SOLIDWORKS Frequently Asked Questions

No. If you upgrade or replace your computer, you can transfer your license to the new or upgraded machine at your convenience. Simply deactivate your license through the Transfer License option in the Help menu; then, after upgrading or replacing your computer, reinstall the product and reactivate it.

No. The core technology of product activation only runs when you run your SOLIDWORKS software, and will have no noticeable effect on the overall performance of your computer.

No, SNL product activation will not affect triad licensing using license files.

Yes. All SOLIDWORKS CAD solutions include access to cloud collaboration and data management tools.

Yes, Global Networks are an option if the network meets certain requirements.

No, it is not necessary to release SOLIDWORKS to release the license for a SOLIDWORKS add-in. Simply un-check the add-in under Tools, Add-ins, and this will release the license.

No, dongles are no longer supported by SOLIDWORKS.

No. Activation is a secure and anonymous one-time process. After activation is complete, the license manager runs alongside the product for the sole purpose of verifying the integrity of the license file and the validity of the product license. The activation technology in the product never contacts SOLIDWORKS except with your express knowledge and consent.

We use the industry-standard Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) to transmit data to product activation servers that are both physically secure and have limited employee access.

The activation technology uses a robust and proven algorithm to safely write its license data to an unused sector of the hard drive located in track zero. This technology has been used in a variety of software installed on millions of computers worldwide, and verified to be safe by independent sources.

This approach allows license data to remain safe even if the product or operating system require reinstallation. In rare cases where the algorithm determines that writing to track zero may cause a potential conflict, it uses an alternative file system based anchor for the license data.

The SolidNetWork license monitors the concurrent usage of SOLIDWORKS to ensure that the number of concurrent users does not exceed the number of purchased licenses. Additional concurrent users cannot execute SOLIDWORKS once the specified number of users is exceeded.

Yes, an SNL optionally supports a configurable time out feature.  The preset is 15 minutes.

Yes, the SNL license supports multiple site installations in the same global territory.

This error can occur if prior license information is still available on your system, or if the installation is performed with a prior version serial number.

Try the following to troubleshoot:

1. Rename the FLEXnet folder and try the activation again:
   Go to C:\ProgramData\FLEXnet and rename the folder FLEXnet (may be to FLEXnet_old) (The ProgramData folder is a hidden folder. Either you can enable to show hidden folders from Folder options, or you can directly type c:\Programdata into the address bar and press enter to access this folder. You will be able to find the Flexnet folder.)

2. Try to activate again and if the error still occurs, confirm that a valid serial number is used for the SOLIDWORKS installation by modifying the installation. If the serial number is not a valid one, please change and input the correct serial number:
   1. Go to Start > Control Panel >SOLIDWORKS
   2. click ‘Change’ to modify the installation. Select ‘Modify the individual installation (on this computer)’ >click ‘Next’
   3. Under ‘serial number’ make sure that your valid serial number is in use
   4. If not, replace the serial number with a valid one and click ‘Next’
   5. Follow the instructions to complete the modification
   6. Rename the FLEXnet folder and try to activate again

If the problem still occurs, try doing a repair installation of SOLIDWORKS by following the steps below:

1. Go to Start > User Account > User Account Control Settings. Set it to “Never Notify”. Restart the system
2. Login as administrator
3. Turn off all anti-virus, popup blocker, ad-ware and spy-ware applications along with Windows Firewall
4. Go to Start > Control Panel >SOLIDWORKS and click ‘Change’ to repair the installation
5. Select ‘Repair the individual installation (on this computer)’
6. Click ‘Next’. Follow the instruction to complete the modification
7. Try activating again

You can contact the Student Edition Support Team by filling in the student support form using this link and providing the required information: www.solidworks.com/studentsupport 

When contacting the Student Edition Support Team, please collect and include the following information:

For installation and download issues:

1. Installation Logs: Please provide the installation log files for further investigation of your issue. To go to the installation log folder, you can type %appdata% at Start > RUN and press Enter; it will open the "Roaming" folder.  In the "Roaming" folder go to the "SOLIDWORKS" folder. Under the "SOLIDWORKS" folder, you will find a folder named “Installation log.” Zip this complete folder and provide it for investigation.
2. Screenshot of the error message
3. Serial numbers

For Crash and SOLIDWORKS functionality issues, or SOLIDWORKS files related issues:

1. SOLIDWORKS Rx: Please capture your problem using the Rx utility and send the zip file back for further investigation. (Default location of Rx is Start > All Programs > SOLIDWORKS Student Edition > SOLIDWORKS Tools > SOLIDWORKS RX) Run Rx utility and go to "Problem Capture” and Click “Record Video.” It will launch SOLIDWORKS and you can follow steps to show your issue. Click “Finish recording” after you have followed the steps to show the issue. Then Click “Package Files Now...” and save the zip file.  Now under “Describe Problem" click “Continue” and enter the problem description and required details and click “OK” and exit the Rx utility. Send the zip file as an attachment for further investigation.

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