| Share this

SolidWorks 2011 FAQ

Frequently Asked Technical Support Questions

 

General FAQ's

What should I do before I upgrade to SolidWorks 2011?

  • Update your Video Card to a SolidWorks Certified Driver. SolidWorks recommends the use of certified graphics cards and systems. A certified graphics card or system is tested to a higher standard and is supported by the vendor. A listing of the latest Certified Drives may be found at the link: www.solidworks.com/pages/services/VideoCardTesting.html
  • Please note, if you are running a BOXX, DELL, HP, Fujitsu, IBM, Lenovo, Seneca Data, or Sun Microsystems workstation, be sure to select them when making your video card vendor selection even if your video card in your system is from nVidia or ATI. 
  • Check System Requirements to ensure successful installation and optimum performance, verify that your system complies with the requirements: www.solidworks.com/System_Requirements
  • Administrative rights are necessary on the local system in order to perform SolidWorks installations or upgrades. System DLLs and drivers are updated which require administrative privileges. The necessary permissions will have to be obtained to ensure a successful installation of SolidWorks. Windows Power User status is sufficient when using SolidWorks as only read and execute permissions are required to run SolidWorks.
  • Disable any Anti-virus or Anti-spyware applications that you may have running.
    This step must include terminating any anti-virus or Anti-spyware services that are running. Certain anti-virus application do not allow for system resources to be updated if they are in use.  For a list of Anti-Virus products that SolidWorks has tested for compatibility with installing SolidWorks, please see the following page: www.solidworks.com/sw/support/AntiVirus_SW.html
  • ** IMPORTANT: If you are not using a PDM product that retains all your previous versions, i.e. Enterprise PDM, than its recommended to save or backup active projects, including all associated parts, assemblies, and drawings, in your current version prior to upgrade. We recommend the creation of a backup copy of your SolidWorks Data, i.e. Toolbox. Once the files are converted and saved in SolidWorks 2011, these files are no longer accessible in previous versions of SolidWorks.
  • Backup all of your custom document templates, sheet formats, or design library items from previous releases before installing SolidWorks 2011.

I want to learn all the new SolidWorks 2011 features.  What can I do?

There are a few things you can do:

  • Visit the SolidWorks 2011 Launch Site here, www.solidworkslaunch.com, for overviews of some of the new features.
  • Review the “What's New in SolidWorks 2011” PDF manual that can be found in SolidWorks, under the Help menu, pick What’s New.
  • SolidProfessor Update training from www.solidprofessor.com/javelin

What Windows Operating Systems will be supported by SolidWorks 2011?

The following operating systems are supported by SolidWorks 2011:

  • Windows 7 32-bit (2)(10)
  • Windows 7 64-bit (2)(10)   
  • Vista 32-bit (3)  
  • Vista 64-bit (3) 
  • XP Professional 32-bit (5)(1)    
  • XP Professional 64-bit (5)(1)

(1) Support for Windows XP Professional is ending. For details see the Release Notes or Technical Alerts.  SolidWorks 2011 will be the last release of SolidWorks to support XP.
(2) Supports SolidWorks 2010 SP1 or higher (based on Windows 7 availability).
(3) Windows Vista Ultimate, Business and Enterprise editions only (SP1 or higher).
(5) Supported for Windows XP Professional (x86 SP3, x64 SP2).
(7) SolidWorks is not supported on Apple Macintosh®-based machines.
(8) Novell networks and non-Windows based network storage devices are not tested or recommended.
(10) Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise editions only.

Can I have more than one version of SolidWorks installed on my system at the same time?

Yes, it is possible to have multiple versions of SolidWorks on the same system.  During install, specify separate paths for the install directory and the common files directory. Please be aware that SolidWorks does not support backward compatibility.

Will SolidWorks 2011 files open in SolidWorks 2010?

No, SolidWorks is not backwards compatible.  Once a file has been saved in SolidWorks 2011, it cannot be opened in SolidWorks 2010 unless it is exported as a neutral file (i.e. Parasolid).  Note that when importing a neutral file all feature data history is NOT included.


Can I run any third party add-in or custom program with SolidWorks 2011?

  • SolidWorks Gold Partner companies have 30 days from the release of SolidWorks 2011 to support the latest version. Check with the Gold Partner that their add-in product is compatible before upgrading. Click here for Gold Partner product details
  • Support Partner (Non-Gold) companies support the latest release on their own schedule. Check with the Solution Partner that their add-in product is compatible with SolidWorks 2011 before upgrading. Click here for Solution Partner product details
  • Custom programs/add-ins should be checked to ensure they are compatible with the latest release.

Return to top

 

Registration FAQ's for stand-alone licenses

Why has my old 16 digit SolidWorks serial number (Prior to 2007) changed to a new 24 digit serial number for SolidWorks 2011?

