For a server that shares licenses to multiple clients:
Configure LMTOOLS:
Client setup:
Network PAF cannot be installed with standard PAF Wizard on clients.
When Autodesk acquired Delcam in 2014, the PAF Wizard was phased out. Conversion paths included: delcam paf wizard
Delcam PAF Wizard (Protection Authorization File Wizard) is a legacy utility designed to manage licensing for Delcam software products released primarily between 1998 and 2012. Unlike modern Autodesk subscription licensing, Delcam used a hybrid system combining hardware keys (dongles – Rainbow/Sentinel SuperPro) and encrypted text files (.PAF). The PAF Wizard was the graphical interface for installing, viewing, and troubleshooting these PAF files.
The Delcam PAF Wizard might be a relic of a bygone era of manufacturing software—an era of dongles, emailed license files, and manual registry edits. Yet, for the machinist running a 2008 Okuma lathe or a mold shop with a 2015 seat of PowerMILL, the Wizard is the gatekeeper to production.
It is a small utility with a massive responsibility. Understanding how to install, troubleshoot, and maintain your PAF files is not just IT work; it is operational intelligence. Without the PAF Wizard, your expensive CNC machine becomes an expensive paperweight.
Pro Tip for SEO Searchers: If your Delcam PAF Wizard is failing and you cannot find a solution, check the "Delcam User Forum" (now archived) or the r/Machinists subreddit. While Autodesk support no longer fixes legacy PAF issues, the community of legacy users is highly active and has saved countless shop floors from disaster. For a server that shares licenses to multiple clients:
Do you have a specific error code from your Delcam PAF Wizard? Keep the exact text of the error—it is the fastest way to a solution.
Even seasoned engineers can be stumped by license errors. Here are the most frequent issues resolved by the PAF Wizard.
PAF stands for Product Authorization File.
It’s a license file that unlocks specific software features, modules, or time-limited access.
A PAF is generated by Autodesk/Delcam based on: Configure LMTOOLS :
If the Delcam PAF Wizard itself crashes on launch, the issue is often environmental.
1. Deprecated USB Drivers Old Delcam dongles (particularly the purple or green Aladdin HASP keys) require legacy drivers. Download and install the Aladdin HASP Driver Installer (Sentinel HASP/LDK Run-time Environment) from Thales Group. After installing the driver, re-run the PAF Wizard.
2. Windows User Account Control (UAC) Always run the PAF Wizard as Administrator. In some cases, disabling UAC temporarily for legacy software (Delcam 2012 and older) resolves freeze issues.
3. Corrupted Registry Entries
In extreme cases, uninstall the PAF Wizard via Control Panel, delete the registry folder HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Delcam\PAFWizard, and reinstall.