FOR SUPPORT, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBFORM:

www.javelin-tech.com/support

SOLIDWORKS Installation Guide

(Network License)

SOLIDWORKS Hardware Prerequisites ............................................................................................... 2

SOLIDWORKS Installation Files .......................................................................................................... 3
Media Kit Shipments Ending ................................................................................................................... 3
Download through a Customer Portal Account ...................................................................................... 3
SolidNetwork License Manager Download ............................................................................................. 6
Server - Installing SolidNetwork License Manager .............................................................................. 7
Installing & Activating SolidNetwork License Manager .......................................................................... 7
Upgrading SolidNetwork License Manager Server ............................................................................... 11
Transferring the SolidNetwork License Manager to another Server .................................................... 11
Modifying Serial Numbers in SolidNetwork License Manager Server .................................................. 11
Using the SolidNetwork License Manager Server ................................................................................. 12
Clients - Installing SOLIDWORKS ...................................................................................................... 13
Installing SOLIDWORKS ......................................................................................................................... 13
SolidNetwork License Manager Client .................................................................................................. 18
Installing Multiple Versions of SOLIDWORKS with Unique Install Directories...................................... 21
Updating Existing SOLIDWORKS Installations – Major Release (New Year) ......................................... 22
Updating Existing SOLIDWORKS Installations – Minor Release (Service Packs) ................................... 22
Modifying Installed Products of an Existing Installation of SOLIDWORKS ............................................ 23

Javelin Inc.
3457 Superior Court, Unit #1, Oakville, Ontario, Canada, L6L 0C4
1-877-21-WORKS (96757) | www.javelin-tech.com | For Support: visit www.javelin-tech.com/support
SOLIDWORKS Hardware Prerequisites
Certified computer hardware is crucial for proper functionality of SOLIDWORKS. Before installing the
software, please ensure that you have passed all requirements for the version of SOLIDWORKS you will
be using. This includes Operating System, Memory (RAM), Disk Space, Video Card, and Processor.

For detailed information of the SOLIDWORKS system requirements:

http://www.solidworks.com/sw/support/SystemRequirements.html

For hardware recommendations:

http://www.javelin-tech.com/main/support/faq.htm

For information regarding certified graphics cards and drivers:

http://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/2011/05/sw-certified-drivers/

 IMPORTANT – SOLIDWORKS and the SolidNetwork License Manager are only supported on select
virtual environments (http://www.solidworks.com/sw/support/11168_ENU_HTML.htm)

Page 2 SOLIDWORKS Installation Guide (Network License)

SOLIDWORKS Installation Files
Media Kit Shipments Ending
Media kit DVDs have previously been mailed to customers with the initial service pack release of each
major version.

 IMPORTANT – SOLIDWORKS 2019 will be the last release to provide DVD media kits. Starting with
SOLIDWORKS 2020, the DVDs will not be mailed out automatically and the installation files will need
to be downloaded (DVDs upon request for those with internet restrictions)

Download through a Customer Portal Account

If you are enrolled in the SOLIDWORKS Subscription Service program, then you will be able to use the
SOLIDWORKS Customer Portal with full access. The Customer Portal provides access to download
installation files, a Knowledge Base for troubleshooting, user forums, and more. This can be accessed
through http://customerportal.solidworks.com.

For assistance in creating and registering the account, please visit http://www.javelin-
tech.com/blog/2011/10/sw-customer-portal/.

1. Click on Downloads and Updates from the Homepage

SOLIDWORKS Installation Guide (Network License) Page 3

 2. Select the Version and click SOLIDWORKS Products beside the latest Service Pack

3. Accept the End User License Agreement (EULA), and then click Download. This will download a
small Setup.exe file of the SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager for that version. This is used to
download the full installation files.

4. Run the Installation Manager and choose Download and Share all files to download a complete
installation file set and click Next

Page 4 SOLIDWORKS Installation Guide (Network License)

 5. Enter your SOLIDWORKS serial numbers and click Next again

6. The default options will save to Documents\SOLIDWORKS Downloads

7. Click CHANGE to modify the download folder. You can also enable ‘Background Downloader’
which can automatically notify and download newer service packs as they become available.

