I cannot install 32 bit SolidWorks on my 64 bit computer!

Due to architecture changes in the 64 bit window 7 machines, you are no longer able to install 32 bit SolidWorks on a 64 bit machine.  The installation manager will not allow you to even attempt the install.

This is only possible with Windows XP Professional x64 Edition operating system. The 32-bit version of SolidWorks cannot be installed on the 64-bit versions of Vista or Windows 7; the 32-bit Installation Manager blocks the ability to do so with these versions.

These rules apply to all SolidWorks releases.

Getting What You Paid For

In some cases where you have either upgraded or purchased a higher level of SolidWorks you may be missing some features. In most cases you probably have what you should but here is a way to fix it if you don’t.

For starters we need to open the installation manager. The most consistent way is to go to your control panel, add/remove programs (for XP) or programs and features (for Vista, Win7). Locate SolidWorks and choose change. This will launch the Installation Manager as seen below.

 

You may need to select your package type from here:

 

Next review your package inclusions and make sure they are all checked. Below is a sample of premium and it is currently missing Routing and Tolanalyst.

Once chosen SW will install them. In respect to the SNL based licenses, SolidWorks defaults to installing premium options to cover whatever license types might be on the network license. This doesn’t mean you actually can use them. Same thing would apply to a Stand Alone seat set to Premium, sure you will be able to install the options, but your license type will determine if you can use it. So don’t install anything you don’t have you will only be taking up space on you machine.

Click next and then modify now to install your selections.

John Van Engen
CATI Tech Support

Where did my SolidWorks download go?

So a new Service Pack(SP) comes out and you're interested.

First, check the list of fixed SPR's from the Customer Portal. Make sure there are fixes in there that will make it worth your time to update. ;)  

Second, download the update or full DVD with the installation manager.

Third, after the download completes run the update.

Uh, but where is the download exactly? Well in Windows 7 x64 it would be C:\users\<your login>\documents\SolidWorks Downloads - Unless you put it somewhere else. If so, well, who knows, start searching for sldIM.exe this might refresh your memory.

 

CATI 2010 SNL Install Quik Reference

 The release of 2010 comes with a influx of questions from SNL customers who are a little confused about the install and configuration of their new activation based SNL.  To try and clear some of this up I have created a couple of documents that will hopefully answer ninety percent of the questions that will come up when installing and configureing your new license server.  Remember that the guides here are general references, if you are looking for the full SNL administration guides you need to go to www.solidworks.com.  If you are having issues with the activation process be sure to contact CATI support so that we can check your serial number.  Be sure to say hello to Josh on the support line!

Download 2010 License Manager Install Part 1

Download 2010 License Manager Install Part 2