Software restrictions

• The student license of Solidworks may be used for academic purposes only.
• ME Researchers need to contact mech-it@austin.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:
  
  • 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
    • Run the SolidWorksSetup.exe (WinZip self-extracting EXE file) and extract the contents to a desired folder/destination on your computer.
    • Run the setup file to start the Solidworks Installation Manager.
    • Select "Install of this computer" for the type of installation.
    • Select SOLIDWORKS under 3D Design and paste in the serial number from the request form's instructions and click "Next" (the serial will activate all features)
    • The default options are fine unless you have a specific issue or need.
    • Accept the terms at the bottom and click "Downloand and Install"
    • 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 accommodations

• 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://thirtysix.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/202921675-How-to-Unblock-a-File-Downloaded-from-an-Email-or-the-Internet)
    • Unzip and try installing again
• "Unsupported SQL Server Version" when installing an updated version
  
  
  • The electrical component of Solidworks use SQL Server. If you are needing to install a newer version of Solidworks, you have a couple options.
    • Don't install the electrical component. It won't need SQL Server and will skip that check and install the remaining components.
      • Or
    • Fully uninstall the older version of Solidworks and then uninstall SQL Server from your machine first. It will probably be listed as SQL Server Express, Microsoft SQL Server, etc, then install Solidworks as above
      • Or
    • Best option, do both. Uninstall everything first, and then on the new install, don't install electrical unless you need it because it does install a SQL server on your machine.
      
      
• 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)