Troubleshooting PostSharp license issue on build server: Where can I find my license for PostSharp Express?

Question

I am experiencing issues with my CI build server in which PostSharp is causing the build to fail with the message: The assembly 'yada-yada.dll' uses non-licensed features (Basic Features). [...]. We are using the current version of PostSharp (3.1.52) and have no troubles with the library in local development environment where developers have a registered Express license.

According to PostSharp docs, the build server should not need a license. However, they acknowledge that the automation identification could fail:

If this check does not work for any reason, you may use the license key of any licensed user for the build server. This will not be considered a license infringement. However, it is better to report the issue to our technical support so that we can fix the detection algorithms.

It is recommended to include the license key in the source control.

I'm attempting to test this theory but I can't seem to get access to my actual PostSharp Express license! The PostSharp Options aren't any help either:

Anyone have any ideas? Thanks!

Answer 1

You can find your license key under the registry key HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\SharpCrafters\PostSharp 3.

Answer 2

If your license key does not appear at the location specified, these steps will help you find a new one....

Uninstall any previous version of postsharp installed in visual studio by going to TOOLS > Extensions & Updates.

Open regedit. Delete the following registry key (including all child keys):

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\SharpCrafters\PostSharp 3

Download the latest postsharp vs extension. At time of writing I used 4.2.17. Also make sure you are using the latest postsharp nuget package.

Begin the install & follow the steps. When selecting which kind of license you want, choose the Express User License (the last option).

Enter your details, then on the penultimate step, do not tick the box to register postsharp for all accounts on this machine.

Complete the installation, you should then find the license key in your registry under:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\SharpCrafters\PostSharp 3\LicenseKey

Answer 3

There are two types of keys!

• for current user: HKCU\SOFTWARE\SharpCrafters\PostSharp 3
• for all users: HKLM\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\SharpCrafters\PostSharp 3

The license might be in one of them depending on what license type you chose.