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Knowledge Base / Designer / Settings Validation Error when using System Settings in Designer
Settings Validation Error when using System Settings in Designer
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Created/Edited - 4/24/2026 by Markelio Hoxhallari | Alteryx

Summary
The error message appears when using System Settings in Alteryx Designer.
Environment

Error appears when clicking Finish button in Alteryx System Settings

 

  • Settings Validation Error
    Alteryx Service failed to initialize, likely due to inconsistent RuntimeSettings.xml file:
    Unable to start Queue service, insufficient license. 

 

 

Cause

Cause 1 -- This is caused by an incorrect setting when installing Alteryx Designer.

Cause 2 -- Attempting to configure Desktop Automation

Resolution

Solution 1

Steps to fix the issue:

1. Double-click on the "Alteryx System Settings" icon on the desktop. If you are not able to find it on the desktop, you can click the "Start" button and search for "Alteryx System Settings". 

 
Alternatively, you can find it on Designer > Options > Advanced Options > System Settings 

 

2. Click Next to get to Setup Type page
3. Under Environment Setup Type, you must select "Designer Only" if only Designer is licensed.
3. Click "Next" till the end and Finish. 

 

 

Solution 2

Desktop Automation requires two license keys and is not compatible with Online Activation.

  • The following guides you in licensing Designer Desktop Automation using our Alteryx One licensing system.

    • Your Account administrator should have invited you to an Alteryx One Workspace.

    • Click the Join Here button in your invitation email and complete your registration to Alteryx Analytics Cloud.(AAC)

    • Copy your Unified Designer License Key by clicking the Activate button on the Designer Tile in AAC > Overview page

 

 

 
image-20260306-180922.png

 

    • Look for the email containing your “Alteryx Desktop Automation” add-on key (the text in quotes is how the name appears in the email).

    • Start Desktop Designer

    • Choose Options > Manage Licenses if the License dialog did not automatically appear

    • Deactivate any online activation you may have added prior to following these steps

    • Choose Activate New License > Use a License Key

    • Enter the TWO license keys you gathered above on seperate lines

    • Click Activate

    • If this is a NEW machine installation:

      • Go to Options > Advanced > Settings

      • Next through all pages, changing settings as needed

      • Click Finish

      • The Service should start, and you should be able to schedule workflows.

      • Note: Review the Services app > AlteryxService > Properties to ensure the Service is set to start Automatic or Automatically (Delayed Start)

 

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