2018 Download And Install New _top_: Solidworks

Technical Guide: Acquisition and Installation of SOLIDWORKS 2018

Date: October 26, 2023 Subject: Step-by-Step Procedure for Downloading and Installing SOLIDWORKS 2018 (New Installation)

Phase 1: Preparation (Before You Download)

1. Check System Requirements:
   • OS: Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, or Windows 10 (64-bit only).
   • RAM: 16GB minimum (32GB recommended).
   • Storage: 20GB free space (SSD recommended).
   • Processor: 3.3 GHz or faster.
2. Disable Antivirus: Temporarily turn off real-time scanning (Windows Defender, McAfee, Norton, etc.). Re-enable after installation.
3. Close All Programs: Ensure Office, browsers, and especially other CAD software are closed.

Part 3: Step-by-Step Guide to a Clean "New" Installation of SolidWorks 2018

Once you have obtained the legitimate installer (a multi-GB folder containing setup.exe), follow this strict sequence. A "new" installation means no previous versions of SolidWorks on your PC—or a clean removal of any old instances.

Error 4: "SolidWorks is already installed" (But you want a new clean install)

Solution: You must perform a clean uninstall first. Use the official "Microsoft Program Install and Uninstall troubleshooter", then manually delete the registry keys at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\SolidWorks. Warning: Editing registry is risky—back up first.

Troubleshooting common issues

• Installation fails or freezes: disable antivirus during install, run installer as Administrator, ensure Windows updates and .NET Framework components are present.
• Missing serial number: contact your reseller, IT admin, or Dassault Systèmes support.
• Graphics problems: update GPU driver to a SOLIDWORKS-certified driver; enable “Use Software OpenGL” temporarily via Tools → Options if display issues occur (only available when no document is open).
• Licensing errors: verify SNL server reachable and ports open (default 25734/25735) or use online activation.

Part 4: Post-Installation Checklist

✅ Service Pack Verification

• Go to Help → About SOLIDWORKS → confirm it shows Version 2018 SP5.0.

✅ Test a Model

• Open a sample part (e.g., C:\ProgramData\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS 2018\samples\...).

✅ Enable Toolbox

• Tools → Add-ins → Check both boxes for SOLIDWORKS Toolbox Library.

✅ Set File Locations

• Tools → Options → File Locations → Add your templates, design library, and weldment profiles.

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The Installation Process

Step 1: Run the Installer as Administrator Right-click on setup.exe → Run as Administrator. User Account Control (UAC) will pop up; click "Yes".

Step 2: Choose Installation Type You will see a welcome screen. Select "Install SolidWorks" (not "Modify" or "Repair"). solidworks 2018 download and install new

Step 3: Enter Serial Number

• For Commercial Network License: Enter your serial number. The installer will auto-fill the product ID.
• For Student Edition: Enter the student serial number.
• For Trial: You might have a trial serial. The installer will connect to the SolidWorks servers to validate it. Wait for a green checkmark.

Step 4: Select a New Installation Location

• The default is C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp. If your C: drive is small, click "Change..." to install on a different SSD (e.g., D:\SOLIDWORKS2018).
• Crucial: Ensure the path has no special characters or spaces beyond the default.

Step 5: Toolbox & Document Location

• SolidWorks Toolbox: Choose "Create a new 2018 Toolbox" or "Use an existing Toolbox". For a new install, choose "Create new 2024…" (the year will change based on your installer). Store it on a network drive if sharing with a team.
• Document Templates: Keep the default location.

Step 6: Select Components This is where most botched installs happen. For a standard "new" install, choose: Check System Requirements:

• SolidWorks (Main program) – Required.
• Language Packs – Select English plus your native language if needed.
• Toolbox – Required for standard parts libraries.
• CircuitWorks – Optional, only for electronics.
• eDrawings – Recommended for sharing files.
• Visualize – Only if you do rendering (heavy).

De-select items like "SolidWorks Explorer" (deprecated) or "Enterprise PDM" unless you have a server.

Step 7: Configure Background Download

• Check "Download the updates now" (if any service packs are available).
• Check "I accept the terms of the SolidWorks license agreement".
• Click "Install" (or "Download and Install").

Step 8: Wait (30 minutes to 2 hours) Grab coffee. The installer will:

• Install Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables.
• Install .NET Framework components.
• Copy thousands of files.
• Register DLLs.

Do not interrupt the process. Do not put your computer to sleep. OS: Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8

Step 9: Activation After installation completes, a SolidWorks Activation Wizard will appear.

• Click "Activate".
• If you have an internet connection, choose "Automatic activation".
• Enter your serial number again if prompted.
• You will see "Activation successful." Click Finish.

Step 10: First Launch & Initial Setup

• Restart your computer (critical).
• Launch SolidWorks 2018 from the desktop or Start Menu.
• You will be asked to "Choose a welcome screen" – select "New user" or "Advanced".
• Go to Tools → Options → File Locations and verify your Document Templates and Toolbox are pointed correctly.

1. Automated Download Manager

• Fetches SolidWorks 2018 installer files from official or trusted mirror sources (requires valid license key).
• Resumes interrupted downloads.
• Validates file integrity via SHA‑256 checksum.