Prism Engineering

Tech Support

SolidWorks FAQs

Below please find a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding SolidWorks. Should you have any additional questions please e-mail swtech@prismeng.com.

Question: When I am installing SolidWorks 2005 do I choose Upgrade or a New installation?
Answer:We recommend that you upgrade. This way, your settings and templates will propagate to the new version of SolidWorks. Doing a new install also involves more work (i.e. setting up templates etc.).

Question: What are the System Requirements for SolidWorks 2005?
Answer: Microsoft Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 1 or higher or Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4
Intel Pentium or AMD Athlon based computers
Please note: PDMWorks does not support Novell
RAM Recommendations:
Less than 1000 components and fewer than 300 features: 512 MB minimum is recommended
More than 1000 components and parts with more than 300 features: 512 MB minimum, 1GB is preferred
More than 2500 components with more than 1000 features: 1 GB or more
A tested OpenGL workstation graphics adapter and driver combination.
Mouse or other pointing device
CD-ROM drive
If you use Excel-Based BOM’s, or if you use Design Table, you will need Microsoft XP, Microsoft 2000, or Microsoft 97 SR-2.
Internet Explorer 6.0 or later and Internet access
If you use PDMWorks Advanced Server, you must have Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol installed on your computer. If you are unsure whether this is installed, please contact your system administrator

Question: How do I not create external refs. when using convert / offset entities?
Answer: You have the option to not create external references when designing in the context of an assembly. If you select Do not create external references, no in-place mate is created when you create a new component. Also, external references are not created when you reference the geometry of other components, such as when you use Convert Entities or Offset Entities, or extrude Up to Vertex of another component.
Click Do not create external references on the Assembly toolbar.You can switch Do not create external references off and on as you work in an assembly, to create external references for some components, but not for others.

Question: How do I turn off the Sketch Relations?
Answer: One of the biggest and most overlooked new option in SW05 is turning off the "Sketch Relations" in a sketch. Everyone looks in the system, and document options. This is incorrect location, below if the proper location.
Go to View and uncheck Sketch Relations.

Question: How can I Re-Orient my model - Standard views?
Answer:
1) Orient the file like you want it to look
2) Push the Space bar. (Your View orientation menu comes up.)
3) Highlight the view
4) Push the Middle Telescope.
5) Click OK
Now you have updated your standard views. - This works for Assembles as well.

Question: What does SolidWorks recommend for Virtual Memory settings?
Answer: We recommend that your Initial Size be set to at least 3 times the amount of the physical RAM on your machine OR 300MB, whichever value is larger. We recommend that the maximum setting be AT LEAST 4 times the amount of your RAM. Therefore, if you have 128 MB of RAM, your minimum setting should be at least 384 and your maximum setting should be at least 512 MB. Please keep in mind that you may need to increase the Initial and/or Maximum setting depending on the size and complexity of the documents that you are working on or importing/exporting. You must have enough disk space free to accommodate the size of the maximum virtual file size. If you receive a message that you are running out of virtual memory, please increase the settings. For more information on Virtual Memory, please refer to your on-line help and manuals for your Windows operating system.

Question: When a component is deleted from an assembly BOM (Bill of Materials), and 'Automatic update of BOM' is checked, how do I force the rest of the rows under the BOM update to reflect the new numbering scheme?
Answer: RMB (Right Mouse Button) the BOM, and chose 'Properties'. Click the Control tab and check the box "Row numbers follow assembly ordering." This will update the BOM as desired. Components are no longer required to follow assembly ordering, so this option is left unchecked by default.

Question: My part file is slow. What are some common ways to improve performance?
Answer: Often, models are symmetric to some degree. One of the best ways to improve performance is to create half or one quarter of the model, and use the 'Mirror All' feature to create the rest of the symmetric part. At this point, non-symmetric features can be added. Also, any time linear or circular patterns are created, try using the 'geometry pattern' checkbox. This saves processor time as well.

Question: Can SolidWorks create a Cut feature with a Sweep or a Loft?
Answer: Yes. In a part file, select Insert from the pull down menus. Then select Cut, Sweep...(or Loft...).
SolidWorks Registration FAQ for New Users.

