First off if you have an administrative image the image should always be your controlling installation. Always check to make sure that you are installing a version of SolidWorks that will be compatible with your other systems i.e., SmarTeam, PDMW-E, COSMOS, and CNC/CAM packages. The last thing you want is to install a platform that will not work for everyone at your facility.

1) Before removing or installing any software it is a good idea to back up your settings, program settings for SolidWorks can be saved with the copy settings wizard.

Start > All Programs > SolidWorks > SolidWorks Tools > copy settings wizard

*Other systems such as PDM/PLM systems may require more backup than SolidWorks.

2) If you are using a network license you will need to update your license file on the server before doing any installation of the new version on the client machines. If you do not update your license file and you install the new version on your client machine you will get an error message saying that SolidWorks could not obtain a license when trying to start SolidWorks. General practice it is a good idea to let your I.T. dept. handle this issue since they will have to install it on the license server.

3) If you use toolbox on your local machine and you have customized the toolbox, it is a good idea to back this up as well. To do this let’s start by creating a backup location create a folder called C:\SolidWorks BU. Then go to your common SolidWorks Data location. Most commonly this is C:\program files\common files\ and copy the \SolidWorks Data folder to your backup location Also you will need to go to C:\Program Files\SolidWorks and copy the \Toolbox directory to your backup location as well.

Preparing the installation:

Once the first tips have been checked it is safe to remove the old installation.

Start > Control Panel > Add/Remove programs > Select SolidWorks from the list and click Remove

Have your Serial number and Reg. Code handy if you have it and be sure you

TURN OFF ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE!!!!

Some security programs can or will disable or block features, functionality or the installation of the SolidWorks update utilities. Make sure that these programs have been updated and run and your system is free of issues, then temporarily disable these programs and run the SolidWorks service pack update.

These programs may include:

• Windows Firewall
• Windows anti-spyware
• Anti-virus programs
• Anti-adware programs
• Anti-spyware / malware programs

Make sure all of your temporary files are deleted in C:\Documents and settings\your username\local settings\temp and C:\Documents and settings\your username\local settings\temp Swbackup. After installing it is a good idea to run defrag on your machine and reboot.

Installing the software:

Installations run the best while having an Internet connection available.

Insert SolidWorks DVD into the DVD tray, SolidWorks installation should start automatically. Follow the prompts, if you don’t have a registration code SolidWorks will try to find it for you, if not you will need to contact your VAR.

Make sure you install your software using the package that you have purchase, i.e. if you have purchased SolidWorks Premium then be sure to select it when installing the software. When finished with the regular installation you may want to install other programs PDMWorks and so on.

If you are installing a network license you will need to install the SolidWorks Network License client as well as the software.

In the future, SolidWorks will require all installations to go through activation. Some versions/service packs of SolidWorks will already be requiring the user to activate. This is done quickly and easily via the Internet and only takes a few minutes. Be sure when activating you only use the serial number for the machine the software was intended. In other words if you have 3 stand alone seats to install make sure you use a different serial number at each seat. Activation will be checking to make sure there is no duplication of the installations.

For more information please see this site:

http://files.solidworks.com/Supportfiles/SW_Installation_Guide/2007/English/

WebHelp/Installation.htm