8. Return to the summary, select ‘I accept the terms of the SOLIDWORKS License Agreement’ and
click Download Now.

SOLIDWORKS Installation Guide (Network License) Page 5

SolidNetwork License Manager Download
The SolidNetwork License Manager hosts the SOLIDWORKS network licenses on a server to provide to
client machines. This is a small application that runs a service in the background.

The installation files for the SolidNetwork License Manager are included with the overall SOLIDWORKS
download files. You can use the previously downloaded files to install the License Manager on a
server.

For a smaller download of only the License Manager files, use the Installation Manager obtained from
the Customer Portal. Then run the Installation Manager on the server to only install the License
Manager. This will download the required files for the installation (rather than Download and Share).

 IMPORTANT – The SolidNetwork License Manager must be the same major release (year) or newer
than all SOLIDWORKS clients. The minor release (service pack) doesn’t apply. The License Manager can
provide licenses for prior releases.

Page 6 SOLIDWORKS Installation Guide (Network License)

Server - Installing SolidNetwork License Manager
Installing & Activating SolidNetwork License Manager
Before client machines can launch SOLIDWORKS, the SolidNetwork License Manager must be installed
and activated to provide licenses. The License Manager must be installed on a machine connected to
the same network as all client machines.

1. Locate the SOLIDWORKS Installation file set and run Setup.exe. Select ‘Server Products’ and
‘Install SolidNetwork License Manager’ then click Next.

2. Enter all SOLIDWORKS network serial numbers. Multiple serial numbers can be separated by
commas (,)

SOLIDWORKS Installation Guide (Network License) Page 7

 3. The default installation will be under C:\Program Files (x86)\...\SolidWorks SolidNetwork
License Manager as it is still a 32-bit application.

4. Select I accept the terms of the SOLIDWORKS License Agreement and click ‘Install Now’ to
begin.

5. Once the installation completes, launch the SolidNetwork License Manager application through
the Start menu (Start > SOLIDWORKS Tools 20XX > SolidNetwork License Manager Server).

 NOTE – If SOLIDWORKS is installed on the same machine, the Start menu will show two License
Manager shortcuts. One is the Server Administrator version and the other is the Client version.
The License Manager Server will have 5 tabs at the top, the first being ‘Server Administration.’ The
License Manager Client will only have 4 tabs.

6. If this is a new install of the License Manager, a dialog box will indicate that ‘No SolidNetwork
license(s) exist, would you like to activate now?’ Select Yes.

Page 8 SOLIDWORKS Installation Guide (Network License)

 7. The License Server Information dialog allows you to customize which TCP ports for connectivity
between client and server. The default port number is 25734. This can be modified if the port
is already in use by another application. If firewalls are present, select ‘A firewall is in use on
this server’. This will use port 25735 by default. Click Next.

The ports specified above will need to be opened through firewalls on both the server and
client machines. Both ports 25734 and 25735 must be opened for incoming and outgoing
traffic on local network. For network connectivity tests, please review the following link.
https://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/2015/10/solidnetwork-license-snl-manager-
troubleshooting

 IMPORTANT – When activating your License Manager, avoid using Remote Desktop Applications.
The activation may be linked to the computer that was used to access the server, and not the server
itself. If the server is then reactivated locally it will fail as the computer ID is different. It’s
recommended to always activate on the physical machine
http://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/2011/04/avoiding-snl-activation-issues/

SOLIDWORKS Installation Guide (Network License) Page 9

 8. Select the licenses to activate and the activation method. If the server has an active internet
connection, then you can select Automatically over the Internet. A confirmation screen is
given that the activation has completed successfully. If you have difficulties activating, contact
Javelin Technical support (www.javelin-tech.com/support).

