BCM 50 License File Issue 1

[techrcg822]

Forgive the inappropriateness if it is, however, I have a question. I have two Nortel BCM 50 systems in the same area, both suffered a hard drive crash. Being the IT-versed people we are, we had imaged one of the hard disks before an upgrade just in case. We were able to restore the images to new stock hard disks (well, we got smart and used flash based SSD's this time) and got the systems to boot. However, we lost all licensing and programming. Programming is no issue, small sites and straightforward templates. Fast forward two days, we are still being sent in loops with Avaya, they want to force us into a maintnance agreement to get the license files for software we already purchased when we bought the systems from NORTEL NETWORKS, Inc. If my memory serves me correctly, for them to have bought Nortel and all the software, they have to honor the then-existing software licensing agreement and structure by law unless they produce an amended license that is agreed upon and sent to all owners of said equipment. I have spent three days (counting today) on the phone with Avaya (and apparently telephoned the world somehow).. They gave me the Registration Line at (800) 247-7000 which is being then rerouted to customer service at (800)-328-7833. Then they tell me I have to contact sales, then its infinite loop from those three. All over simple licensing codes which I have already purchased. I know they EOS and have produced the EOL dates on this system, but to make it this hard to get help. They sent me to a partner, who wants to charge me more than it would cost to rip out the systems (and unfortunately we have a third site with an IP Office system, which would go as part of that too) and just go with a standardized setup and reuse our IP sets. I am at a loss and would appreciate any help. (Im running out of hair to pull on this one!)

 

[hawks]

If it is a release 5 or better, maybe even rls 3 (someone here can verify) then you can just purchase an inexpensive code from a vendor. Then when they activate that code it will include any previous codes that were activated on this system. Unfortuntly that may be your best option if you do not want to replace the system. Have you checked with the vendor you bought the IP Office from maybe since you have a relationship with them they'll help you out?

 

[techrcg822]

Unfortunately, it is a BCM50 RLS 1. We are a small group working with a very limited set of resources. We have one BCM system and a backup we used to take the HDD and make the image of, which had been previously factory defaulted. Our IP Office system was secondhand and we repaired it ourselves (one in the group has SMD experience and it had some blown traces on the POTS line area that could be repaired). Again, Avaya is trying to squeeze us with the site visits and maintenance contracts when a simple code is all that is needed. We never agreed to that with the software licensing of the original system we did buy. Not to evoke a flame war here, however, I can see why there is an ever evolving group (such as this) that educate each other and try to maintain their own equipment or to find someone competent and skilled enough to do the job and not try to drain an entire it budget in one day. I have read and do agree that when we want to spend nothing - we get nothing... However, when we paid in full for something we should be entitled to it as it was intended. I feel I should step off my soapbox now.. I just am so fuming at Avaya right now! Its the same in my eyes if you buy a computer (which I am sure we all have, well, maybe not the diehard phone programmer type Nortel guys, wait, they have to to be able to read this!! ) . Look at the bottom, there is an activation sticker there if you ever needed to reinstall.. and IT WORKS!! Nortel (older days) would help you, with a little prodding usually. Avaya uses its vast size and pushes you around and all over!

 

[morenot]

If you have Backup, so, open it with Winrar
you will see keycodes.tar.gz, open this one and you will see:
licensefile.txt

copy and rename to *.lic or try to load it..

Saludos,,

JLMT

 

[Firebird Scrambler]

I've done a few FAQ's on this topic and some of the stuff I've done is located at

http://www.ghtrout.com/files/Replacing_a_Hard_Disk_on_a_BCM_50_System.zip

http://www.ghtrout.com/files/How_to...dress_details_on_an_unknown_BCM_50_system.zip

http://www.ghtrout.com/files/How_to_obtain_the_license_file_on_a_BCM_system.zip

I hope this helps?

All the best

Firebird Scrambler
Meridian 1 / Succession and BCM / Norstar Programmer in the UK

http://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbromley

If it's working, then leave it alone!.