Certain anti-virus (AV) applications do not allow system resources to be updated if they are in use. The other issue with having the AV on during installation is performance-related. With that said, most users cannot turn off their AV software due to corporate IT policy. If you are using one of the recommended AV programs, you should not experience issues installing SolidWorks. See the System Requirements page for details.

There are a number of practices described in the tech tip How to ensure a clean uninstall of SolidWorks. This tech tip also describes some common system maintenance recommendations. The Installation Guide has references related to installing and configuring SolidWorks, eDrawings, and Enterprise PDM.

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

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

During an upgrade, you may need additional file 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. The Installation Manager will optionally download these items for you.

No. Only read and execute permission are required.

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.

Answer: A WI error codes reference can be found on the Microsoft website.

Ensure that via HTTP is open on your firewall for port 80, which is used by the SolidWorks Installation Manager during the update process.

Yes, 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.