OS10 license backup format vs installation format

Can you restore a license from a backed-up .lic file?

Hello,

What is the switch model you are working with?

What OS version are you working with?

What has happened on the switch you are trying to resolve?

Can you give more detail to your issue?

Are you original owner?

Have you checked your Dell Digital Locker for your license?

https://www.dell.com/SUPPORT/SOFTWARE/

Initially I can provide this reference material:

Dell EMC SmartFabric OS10 User Guide Release 10.5.2

Download OS10 image

https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/en-us/dell-emc-smartfabric-os10/smartfabric-os-user-guide-10-5-2-6/download-os10-image?guid=guid-7f1a21d3-1c26-43e5-98b1-c7252f3aa029&lang=en-us

Install OS10 license

https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/en-us/dell-emc-smartfabric-os10/smartfabric-os-user-guide-10-5-2-6/install-os10-license?guid=guid-d581495b-7f59-4057-878d-f66a4007f06a&lang=en-us

Hello,

Try these steps. Confirm you have backed up your license using the following procedure:

https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/en-us/dell-emc-smartfabric-os10/smartfabric-os-user-guide-10-5-2-6/backup-os10-license?guid=guid-953c3f4c-553d-462d-88ea-43ebd26ecf1f&lang=en-us

‎

You can copy that file to usb.

OS10# copy home://269FXC2.lic usb://269FXC2.lic  

To restore the License:

OS10# license install usb://269FXC2.lic

If the license file is corrupted or deleted:

• You must re-download it from Dell Digital Locker (DDL) under the purchaser’s account.

Access your DDL using your account credentials.

https://www.dell.com/SUPPORT/SOFTWARE/

• Alternatively, contact Dell Support directly to have the license resent. This process is not restricted by warranty status[1].

The license file is pre-installed on the switch. If the license becomes corrupted or is deleted, you must download the license from DDL under the purchaser's account and re-install the license.

https://www.dell.com/support/manuals/en-us/dell-emc-smartfabric-os10/smartfabric-os-user-guide-10-5-3/re-install-license?guid=guid-f9e23b89-be71-429c-9c66-d73a31ac9219

Thank you for your interest in the topic.

My switch is an S5148F-ON.
It is running software version 10.4.3.8.
I am not its first owner; I bought it used.

Software: OS10-Enterprise
Version: 10.4.3.8
License Type: PERPETUAL
License Duration: Unlimited
License Status: Active
License location: /mnt/license/xxxxxx.lic

Interestingly, the switch cannot be found by Service Tag or Express Code. It seems as if it doesn’t exist. I'm not sure if it’s possible to transfer ownership of the switch to my account in this case.

I don’t have any issues with it at the moment, but I’d like to be prepared in case the software gets lost in the future.
I plan to buy three more of these switches.
I don’t have experience with Dell networking equipment.

I managed to back up and download the license as a .lic file and transfer it to my computer via TFTP. I will not attempt a restore.

Hi, sounds like your switch might’ve come from a bulk OEM or enterprise deployment. In those cases, Dell’s system often doesn’t associate the hardware with individual ownership, especially if it was never registered or was removed from the original account.

Best bet is to reach out to Dell Support directly. Even if the Service Tag isn’t showing up online, give them:

• The Service Tag
• Proof of purchase (like an invoice or receipt)
• A request to transfer ownership or register the device under your name

They might be able to at least give you some clarity on its status.