> Source: [sk96217](https://support.checkpoint.com/results/sk/sk96217)

# sk96217 - What is a cp.macro file?

| Property | Value |
|----------|-------|
| Solution ID | sk96217 |
| Date Created | 2013-11-05 |
| Last Modified | 2025-04-08 |
| Technical Level | General |

## Solution

### **What is it a *cp.macro* file?**

A *$CPDIR/conf/cp.macro* file is an electronically signed file used by the Check Point software to translate the features included within the installed license(s) file into code, or primitives.

In most cases, you do not need to worry about your *cp.macro* files. Each release of Check Point software includes an updated *cp.macro* file which includes all current and past license features, as of the time that the software is released.

### When do I need to install a new *cp.macro* file?

Check Point regularly releases new licenses as new software functionality is introduced.

As a result of this, licenses for the new software are occasionally installed on earlier software versions, prompting warning to occur during policy installation, or on the command line of the server(s).

These warnings are often informational only, and do not impact production environments. Occasionally these warnings may negatively impact the performance of the Check Point product.

Installation of a new *cp.macro* file in these situations will often (but not always) resolve these warnings.

On some occasions, the solution may involve the installation of a hotfix, as opposed to installation of a new *cp.macro* file on the server.

In order to determine if a new *cp.macro* file is warranted for a specific warning, please be sure to contact Account Services or refer to the SecureKnowledge article relevant for the warning received.

For further assistance, contact Check Point Account Services in one of these ways:

* by creating a [Non-Technical Service Request](https://help.checkpoint.com/)
* by phone:
  * Americas: +1-972-444-6600 - option 3 - option 5
  * International: +972-3-611-5100 - option 3 - option 5

An example warning that might occur is:

*"Warning: Can't find ::CPAP-IP15x in cp.macro file. License version may not be compatible"*

### How do I install a new *cp.macro* file?

Installation of the new *cp.macro* file should be completed on the server(s) reporting the warning. **Please note: installation of a new *cp.macro* file requires stopping services on the server(s), and therefore a maintenance window may need to be scheduled depending on your business requirements.**

To install a new *cp.macro* file:

1. Run the command *cpstop*
2. Change directory to the correct path by running the command *cd $CPDIR/conf*
3. Move (**do not delete** ) the exising *cp.macro* file to a new directory (i.e. */tmp*)
4. Add the new *cp.macro* file to the same path (*$CPDIR/conf*)
5. Run the command *cpstart*

If you need assistance with moving files between directories, or moving the new *cp.macro* file to the server, [contact Check Point Support](http://www.checkpoint.com/services/contact/index.html).

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