To run historical logging without system warnings or operational cut-offs, you generally require two co-existing licenses on the target PC:
Use the standard Windows FileSystemObject ( CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject") ) to open, append, and close external text files.
If you own the license but it still fails, it may be marked as "defective."
This article is your comprehensive guide to understanding this specific license error, identifying exactly why it's happening, and providing you with the exact steps to fix it—once and for all. To run historical logging without system warnings or
typically appears because WinCC Runtime Advanced requires a dedicated, separate license for any historical data logging. Unlike Comfort Panels where logging is often included, PC-based Runtime Advanced systems treat logging (Tag Logs and Alarm Logs) as an optional package. Siemens SiePortal Common Scenarios and Fixes Missing Optional License : Even if you have a valid WinCC Runtime Advanced PowerTags license, you must also purchase and install the "WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced"
You can acknowledge and ignore the missing license pop-up box during office simulation.
A basic WinCC Runtime Advanced license only covers core SCADA operations and Powertags. If the project contains a or an Alarm Log , Siemens requires a dedicated add-on license called WinCC Logging for Runtime Advanced . Physical hardware like Comfort Panels or Mobile Panels archive data for free, but PC-based runtime stations must have this license transferred. 2. Simulation Environment Alerts Unlike Comfort Panels where logging is often included,
In ALM, drag and drop the license from the source drive/cloud to the local hard drive of the Runtime PC. Step 4: Perform a License Validation Check
: Sometimes a "license" error is triggered by the runtime being unable to access the logging directory.
According to user experiences in , the Runtime will generally function, and logging may still work, but the "license key not available" popup will reappear periodically. If the project contains a or an Alarm
The root of the problem lies in Siemens' specific licensing architecture for the TIA Portal ecosystem. Many users mistakenly assume that purchasing a standard "WinCC Runtime Advanced" license covers all functionalities.
This error typically appears when you start the Runtime Advanced application (often part of the TIA Portal or older WinCC flexible Advanced projects) or when attempting to access the data logging (archiving) functionality. It indicates that while your HMI project is configured to log data (trends, alarms, recipes), the software running on the target PC cannot find a valid license to allow that specific feature.
If you see this error, follow these systematic checks to restore your logging functionality. 1. Verify the Project Requirements
Go to and enter the IP address of the Runtime PC.
Do not simply switch off the IPC. Fully exit the runtime software, and if the IPC needs to be shut down, do so via the Start menu of the operating system. This releases used licenses and makes them available for the next startup. For unpredictable power outages, use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to allow time to exit properly.