Cubase Pro 12 - No Valid License Found (offline PC)

Cubase
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1

I recently upgraded to Cubase Pro 12 from an earlier version of Cubase Pro. Cubase FAQs state that the “computer only needs to be connected to the Internet to sign in with your Steinberg ID and obtain the initial activation.”

After successful activation and registration and once the internet is disabled, I receive the error message “No valid License found. The Program will quit now.”

The offline activation procedure utilizing a second PC also does not work - no matter how Cubase is activated, it requires an internet connection to load and function.

Cubase Pro 12 functions appropriately only when the internet connection is active; however, I have no intention of having a perpetual internet connection on a studio PC whose only purpose is audio production.

Anyone have any ideas on how to resolve?

Thank you in advance,
Kevin

PC: Intel Core i9-9820X 3.31 GHz, 32 GB RAM, 64-bit OS, Windows 10 Pro v 21H2 OS Build 19044.1889
Steinberg Cubase 12 Pro v 12.0.40
Steinberg Activation Manager v 1.4.0.843
Steinberg Download Assistant v 1.33.2

2

I have no problem with Cubase offline, but isn’t so that you must connect every 30th day or something? has your computer been offline for a more extended period of time maybe?

did you try the “generate license file” from the activation manager? from what I understand you generate a file on your offline computer, activate on another computer and bring it back

3

Have a look here for activating the offline license

4

Update: So I determined that the issue was Firewall related - though it doesn’t seem to make any sense.

Test 1: Internet disabled + Zone Alarm Firewall active = Cubase Pro 12 loads and functions properly.

Test 2: Internet disabled + Zone Alarm Firewall set to “Stop All Internet Activity” = Cubase “No Valid License” error.

Strange behavior since, in BOTH situations, the internet (ethernet and wifi is disconnected! Anyway, at least I know what the issue is.