I set up a proof of concept (PoC) last year and started a slow rollout of Papercut MF. They assisted me in getting it configured for an MFP and also for an HP printer. After a factory reset of the HP printer, I needed to redeploy the Papercut software, but in doing so, I had to delete and re-add it. Now it's asking for a license to use it again. Is a license really necessary, or could there be a setting that's causing this requirement? Thanks in advance!
4 Answers
From my experience, Papercut requires a separate license for each embedded device. So if your printer was factory reset, it likely lost its previous license and now needs a new one. It's a bummer, but that's how hardware licensing usually works.
Typically, if a device has hardware-based licensing, you'll lose that license after a factory reset. Before resetting any device, it's a good idea to back up any licensing keys or important files. Some vendors won’t re-issue lost licenses, but it never hurts to ask your VAR for help!
We have similar experiences with our Canon devices and need specific licenses. It's strange, though—my previous models didn’t require a license, so there might be some configuration issues there.
I've found that while Papercut can be pricey and needs licenses for users and devices, there are alternatives like Xerox Workplace Cloud that are serverless. Just a thought if you're looking to simplify!
We have Canon MFPs too and initially got perpetual licenses. If you're considering alternatives, you might want to check out switching options if the licensing gets too complicated.
Licenses are only needed for devices. If you've added the printer but not set it up as a device, it shouldn't require a license. Just make sure you haven't added it incorrectly.
I've also noticed that sometimes printers can end up being classified as MFPs when they're really just printers. It's possible yours is being treated as an MFP, so double-check your configurations!