All standalone 16 digit serial numbers were converted to a new 24 digit serial number format in order to support online Product Activation that was introduced with SolidWorks 2007.

Do I need to obtain a new registration code to install SolidWorks 2011?

Registration of SolidWorks 2011 will be handled automatically through online Product Activation.

What is Product Activation?

Product activation is a secure, hassle-free process that authenticates licensed users during the installation process. For more information regarding product activation please refer to the SolidWorks Activation FAQ: www.solidworks.com/pages/services/productactivation/FAQ's-Activation.html

I do not have internet or e-mail access on my SolidWorks workstation, how will I activate my product?

Activation requires that you have Internet or email access. After activation, you do not need to be online to use the products. If you do not have email access on the computer where you use this product, you can save the activation file and email it from another computer that has email access.  Instructions will be provided during the activation process including the email address to send it to.  The server that receives the activation email will automatically process it and return an authorization file within minutes.  Upon receipt of this activation file, you simply return it back to your workstation and read it into the Activation Manager.  If you have any activation problems, please contact Javelin’s Support Help Desk immediately.

Return to top

 

Registration FAQ's for SNL (network/floating) licenses:

How is network (floating) licensing handled in SolidWorks 2011?

It is the same as the new system that was introduced with SolidWorks 2009.  SolidWorks 2011 has a unified approach to network licensing:

  1. Network license files can include both SolidWorks and Simulation products
  2. One network license administration tool
  3. Provides Licensing Borrowing for SolidWorks Simulation products.

Can SolidWorks and SolidWorks Simulation products run one manager tool?

Yes, users are able to manage SolidWorks and SolidWorks Simulation licenses using one utility.  To access the SolidWorks network license manager, go to the Windows Start menu, All Programs, SolidWorks 2011, SolidWorks Tools, then select the SolidNetwork License Manager as illustrated below.

 

NetWork License Manager Activation

Figure: SolidNetwork License Administrator activation (click to enlarge)

 

What is the “License Order” tab in the Network License Administrator?

The License Order tab allows a manager or CAD Administrator to change the order of product that are taken from the server if they want to use if multiple levels of SolidWorks Simulation products found in the network (e.g. SW Simulation, SW Simulation Pro, SW Simulation Premium, SW Premium (contains SW Simulation & Motion too).  If you need access to Simulation Pro level studies and also use SolidWorks Premium, then Simulation Pro must be listed ahead of SW Premium, otherwise only static studies will be available.

I have different SolidWorks Simulation products, which Serial Number do I use when installing SolidWorks?

If multiple SolidWorks Simulation 2011 products are to be used (e.g. SW Simulation Professional and SW Simulation Premium), enter the serial for the most advanced version. 

Are there any improvements for 2011 SolidNetwork License Manager?

SolidNetWork License Manager has been enhanced in these areas:

  • The display of borrowed licenses is improved.
  • The list of product licenses available to borrow now shows only what has been purchased and is available in the SolidNetWork License Manager.
  • Borrowing a SolidWorks package license now automatically borrows the pre-requisite
    SolidWorks Standard license.
  • You can now upgrade the SolidNetWork License Manager to a new version using SolidWorks Installation Manager, rather than removing the previous version and then installing the new one.

 

Registration Procedures

Standalone License:

To activate a license:

  1. Start the application and add-on required (i.e. Simulation).
  2. If you have not yet activated your license, the Product Activation dialog box appears.
  3. Choose the Internet or email option.
  4. Supply your email address.
  5. Obtain the activation online or by email:
    Online - Submit the request.
    Email - Click Save to create a file, then send the file to activation@solidworks.com from another computer that has email access. When you receive the response file, typically within minutes of the initial submission, run the activation procedure again and click Open to load the response file.
  6. The Activation/Reactivate Succeeded dialog box displays the products that have been activated.

If you experience any difficulty with product activation, please contact us at support@javelin-tech.com

Network Licensing:

  1. A license file is no longer required when upgrading to SolidWorks 2011.  The process of SNL Activation on the license server:
  2. Via the Installation Manager, download and install the SNL Administrator. During the installation of the SNL Administrator, the user will be prompted to enter a SolidWorks SNL Serial Number.  This number may already be populated assuming the Installation Manager was used on that same machine to obtain the installation files.  If the serial number field is not populated, then type in the 24-character SNL Serial Number before clicking “Next” to continue through the rest of the install.
  3. Starting with the 2011 release, you can update SolidNetwork License Manager to a new version using SolidWorks Installation Manager, rather than removing the previous version and then installing the new one.
  4. After the installation is finished launch the SolidNetwork License Administrator that was installed at Step 1.
  5. Reply “Yes” to the question “Would you like to activate now?”
  6. Proceed through the following screens to complete the activation process.

Please read our SNL FAQ area for more information


Return to top

 

Installation FAQ's

What's the recommended installation procedure? To upgrade or to perform a new installation?

