SOLIDWORKS Frequently Asked Questions

There are two simple tests you can do:

1. Verify if your local machine can see the server machine over the network, open a DOS window and type the following command: ping [server_name]. If the server machine is accessible, you will get a reply message listing the IP address of the server. If the server machine is not accessible, you will get an error message stating "Bad IP address". A bad IP address can be caused by misspelling the server name, or by network connectivity problems.
2. Make sure more complex TCP/IP protocols are being routed properly, try doing a telnet to the port on the server where there FLEXLm server is residing, type: "telnet [server_name] [port_number]". The default SW FLEXlm port number is 16560. If you get an error message "connection failed", this indicates that there is insufficient TCP/IP routing between the client and the server. You will need to see your network administrator to get this resolved before SolidNetWork License will work.

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

Please try the following to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Rename the FLEXnet folder and try the activation again
   Go to C:\ProgramData\FLEXnet and rename the folder FLEXnet (maybe 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 the activation again

Student Edition serial numbers are version-specific. This error can occur if a previous version serial number was used for installing a new version. (i.e., the serial number used for the installation is not entitled to the version you are trying to install).

It might be possible that the previous version serial number was automatically taken from the registry (as it was available in the registries) on the serial number page and the user continued without modifying it.

Hence, on the Serial Number page of the Installation Manager, please ensure that the correct serial number is entered. If any serial number is automatically displayed, remove it and enter the correct serial number. Proceed with the installation.

It is not uncommon that consumers to purchase or use non-genuine software unknowingly. Unauthorized resellers often offers non-genuine software with an attractive package to entice unknowing customers into purchasing.

The quickest way to access technical support is to create a service request in our 3DSupport App or call your SOLIDWORKS Reseller. It’s that simple.

This can be verified by modifying the existing installation of SOLIDWORKS on the computer. You need to follow the steps below for modifying the installation:

1. Make sure SOLIDWORKS® is not running.
2. In Windows, open the Control Panel and go to Programs and Features.
3. Select the SOLIDWORKS® installation you want to modify and then click 'Change'.
4. On the Welcome screen, ensure that 'Modify the individual installation (on this computer)' is selected and click ‘Next’.
5. On the Serial Number screen, verify that the appropriate serial numbers are specified and click ‘Next’.
6. On the Product Selection screen, select the products to install or remove, and then click ‘Next’.
   When modifying an installation:
   • No products are installed or removed by default, even if you specify a new serial number. You must change the installation action of each product or feature.
   • To view the projected modification action for a particular component, click the component name (but not the check box). The intended modification action appears in the information field below the product listing.
   • To see the available features for each product, click + next to that product and then click the icon next to the product or feature to change the installation actions.
   • When you change a product selection from the initial specification, an asterisk (*) appears next to that product component in the listing.
7. On the Summary screen, click Modify Now.
8. Once the ‘Installation is Complete’ screen, click Finish.

Restart your computer.

This can be verified by modifying the existing installation of SOLIDWORKS on the computer. You need to follow the steps below for modifying the installation:

1. Make sure SOLIDWORKS® is not running.
2. In Windows, open the Control Panel and go to Programs and Features.
3. Select the SOLIDWORKS® installation you want to modify and then click 'Change'.
4. On the Welcome screen, ensure that 'Modify the individual installation (on this computer)' is selected and click ‘Next’.
5. On the Serial Number screen, verify that the appropriate serial numbers are specified and click ‘Next’.
6. On the Product Selection screen, select the products to install or remove, and then click ‘Next’.
   When modifying an installation:
   • No products are installed or removed by default, even if you specify a new serial number. You must change the installation action of each product or feature.
   • To view the projected modification action for a particular component, click the component name (but not the check box). The intended modification action appears in the information field below the product listing.
   • To see the available features for each product, click + next to that product and then click the icon next to the product or feature to change the installation actions.
   • When you change a product selection from the initial specification, an asterisk (*) appears next to that product component in the listing.
7. On the Summary screen, click Modify Now.
8. Once the ‘Installation is Complete’ screen, click Finish.

Restart your computer.

Follow the steps below for deactivating a SOLIDWORKS license:

1. Open SOLIDWORKS on your current system.
2. In the SOLIDWORKS window, navigate to Help > Deactivate Licenses.
3. In the SOLIDWORKS Product Activation window, select the products and click on the 'Next' button.
4. Once the deactivation is successful, you will be able to install and activate this license on the new system.

• Search the 3D ContentCentral online help
  Search the online documentation for answers.
• Ask questions in the 3D ContentCentral Forums
  The forums are a great place to interact with other users and get questions answered.
• Find Content on 3D ContentCentral
  Visit 3D ContentCentral to get started.

Support is not provided by resellers for 3D ContentCentral.

• Search the eDrawings online help
  Search the online documentation for answers
• Ask questions in the eDrawings Forums
  The forums are a great place to interact with other users and get questions answered.
• Review eDrawings Frequently Asked Questions for answers
  Review a list of common eDrawings questions
• Report a Problem
  If you did not find an answer you can request support

Most schools that purchase a SOLIDWORKS Education Edition license receive additional home use license for their students to work on a home or personal computer. Hence, please contact your school and ask them to provide a student home use licenses (SDK or SEK, or Student Premium or Student Standard).

However, if your school does not have a SOLIDWORKS Education Edition license, you will need to purchase your own Student Edition from the SOLIDWORKS online store: www.solidworks.com/studentstore

You should only purchase software directly from Dassault Systèmes SOLIDWORKS Corporation or through an authorized SOLIDWORKS reseller.

Avoid online marketplaces, websites and peer-to-peer networks that offer SOLIDWORKS software for free or at a discounted price.

Adopt Software Asset Management standards and best practices to manage your company’s software lifecycle and reduce the risks of litigation that arise from non-compliance issues.

The easiest way to order SOLIDWORKS Subscription Services is to contact your local VAR. If you are unsure who your VAR is, please contact SOLIDWORKS and we will assist you.

Software releases and service packs can be downloaded directly from our Downloads page on SOLIDWORKS.com.