SOLIDWORKS Network Install and Troubleshooting

Installing SolidNetWork Manager

Begin by logging into the server where SOLIDWORKS License Manager is going to be installed. (Note: you will need Windows admin privileges when installing the software.) Place the SOLIDWORKS disk into the drive tray and run SOLIDWORKS. Be sure to select the proper disk as one is labeled 32 bit and the other is 64 bit. If you are not sure which is correct, contact your IT administrator. When the disk is loaded, you will be presented with the screen below. 

To Run Program click “Run setup.exe”. On the next window select server products and place a check next to “Install SolidNetWork License Manager” click next. (Note: this article only describes the install for SolidNetWork License Manager and subsequent SOLIDWORKS installs on local computers; the other options depicted below are not explained.) Click Next to proceed.

SOLIDWORKS then prompts the user for their serial number, please enter the serial number in the supplied spaces and proceed with the install by clicking Next. SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager will verify the serial number is correct and check to make sure the version on the install disk is the most current version available. If the version on the disk is not the most current version you can choose to download the newer version. You also have an option to proceed with the install on the disk, then after the install is complete update the software. For these instructions, we will proceed with simply installing for the disk as it is faster because we are not waiting for a download. Select “No, I’d like to continue installing 2013 SP0 X64 Edition” as seen below. 

Click Next to continue. The next window presents us with the SolidNetWork License Manager options. Proceed with entering the SolidNetWork License number(s) or if they automatically appear, verify they are correct. Verify the installation location is in the desired location; and click Next. 

Continue by clicking Install Now. SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager will run through the install and when finished will show results. When the install is complete, you will be prompted with information that is vital to installs on all client/local computers. Please copy down the information and keep it on file. The server path and port number are in this format as follows: port number @ server name (for example 25734@Server). When prompted, check the box that states “Is Firewall Being Used” and click OK. Click Finish to close installation manager. (Note: The serial number above is intentionally erased for security; however in a normal installation, your serial number will be visible.)

Technical notes: SolidNetWork Manager version must be newer or equal to the version of as the

SOLIDWORKS installed on client/local computers.

Installing SOLIDWORKS on Local Machine 

Now that SolidNetWork manager is correctly installed, we can proceed with installing SOLIDWORKS on local computers. There is no limit to the number of installs and therefore the number of computers to which we may install SOLIDWORKS; however you are restricted by the number of licenses/seats. For instance, you may have 10 computers that have installation of SOLIDWORKS but if your company only has 8 licenses, then only 8 users will be able to have an active session of SOLIDWORKS running. Any other uses who attempt to run SOLIDWORKS will be prompted with a dialogue box iterating that there are no licenses available. At this point in the installation process, select the computers desired for installs and repeat the process below for each computer.

• Insert SOLIDWORKS disk into computer and select “Run setup.exe”.
• Select individual installation click Next.
• Enter your Serial Number in the supplied boxes and click Next. If a newer version is available just choose to install from disk then proceed to update after install is complete (This will reduce install time as previously stated).
• Next SOLIDWORKS will now need the port and name information from the SolidNetWork Install. Enter that information now (25734@server: Note that 25734 is the SOLIDWORKS default port number; this can be changed, if change is desired contact your network administrator.)
• Click OK and SOLIDWORKS will instantly begin installing. The install process can take some time, typically on high end computers about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Once the install is complete, SOLIDWORKS is ready for use. 

Troubleshooting 

The Install of SolidNetWork License Manager on the domain server has a port number @ server (ex. 25734@ Server). We must ensure this port is not being blocked by the Windows firewall. (Note: The default port number(s) from SolidNetWork manager are 25734 and 25735). 

To ensure SolidNetWork License Manager knows to work with a firewall, open SolidNetWork manager on the domain server, click modify install check ON Firewall in use and click Next. The modification install will update SolidNetWork License Manager. Finish and close. 

Open ports on domain server and/or shadow network/server (may not apply) and local machine 25734 and 25735 label as SWx and SWX respectively (Inbound and outbound). To make sure Windows is not blocking the ports and the local machine is connected to the server we will proceed with the following information below. 

Opening Ports in Windows 

(Disclaimer: The following steps are a guideline to perform changes in windows functions. This should be performed by a Certified Windows Professional and the Company IT Administrator. GoEngineer holds no responsibility for user error when altering windows operations.) 

Open inbound ports on all user computers (computer that will have an installation of SOLIDWORKS).

1. Control panel
   
   
2. System and security 
3. Windows firewall
   
   
4. Advanced settings 
   
   
5. Click on inbound port >> right click create new rule/add rule
   
   
6. Create rule for Port 
   
   
7. Add Port info (25734)
   
   
8. Allow the connection 
   
   
9. Select when this rule applies (refer to it administrator)
   
   
10. Finish Inbound Port Rule save 25734 as SWx and repeat for 25735 and save as SWX 
    
    
11. Repeat steps 1-10 for port 25735 if needed.  

To verify the ports are open, go to: control panel, system and security, windows firewall, advanced, inbound port, filter list by name (SWx, SWX in this case and pan to the right to verify port number and open).

Verifying Port Communication 

Activate telnet client and telnet server on the PC. Control panel (classic mode) >>Programs Features>> turn features on/off.

Left-click “Turn Windows features on or off.”

Scroll down and toggle on Telnet Client and Telnet Server.  

Confirm communication between local computer and server. 

Click: Start >>Run>>cmd.

Ping server

Type: Ping server (ping “server name”) 

*If there is an error then there is a connection problem with the domain server and the local computer (contact IT administrator as this is not a SOLIDWORKS problem); more than likely it’s a firewall issue or if SNL is installed on a shadow network/server, the server is not properly connected to the domain server. 

To verify the port(s) are open on the server side

run >> cmd

telnet server port # (ex: telnet server 25734)

if returned error, port blocked on server side

if telnet window opens with flashing cursor then port open.

telnet server 25735

if returned error, port blocked on server side 

if telnet window opens with flashing cursor then port open 

When SOLIDWORKS fails to locate server or fails to install correctly on the local computer, verify that the port(s) are open on the local computer are open, telnet client and server are installed and run>>cmd ping “server name” and “telnet” “server name” “port number” (ex: telnet server 25734).

If both ports 25734 and 25735 are open on the server and local computer ping is good, the telnet is good 

1. Turn off/disable any firewalls
2. Turn off internet security and check that version for SOLIDWORKS compatibility. See link (http://www.solidworks.com/sw/support/AntiVirus_SW.html) 
3. Download SOLIDWORKS Setup from Customer Portal and Run latest service pack install (ensures the install disk isn’t corrupt or has a read problem) 
4. Be sure there are not multiple install attempts in the machine (ex: SOLIDWORKS Install, SOLIDWORKS Install (2), SOLIDWORKS Install (3), SOLIDWORKS Install (4); select all those previous attempts delete and attempt install again.)

If else: Contact GoEngineer Support

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