Common questions relating to installation.

This can lead to unwanted challenges such as running into a blank SOLIDWORKS installation manager. Steps to Unblock Installation Files. Luckily, correcting the blank installation manager is an easy fix. Follow these steps to unblock the installation files and experience a seamless installation of SOLIDWORKS. Step 1: Close the blank installation. Download SOLIDWORKS 2015 SP0.0 here from Solid Solutions. Information: This download (29MB) contains the SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager for SOLIDWORKS 2015 SP0.0 which is compatible with Microsoft Windows 7/8, 64bit. SolidWorks Installation Manager is used by 12 users of Software Informer. The names of program executable files are sldim.exe, sldCheckForUpdates.exe, sldIMScheduler.exe and swspmanager.exe. This particular product is not fit to be reviewed by our informers.

For additional references and resources see the following:
- SOLIDWORKS Help (See SOLIDWORKS Installation section)
- SOLIDWORKS Administration Guides
- SOLIDWORKS Forums: Installation
- SOLIDWORKS Knowledge Base: Installation Solutions

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

Question: Do you recommend turning off anti-virus scanning when installing SolidWorks?
Answer: 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.

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 insure 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.

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.

Question: How can I make the installation and update process easier and more automated?

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

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

Answer: 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.

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

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

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.

Question: Where can I find explanations for WI (Windows Installer) error codes?
Answer: A WI error codes reference can be found on the Microsoft website.

Question: What caused the error 'Unable to connect to IM server to get timestamp' when downloading installation files?
Answer: Ensure that via HTTP is open on your firewall for port 80, which is used by the SolidWorks Installation Manager during the update process.

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Question: Do I need to have administrative privileges to install SolidWorks or upgrade to the latest Service Pack?
Answer: 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.