Collect client data, such as computer IDs and information from custom fields, without using volume license installers.

Note You can also use NI VLM Import Utility to install disconnected licenses generated by NI VLM on disconnected computers.

Collecting Client Data

Complete the following steps to use NI VLM Import Utility to collect client information:

  1. Copy everything in the Import Utility directory to a network drive or portable media, such as a USB drive, or the client machine. You can find the utility in the following locations:
    Windows 11/10/8/7/Vista C:\ProgramData\National Instruments\Volume License Manager\Import Utility\
    Windows XP C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\National Instruments\Volume License Manager\Import Utility\
    Note NI VLM Import Utility uses an XML file, nivlmImportUtility.xml, to determine the custom fields that are available, which fields clients must complete, and which are optional. The nivlmImportUtility.xml file updates whenever you change custom fields. If you modify the custom fields, you must copy the updated nivlmImportUtility.xml to where you use NI VLM Import Utility.
  2. Have clients complete the following steps:
    1. Run nivlmImportUtility.exe on the computer that they want to add to NI VLM.
    2. Click Submit Information and complete the form. Required fields are marked with an asterisk (*).
    3. Clients should save the resulting XML file in a common place, such as a network location, or email the file to you.
  3. Refer to Importing Client Data to import client information.

Importing Client Data

Once you have collected the resultant XML files from all necessary clients by using the NI VLM Import Utility, you can add the information to NI VLM.

Complete the following steps to import client data into NI VLM:

  1. From within NI VLM, select File » Load NI VLM Import Utility Data.
  2. Browse to the location of the import utility files and select all the files that you want to import. You can select multiple files by holding the <Shift> or <Ctrl> keys as you make your selections.
  3. Click Open.

Loading import utility data will add entries to the Permission Requests queue. You will then need to accept the permission requests. Refer to Handling Permission Requests for more information.

Installing Disconnected Licenses using NI VLM Import Utility

Complete the following steps on each client machine to install disconnected license files using the NI VLM Import Utility:

  1. Create disconnected license files. For more information, refer to Creating a Disconnected License File.
  2. Copy everything in the Import Utility directory to a network drive or portable media, such as a USB drive, or the client machine. You can find the utility in the following locations:
    Windows 11/10/8/7/Vista C:\ProgramData\National Instruments\Volume License Manager\Import Utility\
    Windows XP C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\National Instruments\Volume License Manager\Import Utility\
    Note NI VLM Import Utility uses an XML file, nivlmImportUtility.xml, to determine the custom fields that are available, which fields clients must complete, and which are optional. The nivlmImportUtility.xml file updates whenever you change custom fields. If you modify the custom fields, you must copy the updated nivlmImportUtility.xml to where you use NI VLM Import Utility.
  3. Save the disconnected license files in the same storage location as NI VLM Import Utility.
  4. Have clients complete the following steps:
    1. Run nivlmImportUtility.exe on the computer to which they want to install the disconnected license files.
    2. Click Install License Files to copy and install the appropriate disconnected license files onto the target client machine.