SOLIDWORKS Frequently Asked Questions

Note that the system requirements for commercial versions and Student Edition versions are not different. For details, please check this link: www.solidworks.com/SystemRequirements

This link provides the minimum system requirements for running SOLIDWORKS.

It is possible to purchase the SOLIDWORKS Student Edition from the SOLIDWORKS student store website. Use this link:www.solidworks.com/studentstore

Please note that Student Edition license for Military Veterans can be purchased through this link: www.solidworks.com/mvp

The CSWP/CSWA exams are available in the following languages: English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Chinese (Simplified), Korean, Japanese, Turkish, and Traditional Chinese.

This error is related to the installation of prerequisite VC++ components. To troubleshoot the issue, try reinstallation of VC++ components manually:

1.  Go to Start > User Account > User Account Control Settings. Set it to “Never Notify”. Restart the system
2.  Login as administrator
3.  Uninstall VC++ redistributable components (2008 and 2010 and 2012, 2013, 2015) from Programs and Features
4.  Restart the computer
5.  Login as administrator
6.  Reinstall: VC++ 2008 and 2010 and 2012, 2013, 2015
   1. a. downloaded files\prereqs\VCRedist9\vcredist_x86.exe and vcredist_x64.exe
   2. b. downloaded files\prereqs\VCRedist10\vcredist_x86.exe and vcredist_x64.exe
   3. c. downloaded files\prereqs\VCRedist11\vcredist_x86.exe and vcredist_x64.exe
   4. d. downloaded files\prereqs\VCRedist12\vcredist_x86.exe and vcredist_x64.exe
   5. e. downloaded files\prereqs\VCRedist14\vcredist_x86.exe and vcredist_x64.exe  
7.  Restart your computer
8.  Login as administrator
9.  Install SOLIDWORKS

No, a SolidNetWork License does not require subscription service; however, the benefits of subscription service will not be available.

SOLIDWORKS is not officially supported in the Mac environment.  We are aware of many users who run SOLIDWORKS successfully in a dual-boot Windows environment on Macs.  We are not aware of many users running successfully in an emulated Windows environment on Macs.  If you choose to run SOLIDWORKS on a Mac, your best chance for success will be choosing a dual-boot "Boot Camp" setup (booting in Windows) on your Mac.

SOLIDWORKS eDrawings and the free 2D CAD product DraftSight are supported in native Mac OS.

Please refer to this link providing system requirement information for installing SOLIDWORKS:

www.solidworks.com/SystemRequirements

Yes. Support is included with your purchase.

No, to transfer an SNL license, use the transfer option in the SNL License Manager.

Yes. Get started with SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD free trial!

Yes. The SOLIDWORKS for Startups Program is a robust program that offers hardware startup founders free SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD software and other world-class products. In addition to the software, the program offers free training and co-marketing resources to help hardware startups succeed. Find out if your startup is eligible and sign up for SOLIDWORKS for Startups.

Yes. 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers offers SOLIDWORKS design and manufacturing solutions at a low cost for any maker. Learn more about 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for Makers and start making today.

This can happen if you are kicked out of your session. Refresh ( F5) your browser and wait 30-60 seconds for the previous session to close.

The software will successfully reactivate in most cases. If your attempt to reactivate fails, please contact your Reseller Support for help.

Student Edition products allow for 2 activations.  If both activations have already been consumed, then you can contact our support team for further assistance by filling in the Student support form.  If you only installed and activated SOLIDWORKS once, then you can install and activate the license one more time without contacting SOLIDWORKS for assistance.

Generally, in this case, installation logs show an error with the installation of VSTA (vsta_aide.msi).

When trying to manually install the VSTA component by running vsta_aide.msi, installation of VSAT fails with error code 1305 "Error reading from file' during installation."

Generally, this occurs when the installation is running from OneDrive and the Installation Manager is unable to read some files from OneDrive leading to installation failure.

To resolve the issue, copy the all the downloaded files to a folder that’s local to the system, then run the installation from the local folder.