If the server does not have an internet connection, select ‘Manually via email’ to save a file that
can be transferred to another computer with internet access (i.e. via USB key). This file, called
‘SWActivateRequest’, can be emailed to [email protected]. You will receive a reply
email within a few minutes with a file called ‘SWActivateResponse’. Copy this file back to the
server and return to the Manual activation process. Use ‘Open’ the SWActivateResponse file to
complete the activation.
If you do not receive a response, check your Junk/Spam email folders.

Page 10 SOLIDWORKS Installation Guide (Network License)

Upgrading SolidNetwork License Manager Server
The License Manager can be directly upgraded from a previous release. Use the newer Installation
Manager to perform the installation using Server Products > Upgrade SolidNetwork License Manager.

You can upgrade the License Manager to a new version without requiring users to close SOLIDWORKS if
you have the installation files ready. Client machines check the status of the License Manager service
every 30 minutes, but the upgrade and reactivation can complete in less time. If the service is not
restarted within this timeframe, users will be prompted to save their work and close SOLIDWORKS.

 IMPORTANT – The SolidNetwork License Manager must be the same major release (year) or newer
than all SOLIDWORKS clients. The minor release (service pack) doesn’t apply. The License Manager can
provide licenses for prior releases.

 IMPORTANT – Once the new version is installed, it must be reactivated to obtain the new licenses
(http://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/2012/01/the-last-step-to-update-the-solidnetwork-license-server/)
1. Open the SolidNetWork License Manager Server on the hosted server.
2. On the ‘Server Administration’ tab click ‘Modify’
3. In the following dialogue window, select ‘Activate/Reactivate your product license(s)’
4. Click ‘Next’ and then follow the rest of the on-screen instructions to complete the reactivation
procedure

Transferring the SolidNetwork License Manager to another Server

A SOLIDWORKS network serial number can only be activated on one server at a time. Therefore, the
license must be deactivated from the old server before activating the new server.

For detailed instructions on moving the License Manager to a new server, please review the following
link
https://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/2012/05/moving-solidworks-license-manager/

Modifying Serial Numbers in SolidNetwork License Manager Server

To change a serial number in the SolidNetwork License Manager:
1. Go into the Windows Control Panel > Programs and Features
2. Right-click on ‘SOLIDWORKS SolidNetwork License Manager’ and Change
3. Choose to ‘Modify’ the install
4. Add/change serial numbers (separated by commas)
5. Reactivate the License Manager (http://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/2012/01/the-last-step-to-
update-the-solidnetwork-license-server/)

SOLIDWORKS Installation Guide (Network License) Page 11

Using the SolidNetwork License Manager Server
Server Administration Tab:

The Server Administration tab provides the

ability to Start and Stop the service. After
installation and activation, the service is
automatically started. Client machines ping
the server every 30 minutes. If the service is
stopped, users have 30 minutes until a
message will be given that no licenses are
available and will be forced to save their
work and close the session of SOLIDWORKS.

View Log will provide a text file with logs of

the license usage. A 3rd party FlexLM license
usage monitor application would be required
to process the logs into a report format.

The Modify button allows you to Reactivate

or Deactivate the license, as well as see
currently activated products.

License Usage Tab:

The License Usage tab provides information

on the number of free and used licenses. A
list of users will be provided to determine who
is using a specific license. The ‘Product’
dropdown provides information for each
license.

 NOTE – A SOLIDWORKS Standard license is

required for all Professional or Premium
license. For example, if you have 2 Standard,
2 Professional, and 2 Premium licenses, you
will see a total of 6 Standard licenses. All
users initially obtain a Standard license until a
Pro or Premium add-in is selected.

The remaining three tabs (Server List, License Borrowing, License Order) are typically used on client
machines.

Page 12 SOLIDWORKS Installation Guide (Network License)

Clients - Installing SOLIDWORKS
Installing SOLIDWORKS
1. When installing SOLIDWORKS, log in as the Local Administrator on the computer. This will
ensure that you have full permissions on the entire machine. The Domain Administrator
account may not provide enough permissions on the local machine.
http://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/2014/02/need-local-administrative-rights-install-
solidworks/

 IMPORTANT – In general recommended to run the installation from locally downloaded installation
files. Installing the program from a network drive can make the process longer.

