Stata complains that my “license is not applicable to this version”. What does that mean?

Stata 17 and later:
You have installed Stata/SE, but your license is only valid for Stata/BE. Or, you have installed Stata/MP, but your license is only valid for Stata/SE or Stata/BE.

Check your license and confirm which version of Stata you are authorized to use. Uninstall Stata and install it again, this time choosing the edition of Stata which matches your license.

Stata 16 and earlier:
You have installed Stata/SE, but your license is only valid for Stata/IC. Or, you have installed Stata/MP, but your license is only valid for Stata/SE or Stata/IC.

Check your license and confirm which version of Stata you are authorized to use. Uninstall Stata and install it again, this time choosing the edition of Stata which matches your license.