Bodno Software Stuck in Demo Mode on a Company Network? Firewall Settings for Your IT Team

Updated October 14, 2026

Bodno ID Card Software checks its license online. On a corporate, school, hospital or government network, a firewall, web filter or proxy can block that check. Your activation code is still valid; the software just cannot reach the license server to confirm it.

Checklist for your IT team

1. Administrator rights to install the printer driver and the Bodno software.
2. Windows not in S mode. S mode cannot install printer drivers. Switch out in Settings › System › Activation › Switch out of S mode. It is free.
3. Firewall and proxy allow the license server. The domain and port are in the settings table below.
4. Antivirus or endpoint protection can block the installer or the license check. Allow the Bodno software installer and its program folder.
5. Printer connection: USB straight into the computer, not a hub, dock or adapter. For a network printer, the printer's IP address must be reachable from the computer on the same network.
6. Windows or macOS. Bodno software does not run on a Chromebook or iPad.

Signs it is the network

• The software opens in Demonstration mode and prints a watermark on cards.
• You enter a valid activation code and get an error, or activation never finishes.
• It worked before, then went back to demo mode after a network change or security update.

Why it happens

The software needs an internet connection to keep its license valid. Leave the computer connected; if it cannot reach the license server for about a week, the software switches to Demonstration mode until it can.

Quick test before you call IT

1. Disconnect the computer from the office network (unplug Ethernet or leave the office Wi-Fi).
2. Connect to a phone hotspot or home Wi-Fi.
3. Open the software and activate again: BOD › Bodno License › Activation Code, enter your code, click Activate.

If it activates on the hotspot but not on the office network, the firewall is the cause. Send the section below to your IT team.

Using an older version? Update first

Bodno software versions older than 1.7.80 no longer connect, because the license server no longer answers on the old ports. If your version is older, update to the latest version before changing anything else. Contact us if you need the download.

For your IT administrator

A user is running Bodno ID card printing software, which validates its license over HTTPS. Please allow the following:

Questions from IT: call (732) 987-5300, option 3, or email software@bodno.com. We are happy to join a call with your IT team.

After IT updates the firewall

1. Close the Bodno software completely and open it again.
2. Go to BOD › Bodno License › Activation Code.
3. Enter your activation code and click Activate.
4. Restart the software and print a card to confirm the watermark is gone.

Other setups

• Was working, now back in demo mode: a firewall rule, web filter or security policy probably changed. Ask IT to confirm the domain above is still allowed.
• VPN or Remote Desktop: the rules on the VPN can differ from the office network. The domain must be allowed on whichever network the computer is using.
• Proxy server: if all web traffic goes through a proxy, contact us and we will help set the software up for it.

Related: move Bodno software to a new computer.