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Installation
- SOLIDWORKS and SW PDM System Requirements
- Preparing for Installation
- How to Download SOLIDWORKS
- SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager (.exe)
- How to Request a Manual Download for SOLIDWORKS
- How To Order A SOLIDWORKS Media Kit
- Installing – A Complete Overview to Managing a CAD Environment
- SOLIDWORKS Hardware Guide
- Troubleshooting SOLIDWORKS Installation Issues
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- SOLIDWORKS Individual Installation
- How to Modify Your SOLIDWORKS Installation
- How to Repair Your SOLIDWORKS Installation
- Performing a Clean Uninstall
- How to Quickly Update SOLIDWORKS to a Newer Service Pack
- How to Transfer a Standalone License
- Install Multiple Versions
- SOLIDWORKS Activation Wizard: How to Transfer SOLIDWORKS License
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- SOLIDWORKS Network Licensing
- How to Upgrade SolidNetWork License Manager
- Moving from SOLIDWORKS Standalone to Network Licenses
- Adding License to an Existing SolidNetwork License Manager
- Use Options File to Reserve Licenses for Specific Users
- SOLIDWORKS SolidNetWork License Order Guide
- How to Reactivate SOLIDWORKS Network Licenses
- How to Move the SOLIDWORKS SolidNetWork License Manager to a New Server
- SOLIDWORKS SolidNetwork License Manager Overview
- How to Install the SolidNetwork License Manager
- Reserve Licenses with Options File
- How to add or remove network serial numbers
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SOLIDWORKS Portal
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SOLIDWORKS
- SOLIDWORKS Keyboard Shortcuts
- SOLIDWORKS Copy Settings Wizard
- Accessing Xpress Tools
- How To Tell Who Has a SOLIDWORKS File Open
- How to Use SOLIDWORKS Pack and Go
- SOLIDWORKS Administration Overview
- Rebuild Types and How They Work
- Understanding SOLIDWORKS Settings and Templates
- How to create SOLIDWORKS Part, Assembly, and Drawing Templates
- Utilizing Cloud Storage with SOLIDWORKS
- Automate File Exports with Task Scheduler
- Troubleshooting Weldment Cut List Consolidation
- SOLIDWORKS Multi-sheet Custom Properties Source
- How to Use Save As with References
- How to Troubleshoot Graphical Issues
- How to Enable or Disable SOLIDWORKS Add-ins
- PDM Branch and Merge Overview
- Copy and Paste as Reference in PDM
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PDM
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- PDM How to Work in Off-line Mode
- How to Use PDM Move Tree
- How to Use PDM Copy Tree
- PDM - What are Private State Files?
- PDM Search Operators
- How to Set PDM to Details View in Windows File Explorer
- SOLIDWORKS PDM Search Results – Which Configuration’s Variables are Displayed?
- PDM Automatic Login Options
- Preview Tab Options
- How To Overwrite Latest PDM Version
- Difference Between Versions and Revisions
- How to export search results from PDM
- Selecting Child References Automatically in SOLIDWORKS PDM 1/3
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- PDM Administrators: Roles and Responsibilities
- PDM License Type Matrix
- PDM Server Recommendations
- PDM Backup Procedures
- How to Reset Your SOLIDWORKS PDM Admin Password
- How to Control Get Version Commands
- Adding a PDM Vault View with a Windows Azure Active Directory Account
- PDM Major Minor Revisions
- How to Set Revision Manually in PDM
- How to Set Up Revision Tables
- PDM - What are Version Free Variables?
