The platform stops working because the service has lapsed in Sierra Chart

What is causing it

Sierra Chart is a monthly service rather than a one-off purchase. If the payment lapses, the service stops.

Why this happens

Because the software is licensed monthly and validated against your account, an unpaid month has the same practical effect as an uninstall. Nothing is broken and nothing needs repairing.

Data subscriptions are billed separately again, so it is entirely possible to have a working platform with no data, or the reverse.

The fix, step by step

1. Sign in to your account with Sierra Chart and check the service status and the next payment date.
2. Check whether the payment method on file is still valid, as an expired card is the most common cause.
3. Settle the account, then restart the platform so it picks up the renewed status.
4. Check separately whether your exchange data subscriptions are also current, because they are billed independently and can lapse on their own.
5. If the account shows as paid and the platform still refuses, contact Sierra Chart support with your account details.

How to confirm it is fixed

The platform operates normally and your account page confirms the service is active with a future renewal date.

Stopping it happening again

Keep the payment method current and note the renewal date, along with the separate renewal date for exchange data.