
• Your computer is on the IU network, or you are connected to the IU VPN.
  
  
• If your computer uses a static IP address instead of DHCP, you must have a reverse lookup record for your computer; see For a computer in Indiana University's ADS domain, how can I register a DNS reverse lookup (PTR) record?
  
  
• Your computer's firewall is not interfering with its ability to see the license servers. To test this, turn off your firewall, and then try to open ArcGIS. If ArcGIS opens, contact your network administrator to find out how to enable your computer's firewall protections without disabling ArcGIS.

ArcGIS on a local license manager with a sentinel key

If you are running ArcGIS using a local license manager with a sentinel key, try any or all of the following:

• Update the license file:
  
  
  1. From the Start menu, select Programs or All Programs, then select ArcGIS, and then select License Manager. Click Update License.
  2. When the Update License window opens, click Next. Select I received the license file by email, and then click Browse. Navigate to where you saved the license file, select it, and then click Open.
  3. Click Next twice, and then click Finish. The license file will reload. To see if the error is fixed, start ArcMap.
  
  
• Update the ArcGIS Desktop Administrator:
  
  
  1. From the Start menu, open the ArcGIS Desktop Administrator.
  2. Under the License Manager folder, click Change.
  3. Type your computer's hostname, and then click OK. If the Desktop Administrator will not accept your computer's hostname as a valid license server, your ESRI license manager may not be running. Try restarting the license manager (see below).
  4. To accept the changes, click OK, and then try opening ArcMap again.
  
  
• Restart your local license manager service:
  
  
  1. From the Start menu or the desktop, right-click My Computer, and then select Manage.
  2. In the left column of the window, expand the Services and Applications folder, and then select Services.
  3. From the list of services, right-click ArcGIS License Manager, and then select Restart. Try opening ArcMap again.
  
  
• Create a new environment variable:
  
  
  1. From the Start menu, select either Control Panel, or Settings and then Control Panel.
  2. Double-click the System icon. Select the Advanced tab, and then click the Environment Variables button.
  3. Under "System variables", click New.
  4. In the New System Variable window, in the "Variable name" field, type ARCGIS_LICENSE_FILE . In the "Variable value" field, type 27004@yourcomputer; . Replace yourcomputer with the name of your computer, adding the required semicolon ( ; ) at the end of the value. Click OK, and then try opening ArcMap again.

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