- PDM How to Rollback a File to a Previous Version
- PDM Setting Cache Options Automatically
- How to Change PDM Date Formatting
- How to Delete a PDM User Completely
- How to Reset Web2 Authentication in IIS
- SOLIDWORKS PDM Connectivity Test Tool
- How to Configure the Local HOSTS file to Resolve Server Name
- Create Local Vault View Shortcut
- How to Configure a Computer to be a PDM Task Host
- How to Setup a Dedicated Unattended Task Host
- How to use PDM Database Upgrade Tool
- Collect Support Information for PDM
- Update Credentials for PDM Archive Server
- Update Credentials for PDM Database Server
- Creating and Using PDM Labels
- Troubleshooting PDM Notifications
- PDM Cold Storage and How To Use It
- How to set the PDM Preview Tab Viewer
- How to reset the SQL password for the PDM Vault SQL Server
- SOLIDWORKS Strategies for Using the File Version Upgrade Tool (FVUT)
- How To Relocate An Existing SOLIDWORKS Vault View To Another Drive
- How to manually remove a disconnected PDM Vault View
- How To Relocate Vault Archive Folders To Another Drive
- How to Setup Toolbox in PDM - SOLIDWORKS
- How to Resolve “Workflow States Exceeds Permissible Limit” - SOLIDWORKS
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- Create Local Vault View
- How to Delete or Recreate a Local Vault View
- Create Local PDM Vault View Using .cvs File
- How to Change PDM Client License Type after Installation
- PDM File Version Upgrade Tool
- PDM Upgrade Checklist
- How to Upgrade SOLIDWORKS PDM Add-ins
- SOLIDWORKS PDM: Moving Server Components - Checklist
- How to Install SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard
- SOLIDWORKS PDM / Manage Installation Guide (PDF)
- Install Microsoft SQL 2019 for PDM Professional
- How to Install PDM Client Software
- Change SQL Server License
- How to Upgrade SOLIDWORKS Toolbox in PDM - AUTOMATICALLY
- How to Upgrade SOLIDWORKS Toolbox in PDM - MANUALLY
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Known Solutions
- Windows Firewall Exceptions for SOLIDWORKS Network Based Products
- Why Users Need Local Admin Rights to Install SOLIDWORKS
- How to Run SOLIDWORKS with Administrator Permissions
- Blank SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager - Resolution
- SOLIDWORKS RX - The Ultimate CAD Diagnostic Tool
- SOLIDWORKS Safe Modes
- How to Force SOLIDWORKS to Use Your Graphics Card
- How to Ensure that You are Running a SOLIDWORKS Certified Graphics Card Driver
- Troubleshooting SOLIDWORKS Installation Issues
- Resolution to Common File Location Errors
- Non-Matching Internal ID
- Could not obtain a license for SOLIDWORKS CAM. Invalid (inconsistent) license key
- “The Source Folder Is Not Versioned Properly…” Error when Modifying Serial Number
- “A Newer Version of This Product is Already Installed” Error when Installing SOLIDWORKS
- "Error obtaining License (-85, 147, 0)"
- SOLIDWORKS Search Routine Order
- How to Restore Dismissed SOLIDWORKS Messages
- Viewing SOLIDWORKS Configurations in eDrawings
- How to Modify the Reference/Update Dialog Dismissal Time
- SOLIDWORKS Educational Resources
- How to Change the SOLIDWORKS Language
- Restore Your File Associations
- How To Reset SOLIDWORKS Registry
- Resolve "Sheet Format Could Not Be Located"
- How To Correct The "Default Templates Are Not Valid" Error
- Correcting foreign language characters in the FeatureManager Tree
- How to Collect CXPAs
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Simulation
- Simulation Meshing Guide
- How to Duplicate and Reuse Simulation Study Data
- Setting Up Default Options for SOLIDWORKS Simulation
- Which Type of Elements Should I Use?
- Is SOLIDWORKS Simulation Accurate?
- Getting Started with Simulation
- The Basics of Setting Up a Study in Simulation
- Do I Need Non-linear Simulation?
- Submodeling Studies – The What, Why, & How of Using Them in SOLIDWORKS Simulation
- What To Do When you get the “Excessive Displacement” Warning in SOLIDWORKS Simulation
- How to Create Temperature Dependent Custom Materials in SOLIDWORKS Simulation
- How to Export Flow Simulation Results to Import into FEA
- How to Add a Hydrostatic Load
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3DEXPERIENCE
- How to Create a 3DEXPERIENCE ID
- 3DEXPERIENCE Cloud Eligibility Tool
- Cloud Services Activation
- Invite Users & Assign Roles
- How to Install Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS
- Install the 3DEXPERIENCE Add-in for SOLIDWORKS
- How to Install 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Connected
- How to Update SOLIDWORKS Connected and other Apps
- Storing SOLIDWORKS Templates on 3DEXPERIENCE Platform
- Work Offline in 3DEXPERIENCE
- How to uninstall 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Connected
How to Request a Manual Download for SOLIDWORKS
How to Download SOLIDWORKS - Active Subscription Customers
For customers with an active service subscription, the newest and previous three major released versions of SOLIDWORKS can be downloaded directly from the Customer Portal under Downloads. (Example: 2021, 2020, 2019, and 2018).
