Let’s break the process into two main phases: generating the request file on the offline machine and applying the response file.
Keep a spreadsheet or internal wiki tracking:
Redgate SQL Prompt is a popular SQL code completion and formatting tool. Offline activation is required when the machine running SQL Prompt has no internet connection or when firewalls block online activation.
Redgate SQL Prompt allows for offline activation (also called "manual activation") for machines that cannot connect to the internet or are behind restricted firewalls. Current Activation Method: Offline Permits
For modern versions of SQL Prompt (v10+), Redgate primarily uses Offline Permits to license air-gapped or network-restricted devices. Offline Detection
: The software automatically detects restricted access and presents a "Set offline permit" option. 6-Character Code
: The offline machine generates a unique code (e.g., "ABC123"). Permit Generation
: You must enter this code on an internet-connected device at the Redgate Offline Portal to generate a permit file.
: Move the generated permit file (or text) back to the offline machine to complete activation. Legacy Activation Method: Manual Request/Response
Older versions (e.g., SQL Prompt 7, 8, and 9) use a different manual process triggered when an online activation fails. Activate Manually : When an activation error occurs, click the Activate Manually Copy Request : Copy the long block of "Activation Request" text. Get Response : On a machine with internet access, paste this into the Redgate Manual Activation Page Paste Response
: Copy the "Activation Response" back into the SQL Prompt dialog on the offline machine to finish. Key Considerations Redgate ID
: Even for offline activation, you generally need an existing Redgate ID and a valid serial number. Periodic Re-activation redgate sql prompt offline activation
: Offline licenses may require infrequent re-activation to maintain the license status. CLI Activation
: Some tools support non-interactive activation via Personal Access Tokens (PAT) for automated environments, though this often requires some connectivity during the initial setup. Activating - SQL Prompt 7 - Product Documentation
Guide: Redgate SQL Prompt Offline Activation There are times when the workstation you use for database development is intentionally kept off the grid for security reasons, or perhaps you're working in a high-security environment with a restrictive firewall. Whatever the reason, if you can’t connect to the internet, you can still activate your Redgate SQL Prompt license using the manual offline method.
This guide walks you through the steps to get your tool up and running without an active internet connection. Prerequisites Before starting, ensure you have:
SQL Prompt Installed: The software should already be installed on your offline machine.
A Valid Serial Number: You’ll need the license key provided in your Redgate purchase confirmation email.
A Second Device with Internet Access: You need a way to reach the Redgate activation server (a laptop, smartphone, or another PC) to exchange activation codes. Step-by-Step Offline Activation Process 1. Initiate Activation in SQL Prompt
Open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or Visual Studio where SQL Prompt is installed. Go to the SQL Prompt menu in the top toolbar. Select Help > Enter Serial Number. Enter your serial number and click Activate. 2. Trigger the "Manual Activation" Mode
Because the machine is offline, the initial activation attempt will fail.
After a moment, SQL Prompt will display an error message stating that it couldn't connect to the activation server.
Look for a link or button that says Activate Manually. Click it. 3. Generate the Request Text Let’s break the process into two main phases:
The Manual Activation window will open, showing a block of encrypted XML text (the "Activation Request").
Click Copy to Clipboard or save this text into a .txt file on a USB drive. 4. Use the Redgate Activation Website Now, move to your device that has internet access. Go to the Redgate Manual Activation Page.
Paste the XML text you copied from the offline machine into the text box on the website. Click Activate. 5. Capture the Response Text
If your serial number is valid and has available seats, the website will generate a new block of XML text called the "Activation Response."
Copy this response text and move it back to your offline workstation (via USB or manual typing, though copying a file is much safer). 6. Finalize Activation
Return to the Manual Activation window on your offline machine. Paste the Response XML into the empty text box. Click Finish. Troubleshooting Common Issues
"Machine Limit Reached": If you see this error, you may need to log into the Redgate License Management Portal on an internet-connected device to de-activate an old machine before you can activate the new one.
Version Mismatch: Ensure the version of SQL Prompt you have installed matches the version your serial number supports. Perpetual licenses are version-specific.
Copy-Paste Errors: Ensure you copy the entire block of XML, including the tags at the beginning and end. Missing a single character will cause the activation to fail. Why Use Manual Activation?
Manual activation is the standard protocol for air-gapped environments or servers behind strict corporate proxies. It ensures that your productivity isn't hindered by network security policies, allowing you to use features like advanced IntelliSense, code formatting, and refactoring regardless of your connectivity status.
By following these steps, you can maintain a secure environment while still leveraging the full power of Redgate’s SQL development suite. Redgate SQL Prompt allows for offline activation (also
Activating Redgate SQL Prompt on a device with restricted internet access—such as a secure server or an air-gapped environment—is primarily achieved through offline permits. This process allows you to bridge the gap between an offline machine and Redgate's licensing servers using a second, internet-connected device. Overview of Offline Activation
SQL Prompt automatically detects when a connection to the Redgate licensing service cannot be established. Once detected, the software enters an offline state and provides an interface for manual permit entry. Step-by-Step Activation Process
To complete the activation, follow these steps on both your offline and online devices: 1. On the Offline Device
Launch SQL Prompt: Open the application (usually within SQL Server Management Studio).
The feature for offline activation in Redgate SQL Prompt is called Manual Activation. This process allows you to activate the software on a computer that does not have an internet connection or is unable to make SOAP requests. How Manual Activation Works
The process requires a second computer that has internet access to act as a bridge:
Generate Request: On the offline computer, launch SQL Prompt and attempt to activate it with your serial key. When the connection fails, select the Activate Manually button to generate a unique activation request.
Get Response: Copy that request and paste it into the Redgate Activation Service on the computer with internet access to receive an activation response.
Finalize: Copy the response back to the offline computer and paste it into the activation dialog to complete the setup. Activating - SQL Prompt 8 - Product Documentation
Title: Technical Analysis and Procedure for Offline Activation of Redgate SQL Prompt
Abstract
Redgate SQL Prompt is an industry-standard tool for SQL Server development, offering advanced IntelliSense, code formatting, and refactoring capabilities. In standard operational environments, the software validates its license through an online connection to Redgate’s licensing servers. However, development workflows in secure, air-gapped, or restricted network environments—such as those found in financial institutions, government agencies, and healthcare infrastructure—preclude direct internet access. This paper provides a technical examination of the offline activation architecture employed by Redgate SQL Prompt and outlines the procedural methodology for successfully licensing the software in disconnected environments.