Both installation methods are supported. Updating you SolidWorks installation is likely the most straight-forward approach if users no longer require the prior version still on their system.

I have a version of SolidWorks that is two releases old. Do I need to do an intermediate step to upgrade to the latest release?

It is best to uninstall the current version of the software.  Then install the latest version using the DVD or downloaded installation. For detailed instructions on how to un-install SolidWorks please review the following PDF file:
www.javelin-tech.com/main/support/pdf/solidworks_uninstall.pdf

What is the SolidWorks 2011 Installation Manager?

SolidWorks 2011 uses a new version of the Installation Manager.  It is a standalone application that can download/update/upgrade/ install/modify/repair all your SolidWorks products.  It can be used to create and manage administrative images and standalone installs all within the same user interface.

How does the SolidWorks 2011 Installation Manager work?

The SolidWorks 2011 Installation Manager uses Windows Installer and installs all products silently passing the required parameters to the installations so the installations do not have to query the user for anything.  You can now specify only 1 file location for installation; this location will be used as the root folder for the installation of all products.  The major advantage of using the SolidWorks 2011 Installation Manager is that it keeps all Products under the same in the Startup programs list as well as it creates one listing in Add/Remove Programs (listed as SolidWorks 2011).

The SolidWorks 2011 Installation Manager components are listed below:

  • sldim.exe launches the Installation Manager.  Found in <downloaded file location,source>\sldim folder
  • sldIMdownloader.exe process used to download the files, verify the file’s checksum, and extracts the files.  Found in C:\Program Files\Common Files\SolidWorks Installation Manager\16.0
  • sldIMscheduler.exe always runs in the background and is required to allow download later, install later; and ‘Check for updates’ option in SolidWorks to functions.   Found in C:\Program Files\Common Files\SolidWorks Installation Manager\Scheduler
  • sldadminoptioneditor.exe utility used only within admin images to assign products and serial numbers to users or groups.  Found in <admin image location>\sldim
  • sldBgDwld.exe - SolidWorks Background Downloader performs automated file downloads (for example, when a new Service Pack release is found) using background processes, enabling you to continue other work while downloading. When the download completes, you are asked whether you want to install now, postpone the download, or remove the download.

What is the SolidWorks Administrative Director?

The SolidWorks Administrative Director is a wizard that:

  • Creates and customizes the SolidWorks installation data by using an administrative image
  • Provides the option to log each client machine's installation for analysis
  • Allows system administrators to specify additional commands to execute on client machines before and after the installation
  • The SolidWorks Administrative Director includes the installation of SolidWorks Simulation, SolidWorks Workgroup PDM, SolidWorks Explorer, and SolidWorks eDrawings. 

Where can I find more information about SolidWorks Admin Images/Admin Director?

Click here to download a help file for more information

Can the 2011 License (SNL) support both 2008 and 2009?

The 2011 License Manager will support earlier versions of the software.   For more information, Please read our SNL FAQ

Where can I find more information about SNL installations?

You can visit the SolidWorks website here, look under Licensing & Administration:

What if I am upgrading and have Toolbox installed in a shared environment?

When upgrading or doing a new installation of SolidWorks 2011, in the Destination Folders dialog box, make sure the install SolidWorks 2011 Common Data Toolbox contains the correct shared folder that you used in the previous version of the SolidWorks software. Be certain to backup your original Toolbox files in case you are ever required to use your current version of SolidWorks.  If you need to keep your prior Toolbox because you will still be using 2010 or a prior version, create a copy of your existing Toolbox in your shared area and give it a unique folder identifier, i.e. SolidWorks 2011 Data, then when you do your first SW2011 installation, point the installation manager to this new location. This will upgrade this Toolbox path to 2011 and retain all your prior Toolbox customizations meanwhile keeping your prior version untouched and available for your prior versions of SolidWorks.

What should I do with my SolidWorks Workgroup PDM vault if I want to test SolidWorks 2011 while running SolidWorks 2010?

For testing PDMWorks Workgroup with a new version of SolidWorks:

  • Backup your existing vault.
  • The next step is to upgrade the existing PDMWorks Workgroup 2010 Server to SolidWorks Workgroup PDM 2011.
  • If the user needs to return to 2001, uninstall 2011, retrieve the backup and re-install the PDMWorks Workgroup Server 2010.

Can SolidWorks Simulation 2011 run with SolidWorks 2010?

No, SolidWorks Simulation 2011 will only run on SolidWorks 2011.

Can COSMOSWorks 2008 run with SolidWorks 2011?

No, as of SolidWorks 2009, older versions of COSMOS are not permitted to run with newer versions of SolidWorks. SolidWorks Simulation 2011 must be used inside SolidWorks 2011.

Where can I find more information about installations?

For more information on installation related questions, please visit the SolidWorks web site

 

Return to top

 

 

Need more information or want to tell a colleague?