SOLIDWORKS Frequently Asked Questions

All SOLIDWORKS web pages and applications have switched from a SOLIDWORKS ID login page to a 3DEXPERIENCE ID login page. 

Whether you are logging into a 3DEXPERIENCE application, the DS Support Knowledge Base, the SOLIDWORKS User Forum, MySolidWorks, or the SOLIDWORKS downloads page, you have a single login everywhere – 3DEXPERIENCE ID.

Learn more about 3DEXPERIENCE IDs for SOLIDWORKS users.

Generally, this issue can be seen if prerequisites are not installed correctly.

To verify this: Try running SLDWORKS.exe from the install directory (Default location is “C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp\SOLIDWORKS”) and see what happens.  Do you see "Side by Side" error message window showing: "The application has failed to start because its side-by-side configuration is incorrect…."

If yes, it points to an issue with the installation Microsoft Prerequisites “Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable" required for SOLIDWORKS. Please try the following steps to troubleshoot the issue:

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. downloaded files\prereqs\VCRedist9\vcredist_x86.exe and vcredist_x64.exe
2. downloaded files\prereqs\VCRedist10\vcredist_x86.exe and vcredist_x64.exe
3. downloaded files\prereqs\VCRedist11\vcredist_x86.exe and vcredist_x64.exe
4. downloaded files\prereqs\VCRedist12\vcredist_x86.exe and vcredist_x64.exe
5. downloaded files\prereqs\VCRedist14\vcredist_x86.exe and vcredist_x64.exe

7. Restart computer
8. Login as administrator
9. Install SOLIDWORKS

If the problem still occurs, repair the installation of SOLIDWORKS:

1. Go to Start > User Account > User Account Control Settings. Set it to “Never Notify”. Restart the system
2. Login as administrator
3. Turn off all anti-virus, popup blocker, ad-ware and spy-ware applications along with Windows Firewall
4. Go to Start > Control Panel > SOLIDWORKS and click ‘Change’ to repair the installation
5. Select ‘Repair the individual installation (on this computer)’
6. Click ‘Next’
7. Follow the instruction to complete the modification

This error is related to the network license of SOLIDWORKS. It is possible that an Education Edition network license (serial number starting with '9710…') got auto-populated during the installation. Note that this is an incorrect serial number for installing a Student Edition version. If you wish to install a SOLIDWORKS Student Edition, contact your school/university and request that they provide a Student Edition serial number which begins with '9020…’.

Once you have the correct serial number, you can follow the steps below to modify the serial number:

1. Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features and select SOLIDWORKS. Select “Change”.
2. Select the option for "Modify installation” and then change the serial number.
3. Select “Next” for the other prompts and finish the installation.

Yes, they are the same file types. 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS and SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD files are 100% compatible.

Yes, all service packs are supported.

Yes. SOLIDWORKS is the most widely used 3D CAD package in education. 

SOLIDWORKS is used to introduce students to engineering in thousands of high schools, colleges, and universities all over the world. Learn more about our solutions for education.

Dedicated solutions for students help you rise above your peers by developing the design and engineering skills you need to be successful for the next step in your education, or when it is time to enter the job market. Learn more about our solutions for students. 

SOLIDWORKS solutions are available to purchase through Reseller Partners and directly online. Whether you choose to buy from a Reseller partner or online, you will be connected with a Reseller Partner for onboarding and lasting support.

Yes, the SolidNetWork licenses provide for multiple installations for commercial customers only. Each installation needs to be identified upon order.

Yes. You are allowed to purchase exams in bulk on our webstore then transfer testing credits to users of your choice in the form of a 'voucher'. To create vouchers from your bulk purchase, log into your virtualtester account and follow the simple instructions: https://3dexperience.virtualtester.com/#home

At this time, buying online is available in these countries.

We currently have a 15-day cancellation policy. If you submit your cancellation request up to 15 days after your purchase, we will cancel and refund your order.

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

Yes. Product development takes a full team, and SOLIDWORKS with the cloud helps your teams work together from any location, improving design efficiency and communication while streamlining product development to meet business goals. SOLIDWORKS with Cloud Services, 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS, and SOLIDWORKS xDesign are all connected to the 3DEXPERIENCE® platform, a cloud-based business and innovation platform that scales with you. Here’s a preview of what the cloud can do for you on day one:

• Connect all stakeholders inside and outside of your organization with a single source of truth
• Easily share and markup designs with any stakeholder
• Store and revise models with secure, CAD-aware cloud storage

Yes. Product development takes a full team, and SOLIDWORKS with the cloud helps your teams work together from any location, improving design efficiency and communication while streamlining product development to meet business goals. 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS is connected to the 3DEXPERIENCE® platform, a cloud-based business and innovation platform that scales with you. Here’s a preview of what the cloud can do for you on day one:

Connect all stakeholders inside and outside of your organization with a single source of truth 
Easily share and markup designs with any stakeholder in 3D 
Store and revise models with secure, CAD-aware cloud storage

You are encouraged to discuss your exam with an authorized training and support provide or fellow SOLIDWORKS users.  The SOLIDWORKS Certification cannot share the answers or solution methodology so as not to prejudice your next attempt. 

Due the complexity of an online testing environment, where every candidate receives a unique exam, we are unable to provide individuals with hands on analysis of improvement areas in their exam.  However, we can encourage you to visit our public website, where you will find a list of exam topics that you should be proficient in for each exam.