diff --git a/symmetric/src/main/java/org/jumpmind/symmetric/SymmetricLauncher.java b/symmetric/src/main/java/org/jumpmind/symmetric/SymmetricLauncher.java
index af7f21ab39..0104d984bb 100644
--- a/symmetric/src/main/java/org/jumpmind/symmetric/SymmetricLauncher.java
+++ b/symmetric/src/main/java/org/jumpmind/symmetric/SymmetricLauncher.java
@@ -205,7 +205,7 @@ private static void openRegistration(SymmetricEngine engine, String argument) {
                     + " takes an argument of {groupId},{externalId}");
         }
         String nodeGroupId = argument.substring(0, index).trim();
-        String externalId = argument.substring(index).trim();
+        String externalId = argument.substring(index + 1).trim();
         IRegistrationService registrationService = (IRegistrationService) engine.getApplicationContext().getBean(
                 Constants.REGISTRATION_SERVICE);
         registrationService.openRegistration(nodeGroupId, externalId);