Overview

There may be a time when you will need to remove a license from your DNN instance/server but are unable to access the UI to do so. Another situation may be that they are on an older version that doesn't provide the option for removal via UI.

Prerequisites

• Access to SQL Server
• Access to a SuperUser account

Solution

NOTE: As with all database queries, it's important to take a backup before executing. 

1. Log in to SQL Server Management Studio.

2. In the left side Object Explorer, Double click on your server name and then Databases to expand. 

3. Find your DNN database and right-click to select New Query. 

4. Depending on the situation, paste one of the following into the middle query box and then press F5 to execute:

• To remove all licenses from the server:

DELETE FROM DNNPro_License

• To remove a specific license:

DELETE FROM DNNPro_License WHERE Invoice = ‘LICENSE-NUMBER-GOES-HERE’

5. Recycle your application pool. 

Testing

Validate that the license(s) have been deleted by executing the following query in the SQL Console:

SELECT * FROM DNNPro_License

You can also test by logging into a SuperUser and go to Settings > About to see if the license still exists.

If the issue persists

Review our Emergency License Activation Process. If you explain your scenario, DNN Support can fix the status of the production license via the backend.