2. Begin the SOLIDWORKS installation by double-clicking on Setup.exe in the download folder.

Choose the ‘Individual’ installation option.

SOLIDWORKS Installation Guide (Network License) Page 13

 3. Enter your valid serial number. Each serial number should only be entered once. If you have
one SOLIDWORKS serial number that includes an add-in (i.e. Simulation), only enter the serial
number in the SOLIDWORKS box. The additional boxes are for separate serial numbers.

4. The Summary screen allows you to customize the install. You can change the Products to
install, Download Options, Installation Location, and Toolbox/Hole Wizard Options. Press the
“+” button beside each section to expand. Click “CHANGE” to modify the default settings.

Page 14 SOLIDWORKS Installation Guide (Network License)

 5. CHANGE: Products
• You can select and deselect any products
• Click “Select different packages or products” to change between Standard, Professional and
Premium products

6. CHANGE: Download Options

• ‘Download and install’ will download any additional missing files required to install
• ‘Download only’ will obtain the full installation file set that can be shared
• ‘Install only’ is used if you already have the full installation file set (Download through a
Customer Portal Account

SOLIDWORKS Installation Guide (Network License) Page 15

 7. CHANGE: Installation Location
• You can modify where the program will be installed
• By default, it will install to C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp
• If you will be installing multiple versions of SOLIDWORKS concurrently, please refer to
Installing Multiple Versions of SOLIDWORKS with Unique Install Directories

8. CHANGE: Toolbox/Hole Wizard

• You can modify where the Toolbox/Hole Wizard database will be installed
• By default, it will install to C:\SOLIDWORKS Data
• If you will be installing multiple versions of SOLIDWORKS concurrently, please refer to
Installing Multiple Versions of SOLIDWORKS with Unique Install Directories

Page 16 SOLIDWORKS Installation Guide (Network License)

 9. Return to the Summary screen, select the check box I accept the terms of the SOLIDWORKS
License Agreement then ‘Install Now’ to begin.

10. You’ll be asked to point to the server running the SolidNetwork License Manager. Enter the
port@servername. The default port was 25734 so it would be 25734@yourservername

11. The process should take approximately 20 minutes, depending on computer performance.

12. Restart your computer to complete the installation

SOLIDWORKS Installation Guide (Network License) Page 17

SolidNetwork License Manager Client
Each SOLIDWORKS machine will have a SolidNetwork License Manager Client application allowing users
to view available network licenses, change the server location,
borrow licenses or change the order.

The SolidNetwork License Manager can be located under Start >

SOLIDWORKS Tools > SolidNetwork License Manager Client. Since
this is a client version of the License Manager, there is no Server
Administration tab.

License Usage Tab:

The License Usage tab provides information on the number of free and used licenses. A list of users
will be provided to determine who is using a specific license. The ‘Product’ dropdown provides
information for each license.

 NOTE – A SOLIDWORKS Standard

license is required before using a
Professional or Premium license. For
example, if you have 2 Standard, 2
Professional, and 2 Premium
licenses, you will see a total of 6
Standard licenses. All users initially
obtain a Standard license until a Pro
or Premium add-in is selected.

Page 18 SOLIDWORKS Installation Guide (Network License)

Server List Tab:

The Server List tab lists all servers that the client is searching on the network for SOLIDWORKS licenses.
You can add/remove servers from the list. If the SolidNetwork License Manager is moved to a new
server, each client’s License Manager must have the Server List updated with the new server name.
 IMPORTANT – Log in as the Local Administrator on the machine if the server needs changing

License Borrowing Tab:

The License Borrowing tab allows the user to temporarily lock a license to the local computer so
SOLIDWORKS can be used when not connected to the network. For more information about the
borrowing functionality, please refer to https://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/2012/11/borrow-
solidworks-network-licenses/

SOLIDWORKS Installation Guide (Network License) Page 19

License Order Tab:

The License Order tab allows you to modify which level of license to obtain when enabling additional
add-ins. This is common in scenarios with multiple Simulation licenses.
https://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/2016/03/enable-solidworks-simulation-network-license/

Page 20 SOLIDWORKS Installation Guide (Network License)

Installing Multiple Versions of SOLIDWORKS with Unique Install Directories
You can install multiple releases of SOLIDWORKS on the same computer if you need access to different
versions. On installing a newer major release, select the option to Create a new installation of
SOLIDWORKS rather than upgrade a previous major release. It’s best to modify the installation folders
to keep things organized.

