Tools

Error: “Invalid Registration ID” During Serv-U Upgrade

You may encounter an “Invalid Registration ID” error when attempting to upgrade your Serv-U installation.

First published date

10/26/2018 3:09 PM

Last published date

12/3/2025 5:49 PM

Overview

During an upgrade, Serv-U validates your Registration ID to ensure it can retrieve the correct maintenance information and apply the appropriate license. If the Registration ID does not match what is recorded in the licensing portal, or if the license is not compatible with the version you are installing, the system will display this prompt.

Product section

Serv-U Managed File Transfer & Serv-U FTP Server

Cause

  • Using an outdated or incorrect Registration ID from a previous installation.
    This may occur if the license key being used was tied to an older deployment or is no longer valid in the licensing portal.
  • The current license is not compatible with the later version of Serv-U.
    If your license does not cover the target upgrade version, Serv-U will not be able to validate the Registration ID during the upgrade and you will get the prompt.

Resolution

  • Proceed through the error message to complete the installation.
  • Apply the correct/updated license found in the Customer Portal.

There are 2 ways to activate the license in Serv-U:

Activate the license through the Serv-U Management Console:

  1. Open the Serv-U Management Console and browse to "Server Details | License Information".
  2. Scroll down and click the "Enter License ID..." button.
  3. Paste your Registration ID string into the "Registration ID" field, then click "Save."

Activate the license manually through the Serv-UID.txt.

  1. Go to C:\ProgramData\RhinoSoft\Serv-U.
  2. Open the Serv-UID.txt via Notepad.
  3. Replace the current content with the license found in Customer Portal, then Save it.