Question: What should I do before completely installing SolidWorks?
Answer: When you install the software, it will ask you for a registration code. Since you are installing a new seat, you have not been given your code yet. Therefore, you need to go to the next screen, which is the Registration Wizard. You will be asked to complete the information in the Registration Wizard. This information can then be either emailed or faxed directly to SolidWorks. (Please refer to the Help button on the first screen of your Wizard for further directions and information on submission procedures.) Once you complete the Registration Wizard, you will then have 30 days to run the software. Please note that if for some reason you do not input your registration code within that time period, the software will "time out" and you will not be allowed access to it.

Question: Why do I need a registration code for SolidWorks?
Answer: registration code is required for each major release of SolidWorks to protect the investment of SolidWorks and its customers.

Question: I am having difficulties registering SolidWorks. Whom do I contact for support?
Answer: Please e-mail reginfo@solidworks.com or in the U.S. call 1-800-693-9000, and use the option for Registration information, or from outside the U.S. call +1-978-371-5000 and use the option for Registration information.

Question: I would like to use SolidWorks at home as well as in the office. Will I be able to do this?
Answer: Yes. The SolidWorks license agreement provides for home usage. For each serial number, you will use the same registration code for your office and home installations. You must register your office installation first.

Question: How do I get a serial number for a SolidWorks add-on product?
Answer: All SolidWorks add-on products, including Animator, FeatureWorks, Moldbase, PhotoWorks, Piping, and Toolbox, require a separate 16-digit serial number. If these options are ordered at the same time as SolidWorks, the appropriate serial number(s) will be provided on the serial number card inside your product box. If they are ordered after purchasing SolidWorks, your Reseller will provide the serial number for your new add-on product.
SolidWorks Registration FAQ for Current Users

Question: Will a new registration code be required to run SolidWorks ?
Answer: Yes.

Question: How will I obtain my new registration code for SolidWorks?
Answer: If you are a current subscription service commercial user and submitted a valid registration record with SolidWorks for the previous version of software that we are currently shipping, you will be given your new SolidWorks registration code upon the installation of a new version, providing the address we have in our database is valid for you. Otherwise, you need to run the Registration Wizard, and the new registration code will be emailed / faxed to you within 5 business days.

Question: Why do I need a new registration code for SolidWorks?
Answer: A new registration code is required for each major release of SolidWorks to protect the investment of SolidWorks and its customers.

Question: Why am I being asked to verify information for SolidWorks ?
Answer: SolidWorks requests verification of this data in order to maintain accurate information such as shipping addresses, etc. This type of information ultimately allows SolidWorks to better assist, serve, and understand its customers, and allows for prompt delivery of software upgrades and supporting information to our customers.

Question: I did not get a new registration code upon installing SolidWorks.
Answer: If you did not receive a registration code when you installed the software, you will need to fill out the Registration Wizard when it pops up on your screen. This information is then either emailed or faxed directly to SolidWorks. Please note: Once you complete the Registration Wizard, the program is automatically terminated. Please note: Once you complete the Registration Wizard, the program is automatically terminated. You will not be able to use SolidWorks until you receive your registration code via return e-mail or fax. Please refer to the Help button on the first screen of your Wizard for further directions and information on various forms of submissions. B. If you are a current registered user of a previous SolidWorks product, you may contact us via e-mail reginfo@solidworks.com or in the U.S. call 1-800-693-9000, and use the option for Registration information, or from outside the U.S. call +1-978-371-5000 and use the option for Registration information. This does not constitute a product registration; you should still submit your wizard.

Question: I have a new computer and do not have my SolidWorks serial number in order to install SolidWorks. How do I find my serial number?
Answer: This number is found on the original CD jewel case or on your original SolidWorks product box. Serial numbers for SolidWorks will not be provided over the phone.

Question: I use SolidWorks at home as well as in the office. Will I still be able to do this?
Answer: Yes. The SolidWorks license agreement provides for home usage. For each serial number, you will use the same registration code for your office and home installations.

Question: I have further questions on registering SolidWorks. Whom do I contact for support?
Answer: Please e-mail reginfo@solidworks.com or in the U.S. call 1-800-693-9000, and use the option for Registration information, or from outside the U.S. call +1-978-371-5000 and use the option for Registration information.

Question: How do I get a serial number for a SolidWorks add-on product?
Answer: All SolidWorks add-on products, including Animator, FeatureWorks, Moldbase, PhotoWorks, Piping, and Toolbox installations require a separate 16 digit serial number. If these options are ordered at the same time as SolidWorks, the appropriate serial number(s) will be provided on the serial number card inside your product box. If they are ordered after purchasing SolidWorks, your Reseller will provide the serial number for your new add-on product.