ESET activation errors (ACT, ECP) and how to fix them
ACT.5, ACT.15, ACT.39, ECP.4098 and others: the most common ESET activation errors and the steps that fix them.
You entered the key and ESET replied with a code like ACT.15 or ECP.20002. These codes don't mean the key is “bad”. Most of the time they point straight to the cause: a seat is taken, the network, the Windows clock or another antivirus. Below are the most common codes from ESET's official knowledge base and what to do about them.
First, three checks that solve most cases
- The key is copied, not retyped. Copy it from the email in full, without spaces at the start or end. The characters 0/O and 1/I are easy to mix up.
- The product matches your licence. A HOME Security key activates ESET HOME Security, and a NOD32 key activates ESET NOD32 Antivirus. Get the installer from the download page or your ESET HOME account.
- Correct date, time and internet. A wrong system clock is a common cause of “mysterious” activation errors.
ACT errors: licence problems
| Code | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| ACT.5 | The key is wrong or already used | Check that you entered the key from the email (not the order number). If the key has changed, use the newest one. |
| ACT.7 | The wrong product is installed | Uninstall the installed product and install the one the licence was issued for. |
| ACT.15 | A seat in the licence is taken by a previous device | Disconnect the old device in your ESET HOME account and try activating again. Details in the article about moving ESET to a new computer. |
| ACT.17 | The licence was cancelled or reissued | Use the newest key from your inbox. If you don't have it, send us your order number. |
| ACT.20, ACT.34 | The licence isn't valid for the selected country | During activation select Ukraine, the country of purchase. |
| ACT.39 | Too many devices | Free a seat: uninstall ESET from a device you don't need or disconnect it in ESET HOME. Or increase the number of devices in the licence. |
| ACT.46 | The licence has expired | Renew the licence, and the key stays the same. |
| ACT.4, ACT.21 | A glitch after installing or updating | Restart the computer and activate again. Didn't help — reinstall ESET. |
ECP errors: connection to ESET servers
| Code | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| ECP.4097 | An unspecified error, most often due to a wrong clock | Set the correct date, time and time zone, then try again. |
| ECP.4098 | No connection to ESET servers | Check your internet, and turn off VPN or proxy while activating. |
| ECP.20002 | The activation server is unreachable because of the network, DNS or third-party software | Reset the network stack (step below) and remove programs that replace DNS or plug into the browser. |
| ECP.20006 | A firewall is blocking activation traffic | Temporarily allow ESET connections in the router or corporate network firewall. |
| ECP.20016 | Wrong proxy username or password | Fix the proxy details in the ESET settings. |
| ECP.20032 | ESET servers are temporarily overloaded | Wait the time given in the message and try again. |
If it's a network error: reset the Windows network stack
- Open Start, type
cmd, right-click “Command Prompt” and choose “Run as administrator”. - Run the command
netsh winsock reset. - Restart the computer and try activating again.
Also check the file C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts. If it has lines with ESET addresses, a third-party program added them, and those lines should be removed.
Another antivirus on the computer
Two active antivirus programs conflict, and activating or installing ESET may fail (ACT.4). Before installing ESET, remove the other security software with its developer's official removal tool, restart the PC and only then install ESET. You don't need to turn off Windows' built-in protection manually: it steps aside for ESET on its own.
Nothing helped
Write to us via contacts with the error code, the product and your order number or key. We'll check the licence status with ESET: whether it's active, how many devices are in use and whether the key was reissued. If you bought the licence from N32, we'll match it to your order.
FAQ
Where do I find my ESET key?
In the email after payment, in your ESET HOME account (subscriptions section) or in your N32 account if you bought with an account.
ACT.15 appears after reinstalling Windows. Why?
The licence “remembers” the old installation as a separate device. Disconnect the old entry in ESET HOME and activation will go through.
Can I activate ESET without internet?
No. Activation needs a connection to ESET's servers; after that the program also works offline, though databases only update with internet.
Go to support
Official ESET licences in Ukraine — key by email once the payment is confirmed.