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How to Change PDM Login Type

During installation of SOLIDWORKS PDM Server Components, each vault is assigned a default Login Type. After installation, you can modify the login type for each vault individually using the Archive Server Configuration tool. 

 

      • SOLIDWORKS PDM Login 
        Uses names and passwords entered from the administration tool on client workstations. 

 

      • Windows Login 
        Uses Windows accounts. Users are prompted for their Windows authentication credentials. Automatic login logs in Windows users automatically without prompting for credentials. 

 

      • LDAP Server 
        Uses LDAP Server accounts, primarily for Novell NDS servers and Novell eDirectory. 

 

While deploying PDM for the first time, it’s recommended to start with standard SOLIDWORKS PDM Logins when first setting up or troubleshooting vault access. Once login and permissions are confirmed, you can switch to Windows or LDAP authentication and test. 

 

Note: Depending on the software version year, different options may be available. This guide was created using SOLIDWORKS PDM 2025. 

Changing the Vault Login Type

  1. Open the Archive Server Configuration Tool by selecting Windows Start > All > SOLIDWORKS PDM folder > Archive Server Configuration. 

 

Note, if the Archive Server Configuration tool has already been launched once during the current Windows session, then you will need to access the icon from the Windows Task Tray near the clock as shown in the second image below. 

How to Change PDM Login Type File Location
How to Change PDM Login Type File Location 2
  1. Open the vault’s properties to change the login type for an individual vault or all vaults. 
    • Change settings for individual vault: Expand This Computer > Archives > right-click the vault and select Properties then the Login tab. 
How to Change PDM Login Type Property Location
How to Change PDM Login Type Login Location
        • Change settings for ALL vaults: Tools > Default Settings… then the Login tab. 
How to Change PDM Login Type Default Settings Location
How to Change PDM Login Type Default Login Location
  1. Change the Login Type: 
    • SOLIDWORKS PDM Login is the default option and will use standard PDM user accounts. 
    • Windows Login uses Windows accounts.  
      • Select Automatic Login to allow the system to enter Windows credentials and log users into PDM vault views automatically. 
      • Select Allow SOLIDWORKS PDM login to allow both PDM login and Windows login. 
      • Clicking the Settings… button will open the Windows settings for Active Directory users and groups. 
How to Change PDM Login Type Window Login Location
How to Change PDM Login Type Users and Group Location
      • LDAP Server uses LDAP Server accounts, primarily for Novell NDS servers and Novell eDirectory. 
        • Clicking the Settings… button will open the LDAP settings dialog for Domain Controller or LDAP Server Name, User/Group Mapping, Authentication Settings, etc.
How to Change PDM Login Type LDAP Location
How to Change PDM Login Type LDAP Settings Location
  1. Accept the changes and test PDM logins. As noted at the beginning of this guide, it’s recommended to start with standard SOLIDWORKS PDM Logins when first setting up or troubleshooting vault access. Once login and permissions are confirmed, you can switch to Windows or LDAP authentication and test. 

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Last Updated On
byRick Braine
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