How to obtain activation keys, register and migrate servers

There are two ways to get started with CloudLinux OS. You can either convert your existing system or install CloudLinux on a new server. In either case, you will need the activation key.

If you purchased CloudLinux OS through one of our partners, they will provide you with an IP-based license directly.

Getting the activation key

You can start by using a 30-day free trial key, which can be obtained through the CloudLinux Network (our self-service web portal), also called CLN.
New CloudLinux activation key can be created through CLN as described here.
Note: You cannot use a new trial key on a system that is already using a trial key.
Otherwise, you will receive the following error message:

The IP <ip-address> was already used for trialing on <registation date>

This error message is valid for CloudLinux and KernelCare.

Migrating licenses and servers

When you migrate from the trial activation key to a paid one, you have to re-register your installation from the command line interface (server console - run it as root):

# rhnreg_ks --activationkey=<newkey> --force

For IP-based licenses you may have received from CloudLinux partners, the syntax is different:

# clnreg_ks --force

If you need to reinstall your server, migrate to new hardware or perform any kind of license migration, login to CLN, remove old server(s) in the "Servers" section. After that, you will be able to register a new server with the same activation key. More information about server management can be found here.

If you want to migrate key-based licenses provided by Plesk (starts with 7003*), please open a new support ticket. 

Don't worry - the server removal will not affect your customer's websites' operation. Only software update (yum update) and the LVE Manager plugin will become inactive. All the other CloudLinux OS features will continue to work properly.

After removing the servers you no longer need, click on Licenses and pick an activation key with free license slots. Use that key to register your new CloudLinux server from CLI in two simple steps:

# yum install rhn-setup --enablerepo=cloudlinux-base
# rhnreg_ks --activationkey=<newkey> --force

for IP-based licenses:

# clnreg_ks --force

In case of server migration, you don’t need another activation key to proceed. First, remove the old server from CLN, activate the new server with the same activation key and proceed with the migration.

Otherwise, you will receive the following error message:

Error Message: 
Maximum usage count of X reached 
Error Class Code: 61 
Error Class Info: Too many systems registered using this registration token 
Explanation: 
An error has occurred while processing your request. If this problem 
persists please enter a bug report at helpdesk.cloudlinux.com. 
If you choose to submit the bug report, please be sure to include 
details of what you were trying to do when this error occurred and 
details on how to reproduce this problem.

See /var/log/up2date for more information

In case something went wrong or you need our assistance, please contact our support.