January 22, 2021
Question:
I get the below error while activating ChemDraw/ChemOffice:
Generic communication error,
“Error talking to server..... Generic communications error”
Answer:
A firewall or proxy server in your Internet connection seems to be blocking the connection with the activation server.
If that’s the case, the best option for you is to use the “Activate by uploading a file option” by following these steps:
1. Select the "Activate or deactivate by uploading a file" option and click on the "Activate"
button. You will be prompted to save a local .BIN file to some location you choose (e.g., your
Desktop).
Then close the Activation Dialog. Continue installing the software to completion, if you
haven't done so already.
2. Navigate to the following website: https://perkinelmer.flexnetoperations.com and log in. If
you have never logged in, create an account using your organization’s email address. Once
logged in, select "Devices>Upload Capability Request".
3. Select the "Choose File" option, navigate to your .BIN file and then select "Open". Then
select "Send" to upload this .BIN file. The "Response.BIN" file is downloaded from the site to
your computer.
4. The “Response.BIN” file should be placed in the folder
C:\ProgramData\PerkinElmerInformatics\FNE\20.0 (for Windows) or
/Users/Shared/com.perkinelmer.chemdraw.20.0/FNE (for Mac) on your hard drive. Then relaunch
the software to activate the product.