Correct the "Cannot find SERVER hostname in network database" error message in ArcGIS at IU

At Indiana University, if you receive this error message while attempting to run ArcGIS, it means your computer cannot see the specified license server. To correct this error, follow the instructions below.

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 Change DNS server IP numbers in Windows.
  • 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 Register a DNS reverse lookup (PTR) record for a computer in Indiana University's ADS domain.
  • 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.

This is document aqsc in the Knowledge Base.
Last modified on 2019-12-11 13:49:38.