For all previous versions of SOLIDWORKS not available on the Customer Portal, an alternate download must be requested through MLC CAD Systems. The download will include the installation files for the entire software package. During installation, the serial number entered in the installation manager will then determine which SOLIDWORKS products can be installed and activated.
How to Download SOLIDWORKS - Non-active Subscription Customers
For customers who have opted against subscription service, software downloads are not accessible using the Customer Portal and an alternate download link is required for all versions of SOLIDWORKS. The download can be requested for a SOLIDWORKS service which was released prior to the end of your subscription service.
Request a SOLIDWORKS Download Link (All customers)
Whether you are on an active subscription service or not, the download request and installation process is the same for the rest of this document.
• Submit an appropriate technical support request with details on which version you want to download.
• A new request is required for each version requested.
• The time to process the requests varies, though typically takes 1-2 days to complete and for the download to be prepared. MLC CAD Systems cannot guarantee a specific timeframe to process and provide the download.
How to Access the Download Link
To access the download, you will need a SOLIDWORKS ID or create a 3DEXPERIENCE ID. Please note that ONLY the email address specified in the download request can be used to access the download link. The download link is locked to that email address. A change of email address will require a new request and link to be generated.
Extract the Files and Install SOLIDWORKS
The download is everything which used to be on the installation DVDs, and as such is divided into 2 or 3 downloadable zip folders with approximately 12-14 GB of total data, depending on the SOLIDWORKS version. Be sure you have enough available disc space prior to downloading the files.
Step 1 - Unblock the Downloaded Files
The Windows operating system automatically blocks large files of this nature as part of its security. If the files are not ‘Unblocked’ before extraction, then the SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager screen may be blank.
Right-click on each downloaded Zip file and choose Properties. At the bottom of the General tab, choose the security option to Unblock and then click Apply.
Step 2 - Unzip and Organize the Download Files
Note, for the best results when unzipping the files, it is recommended to use the latest version of WinZip for x64
Unzip all to unique folders and then create a new blank version-specific folder to use as a combined storage location. The example below is named SOLIDWORKS 2021 full download.
Red arrows = unzipped folders
Green arrow = new blank folder to be used in the next step
To ensure the Installation Manager can locate all the required files in a single folder, copy the entire contents of the unzipped disk folders (red arrows) and paste them into the new blank folder named SOLIDWORKS <version> full download (green arrow).
Copy all contents from the unzipped folders
Paste to new SOLIDWORKS < version> full download folder
After copying the files from the first unzipped disk folder, the Windows Replace or Skip Files dialog will display. Choose the option to Replace the files in the destination, since each unzipped folder does contain some files which are the same across all unzipped folders.
After all contents from all unzipped disk folders are copied to the SOLIDWORKS <version> full download folder, you can then launch the SOLIDWORKS installation by double-clicking the setup.exe file and proceed with installing SOLIDWORKS as normal.
Since all required files have been downloaded, change the SOLIDWORKS installation manager to install only.
On the Summary screen next to Download Options, select “Change”
On the Download Options screen, select the option “Install only. I already have all the installation files needed.” and use the Browse button to navigate to the SOLIDWORKS full download folder you created previously.
Click Back to Summary and proceed with installing SOLIDWORKS.
Troubleshooting
Blank or White Installation Manager Screen
If the Installation Manager is blank/white screen with no available options, then use the instructions below to unblock the HTML files required for the installation manager. This can occur when certain settings are set within your internet browser.
1. Within the SOLIDWORKS < version> full download folder, navigate to sldim\lang\english\HTML
2. Right click on frameset.html and the choose Properties
3. On the General tab click on ‘Unblock’
4. Repeat with all other .html files in the HTML folder
5. Start SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager and proceed with the installation
All other Unexpected Behavior or Questions
If it does not resolve the behavior, please try resetting the Internet Explorer settings to the default settings. In Internet Explorer, select Tools > Internet Options > Advanced > Reset
For all other unexpected behavior or installation questions, contact MLC CAD Systems technical support team.