Why has my "permanent" NIOS license expired ?

Hello Based on my understanding for the first license, yes, it is a permanent license file. (FEATURE 6AF8_00A2 alterad 2008.10 permanent uncounted) mean that your license is permanent at 2008.10. Your license supported Quartus that release until 2008 permanently, that is Quartus version 8.0 and below. By right your license support only covers the NIOS Gen1 "classic" core and you will need a valid license for Quartus 18. Kindly contact your nearest Altera sales person or distributor to purchase a valid license file. To order by phone: In the United States and Canada, call Telesales at 1-888-800-0631. Outside the United States or Canada, contact your local sales representative or distributor. https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/partner/where-to-buy/overview.html buy online. https://www.altera.com/buy/design-software.html