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Advanced error code #4 troubleshooting

If you experience error code #4 when trying to activate Serato DJ Pro, and have tried other troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue, you may have a corrupt Windows Management Instrumentation service.

Serato DJ Pro relies on this Windows service running correctly, in order to successfully activate your Serato licenses.

IMPORTANT: Please note that modifying Windows services is not without risk, and the steps below are included to help you resolve the issue, but we strongly recommend you follow them very carefully.
Serato cannot be held responsible for any issues that may occur if you follow the steps incorrectly.

Rebuilding the Windows Management Instrumentation service

  1. Stop the Windows Management Instrumentation service:
    Press Windows + R and copy & paste services.msc
    Find "Windows Management Instrumentation", right-click and choose "Stop" (you may be prompted to stop some other services, choose "Yes" if asked) then "Properties".
    Set "Startup type" to "Disabled" and then click "Apply" - checking your window matches the example below. Close the windows.
  2. Rename the Windows Management Instrumentation Repository folder:
    Press Windows + R and copy & paste C:\Windows\System32\wbem
    Rename the "Repository" folder to "Repository.OLD" (confirm the action, if asked) - checking your windows matches the example below. Close the window.
    Restart your computer.
  3. Start the Windows Management Instrumentation service:
    Press Windows + R and copy & paste services.msc
    Find "Windows Management Instrumentation", right-click and choose "Properties".
    Set "Startup type" to "Automatic" and click "Start" then "Apply" - checking your windows matches the example below. Close the windows.

Launch your Serato software and activate it normally.

If you're still seeing error code #4, or you now see error code #5 after trying the steps above, please try logging out of Serato DJ Pro using steps from our Manage Serato DJ Pro activations article, before logging back in again.

Finally, if you're still seeing error code #4 (or #5), close all Serato software, and follow the steps in the screen recordings below, to remove your license files manually:

  • macOS

  • Windows