When installing SOLIDWORKS, you are prompted for an installation directory. The default is
C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp. Edit this location by adding the release year to the folder name,
making it C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp 20## based on the version being installed. You can
modify the install path by clicking ‘CHANGE’.

Similarly, when choosing a location for the Toolbox database, append the version to the install
directory (C:\SOLIDWORKS Data 20## based on the version).

Making these changes when first installing SOLIDWORKS can prevent confusion in the future if a newer
version of the software is installed.

For detailed instructions of installing multiple versions with separate settings:

http://www.javelin-tech.com/blog/2012/04/multiple-releases/

SOLIDWORKS Installation Guide (Network License) Page 21

Updating Existing SOLIDWORKS Installations – Major Release (New Year)
 IMPORTANT – The SolidNetwork License Manager must be the same version or newer than that of
all SOLIDWORKS clients. The License Manager can provide licenses for all prior versions. Always update
and activate the License Manager before updating clients. See Upgrading SolidNetwork License
Manager above.

Updating to the next major release (year to year) can be done with a direct upgrade of the current
installation. A quick way to obtain the latest Installation Manager is to open SOLIDWORKS and go to
Help > Check for Updates.

Follow the same steps to download and install, but on install you can choose to Upgrade a previous
major release.
• Download through a Customer Portal Account
• Installing SOLIDWORKS

 IMPORTANT – Make a backup of all files before moving to the next major release. Once files have
been saved in a newer release, they are no longer fully editable in previous versions. The only
functionality to open files in earlier versions is with Previous Release Interoperability.

If you are skipping major releases or the current installation is not running properly, consider a clean
uninstall of the current installation so you can perform a fresh default installation of the new version.
http://solution.javelin-tech.com/l/2012/2012-11-25/xycvy/2012/124608/solidworks_uninstall.pdf

Updating Existing SOLIDWORKS Installations – Minor Release (Service Packs)

Like upgrading major releases, you can perform a direct upgrade when updating to a newer service
pack. A quick way to obtain the latest Installation Manager is to open SOLIDWORKS and go to Help >
Check for Updates.

Be sure to Log in as a Windows administrator account.

The Download and Install method will only download what is required to move from one service pack
to the next. Therefore, the download size will be smaller.

Though it’s still recommended using the Download and Share all files option to obtain a complete
download of each service pack. Keep this saved in another location so it can be used to install on other
users’ machines or new machines. This can save time by only downloading once.

Page 22 SOLIDWORKS Installation Guide (Network License)

Modifying Installed Products of an Existing Installation of SOLIDWORKS
You can modify what products to be installed through the Installation Manager

1. Shut down any SOLIDWORKS programs

2. Log in as a Windows administrator account
3. Go to START > Control Panel > Programs & Features
4. Select SOLIDWORKS from the list and click Change/Modify
5. When the Installation Manager launches, select Modify the individual installation and click
Next

6. The following screen will show the serial numbers currently being used. You can change serial
numbers or add additional serial numbers if required. Network serial numbers (0010.. or
9010..) do not require deactivating licenses on client machines. Click Next.

SOLIDWORKS Installation Guide (Network License) Page 23

 7. The Product Selection screen allows you to choose products that are installed. The package
listed at the top should match the license you have (Standard, Office, Professional or Premium).
If your license has recently been upgraded, click Select different packages or products and
choose the package.

Click Next to see a Summary of products that will be installed or removed and click Modify Now

Page 24 SOLIDWORKS Installation Guide (Network License)