How to use PDM Database Upgrade Tool
How to Upgrade the PDM File Vault Database
After upgrading your SOLIDWORKS PDM software to a newer major version, the database associated with the vault must also be upgraded using the Database Upgrade Tool. Here is an example of the warning message which will display if the program and file vault are of incompatible versions with the phrase “The program and the file vault are of incompatible versions”.
Note: The Microsoft SQL (sa) password is required to upgrade a database. Prior to running the tool, be sure to create a complete PDM Backup. See additional recommendations in step 3 below.
Locate and Run the Database Upgrade Tool
The Database Upgrade Tool is in the downloaded SOLIDWORKS PDM installation media directory. The default location is C:\Users\<username>\Documents\SOLIDWORKS Download\SOLIDWORKS <version>\SWPDMServer\Upgrade
Locate the Upgrade.exe file and Run it as Administrator from the right-click menu.
Confirm Administrative Permissions
A message will indicate the upgrade wizard should only be performed by PDM administrators. Click Yes to continue if you are logged in as a user with administrator permissions.
Confirm Prerequisite Actions
The upgrade wizard will then display a message with recommended steps prior to the upgrade. Once all the steps have been completed, click Next.
- Upgrade the PDM license in the license manager
- Check in all files (recommended)
- Do not remove PDM Vault Views, upgrade them with the client installer
- Confirm a current full backup of the SQL database has been performed.
- Upgrade the PDM server components (Note, these may exist on multiple servers)
- Make sure users are not using the vault
Select SQL Server
Select or enter the Microsoft SQL Server hosting PDM and click Next.
Login with "sa" account
Enter your (sa) password and click Log In.
Select Vaults to Upgrade
A list of your vaults is displayed with a Version and Status if they require upgrading or not. Select the vault(s) which need upgraded and then click Next.
Start the Upgrade
Click Next again to begin the upgrade.
Note: you must click Next after this screen displays or the process will not start.
Confirm Results
A summary of the upgrade will display indicating a failed or successful upgrade. Click Finish to complete the process and close the PDM Database Upgrade Tool/Wizard. The PDM Database has now been upgraded and is ready to use.
Technical Support
If you have any questions or experience unexpected behavior, feel free to reach out to MLC CAD Systems technical support.