Troubleshooting PDM Notifications
Troubleshooting PDM Notifications
SOLIDWORKS
Troubleshooting PDM Notifications, why are PDM notifications not working after install or upgrade of SOLIDWORKS PDM? This could be the result incorrect SQL server information entered during the install or upgrade.
The SOLIDWORKS PDM database server service periodically polls SOLIDWORKS PDM databases for updates such as notifications, local view refresh, replication schedule updates, and index server changes.
The correct configuration is essential for proper functionality of the database server service, and it is very important that the current and accurate SQL server name or SQL Server instance is entered during the installation or upgrade of the database server service. This information is stored in the registry of the system that is running database server service under the following key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\SolidWorks\Applications\PDMWorks Enterprise\MailService
Examples of how the Server name may be entered incorrectly
When you install SOLIDWORKS PDM 2020 or later, the configuration step for the database server service does not validate the entered Microsoft SQL server information or credentials. If the wrong credentials or Microsoft SQL instance name is entered during the upgrade, then PDM notifications will not work for the file vault.
There are two different methods to install the SOLIDWORKS PDM database server service. Depending on the method you use, the procedure will differ slightly.
Note, you will need the Microsoft SQL (sa) password, or a SQL user with db_owner permission, to install as well as for future upgrades
Example 1: Using the SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager
If your SOLIDWORKS PDM server components were installed using the SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager, then in the SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager, the dialog displays for specifying the SQL Server information and credentails. The Installation Manager has no support to validate the SQL details, so whatever information is entered here will be used.
During installation or upgrade, we highly recommend taking note or a screenshot of the SQL Server information that is entered, so it can be referenced during future upgrades.
Note in the image above, the SQL Server Name filed is pre-filled with ‘localhost\SWPDM’. Unless this named ‘\SWPDM’ instance is matching your SQL Server, then it must be updated with the correct SQL server name before completing the installation.
- For the default SQL instance, specify the server name as <HOSTNAME>
- For example: ACME
- For a named SQL instance, specify the server name as <HOSTNAME>\<INSTANCE>
- For example: ACME\SOLIDWORKS
If you have already installed the SOLIDWORKS PDM Database Server with an incorrect SQL Server instance name, then update the Server value under the following registry key on the server:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\SolidWorks\Applications\PDMWorks Enterprise\MailService
After changing the registry value, restart the SOLIDWORKS PDM Database Server Windows service.
If your Microsoft SQL (sa) credentials have changed, then they will need to be updated in the SOLIDWORKS PDM Database Server
Example 2: Using the 'Setup.exe' that is calling the SOLIDWORKS PDM Server.msi located in the SWPDMServer folder
f your PDM server components were installed using the server.msi, then in the SOLIDWORKS PDM Server InstallShield Wizard, the dialog displays for specifying the SQL Server information and credentials. The installation wizard has no support to validate the SQL details, so whatever information is entered here will be used.
During installation or upgrade, we highly recommend taking note or a screenshot of the SQL Server information that is entered, so it can be referenced during future upgrades.
Note that the SQL Server Name filed is NOT pre-filled. It is important to specify the correct SQL server name and validate login credentails.
- For the default SQL instance, specify the server name as <HOSTNAME>
- For example: ACME
- For a named SQL instance, specify the server name as <HOSTNAME>\<INSTANCE>
- For example: ACME\SOLIDWORKS
If you have already installed the SOLIDWORKS PDM Database Server with an incorrect SQL Server instance name, then update the Server value under the following registry key on the server:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\SolidWorks\Applications\PDMWorks Enterprise\MailService
After changing the registry value, restart the SOLIDWORKS PDM Database Server Windows service.
If your Microsoft SQL (sa) credentials have changed, then they will need to be updated in the SOLIDWORKS PDM Database Server
Technical Support
If you have any follow-up questions and are an MLC CAD Systems customer, please contact support at 800-364-1652 x 2 or by email at solidworkssupport@mlc-cad.com.
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