Activation problem: Can not contact activation server

I breezed through activation of FINAL DRAFT 12 software (FD12) on my laptop (also running Win 10) in minutes. My desktop is the problem. Two copies are authorized with the same key. I get the error "COULD NOT CONTACT ACTIVATION SERVER". This program has the feature of being able to READ ONLY without activation and does so normally so I know the install is okay. I just can't write without authorization.

I disabled Kaspersky and don't use defender. No luck so I uninstalled. It was still in registry so I deleted the HKEY_CURRENT_USER Final Draft folders. I reinstalled as administrator. I even tried a different account with no luck. I rebooted the router & modem. The manufacturer gave up and I'm about to also.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

sys32/drivers/etc??? Hosts, IMHosts.sam, networks, protocols, and services. Which should I look under and what am I looking for? In services I only see ports. There are no ip's or urls on any of them. They are all 2012 vintage.