Installation FAQs

1. Where can I find out more information about installation?
    
   
2. Where can I find explanations for WI (Windows Installer) error codes?
    
   
3. What are the common SolidWorks relate WI (Windows Installer) error codes?
    
   
4. Why is it recommended to turn off anti-virus scanning when installing SolidWorks?
    
   
5. What should I do to my system prior to a new installation?
    
   
6. Can I change my data directory after installation?
    
   
7. What are some ways in which I can make the installation and update process easier and more automated?
    
   
8. Why is the original install location or CD needed when upgrading?
    
   
9. Is there a preferred parallel port configuration for the security device, dongle, that came with my SolidWorks software?
    
   
10. How do I uninstall SolidWorks from my computer?
     
    
11. I have multiple operating systems on my computer. Do I need to install SolidWorks separately for each operating system?
     
    
12. Do you need to have write permission to the SolidWorks folder and files to run SolidWorks?
     
    
13. I have a version of SolidWorks that is two releases old. Do I need to do an intermediate step to upgrade to the latest release?
     
    
14. What prompts the error message: "Unable to determine existing SolidWorks version?"
     
    
15. Why am I being asked to verify information for SolidWorks when I install an upgrade?
     
    
16. If an evaluation copy of SolidWorks is installed on a machine and later SolidWorks is purchased, wouldn't the older files open?
     
    
17. Is it a requirement to have administrative privileges to install SolidWorks or upgrade to the latest Service Pack?
     
    
18. I recently downloaded the latest service pack for SolidWorks, and also downloaded the viewer. Why does the viewers date code not match the service packs date code?
     
    
19. The installation files could not be downloaded because: Unable to connect to IM server to get timestamp.
    

Question: Where can I find out more information about installation?

Answer:

- SolidWorks Installation and Administration Guide

- SolidWorks Knowledge Base
  Follow this link, then click Knowledge Base.

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Question: Where can I find explanations for WI (Windows Installer) error codes?

Answer: A WI error codes reference can be found on the Microsoft web site,

at http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa372835(VS.85).aspx

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Question: What are the common SolidWorks related WI (Windows Installer) error codes?

Answer: The following are common SolidWorks WI (Windows Installer error codes). The KB (Knowledge Base) links require a log in to the SolidWorks Customer Portal and Subscription Service membership.

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Question: Why is it recommended to turn off anti-virus scanning when installing SolidWorks?

Answer: Certain anti-virus (AV) application do not allow for system resources to be updated if they are in use. The other issue with having the anti-virus on during installation is performance related.

With that said, most user cannot turn off AV. If you are using one of the recommended AV programs, you should not experience issues installing SolidWorks. See the System requirements page for details.

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Question: What should I do to my system prior to a new installation?

Answer: There are a number of practices described in the tech tip How to improve reliability through routine system maintenance. This tech tip also describes some common system maintenance recommendations. The Installation Guide has references related to installing and configuring SolidWorks, eDrawings, and PDMWorks.

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Question: Can I change my data directory after installation?

Answer: No, once installation is complete the only way to change the data directory is to uninstall, then reinstall the software.

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Question: What are some ways in which I can make the installation and update process easier and more automated?

Answer: The Administration Guide has some references and information about automating the installation using administrative images and silent installation.

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Question: Why is the original install location or CD needed when upgrading?

Answer: During an upgrade, WI needs the original install location or CD to access the distributed files to verify the installed files, to repair those files that are corrupt, to replace files that have been accidentally deleted, and to reinstall system components that have been erroneously modified by other applications.

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Question: Is there a preferred parallel port configuration for the security device, dongle, that came with my SolidWorks software?

Answer: Yes, SolidWorks suggests that you set the port configuration to "Standard" or "ECP". SolidWorks does not support the use of the "EPP" port configuration and the use of this setting may hinder the proper performance of the SolidWorks software.

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Question: How do I uninstall SolidWorks from my computer?

Answer: The following steps are standard Windows functionality for uninstalling most programs: Select "Start" off of your Windows desktop. Go to "Settings" and then "Control Panel". Select "Add/Remove Programs". Find SolidWorks in the list and select it. Hit the Add/Remove button and follow the steps to remove the program.

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Question: I have multiple operating systems on my computer. Do I need to install SolidWorks separately for each operating system?

Answer: Yes, SolidWorks installs files specific to the operating system and stores information in the operating system registry so separate installations are necessary.

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Question: Do you need to have write permission to the SolidWorks folder and files to run SolidWorks?

Answer: No. Only read and execute permission are required.

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Question: I have a version of SolidWorks that is two releases old. Do I need to do an intermediate step to upgrade to the latest release?

Answer: Only service packs can be used to "update" and existing installation. You cannot perform an upgrade or update installation to go from one major release to another major release. You must always perform a complete installation, which requires either a CD or a complete Pre-Release download. (When a new version is released, subscription customers should receive a new CD automatically). When updating from one major release to another, you may notice an "update existing installation" option during the install. If you choose this option, your existing installation of SolidWorks will be deleted and replaced with the latest major release.

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Question: What prompts the error message: "Unable to determine existing SolidWorks version?"

Answer: Generally there are three reasons why a user would be prompted with this error message. They are:

     1) The SolidWorks install path is incorrect.

     2) The O/S type does not match the service pack upgrade type.

     3) The "check sum" used to determine whether the download is good, shows a discrepancy If these have all been verified as correct, try rebooting the computer and running the upgrade as the first (and usually only) application running on restart.

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Question: Why am I being asked to verify information for SolidWorks when I install an upgrade?

Answer: SolidWorks requests verification of this data in order to maintain accurate information such as shipping addresses, etc. This type of information ultimately allows SolidWorks to better assist, serve, and understand its customers, and allows for prompt delivery of software upgrades and supporting information to our customers.

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Question: If an evaluation copy of SolidWorks is installed on a machine and later SolidWorks is purchased, wouldn't the older files open?

Answer: In most cases, the user has not installed the evaluation SolidWorks with the registration codes. This is what allows the user to open files which are older than 30 days.

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Question: Is it a requirement to have administrative privileges to install SolidWorks or upgrade to the latest Service Pack?

Answer: Yes, this is a requirement because the SolidWorks installation or upgrade needs to update system DLLs and drivers which require administrative privileges. Note that you are only required to have administrative privileges on the machine on which you are installing or upgrading SolidWorks.

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Question: I recently downloaded the latest service pack for SolidWorks, and also downloaded the viewer. Why does the viewers date code not match the service packs date code?

Answer: Enhancements to the SolidWorks viewer are not made as often as the solid modeler. So often, the date code does not change on the viewer when a new service pack is offered for the solid modeler.