Solidworks

Classes that use this software

Software restrictions

•  The ME student license of Solidworks may be used for class purposes only.  Students needing to use Solidworks for research need to contact service.desk@engr.utexas.edu and ask about purchasing research licenses or other CAD products that may be available.

How can I access this software

•  Solidworks is available via
  • The ME virtual desktop environment (https://wikis.utexas.edu/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=185742118)
  • Install onto personally owned laptops (this method may NOT be used on any UT owned system!).  
    • Fill out the request form here, https://utexas.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_8IZhD3xMerIVF5P
      • NOTE - We suggest copying the instructions at the end of the request form to a text editor
    • Download the installer from the link in the instructions
    • Right-click the downloaded zip file, choose properties, and make sure the file doesn't have a block attached (https://thirtysix.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/202921675-How-to-Unblock-a-File-Downloaded-from-an-Email-or-the-Internet)
    • Unzip the file with your preferred zip utility or right-click on the file and select "Extract All"
    • Run the setup file
    • Select SOLIDWORKS under 3D Design and paste in the serial number from the instructions and click "Next" (the serial will activate all features)
    • The default options are fine unless you have a specific issue
    • Scroll down, accept the terms, and click "Install Now"
    • Restart the computer if requested
    • Open Solidworks and select activate and click Next
    • Select Automatically over the internet and click Next
    • Click Finish

Common Problems

• Solidworks won't install onto my Apple computer - Using from a Mac with appropriate Windows accomodtions

• Blank installation Window
  • Caused by "blocked" download
    • Delete the extracted installation folder.
    • Right-click the downloaded zip file, choose properties, and make sure the file doesn't have a block attached (https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/delay/p/unblockingdownloadedfile/)
    • Unzip and try installing again
• Solidworks Crashing:
  • Possible disk corruption or install errors
    • Completely uninstall Solidworks (https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4028054/windows-repair-or-remove-programs-in-windows-10)
    • Reinstall using the same steps from above.
  • GPU settings configuration issue (submitted and solved by Ziam Ghaznavi)
    • Open the Solidworks Diagnostic tool (Start > Solidworks Tools year > Solidworks Rx year
    • Click the Diagnostics tab, and click Reload Results
    • There is an Error listing "There is no information on your configuration in our database. If you are experiencing issues with your system, you may want to visit the website to find recommended cards and drivers."
    • Open Solidworks and go to Tools > Options > Performance and check the box marked "Use software OpenGL
    • Close Solidworks and reopen it

• "Sorry, unable to lookup your session" error filling out request form

  • Try filling out the form in a different browser
  • Try clearing your browser cache and cookies and starting the form over (https://its.uiowa.edu/support/article/719)