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SolidWorks 2009 Upgrade

SolidWorks 2009 is now available for download and questions have poured into ModernTech Mechanical support asking for "best practices", "recommend steps" and overall "how to" for upgrading to 2009.  Below are some basic recommendations for performing an upgrade to the newest version.

    Network Users
  • Acquire the new 2009 license file: SolidWorks is releasing "any" files for 2009 SNL usage that are valid until 10/31/08. These files are for temporary usage until SolidWorks gets all the license files updated.

  • Uninstall 2008 SNL manager & install 2009 SNL Manager: First things first. Uninstall the old license manager and then reinstall the new 2009 license manager. The 2009 SNL will work for 2007-2009 versions of SolidWorks. Be sure to install DIRECTLY on the hosting machine as the Dongle driver does not install via Remote Desktop or Terminal Services.

    General Procedures
  • Verify your systems graphics driver: It is important to always be running a certified card/system with the certified driver for SolidWorks. You can get a list of available certified cards/systems with their associated drivers at the following link: http://www.solidworks.com/sw/videocardtesting.html

  • Backup File Sets: Be sure to backup the desired file sets before upgrading. These include (but are not limited to) Toolbox, Solidworks Files, PDM Vault and Template files.

  • Backup User Settings: If upgrading from 2008, backup your user interface settings. You can do this by launching the Copy Settings Wizard located in SolidWorks Tools under the Start Menu or by Exporting the follow registry key from the registry: HKEY_Current_User\Software\Solidworks. (to restore settings after 2009 install open the above Key and rename the SolidWorks 2008 Key to SolidWorks 2009; contact ModernTech support or more information)

  • Perform Clean Uninstall: We recommend that you perform a clean uninstall before going to any new major version. Contact ModernTech Support for more infromation (solidworks.support@moderntechmech.com)

  • Turn Off Anti-Virus: Make sure to turn off ALL Anti-Virus & Anti-Spyware during the install of SolidWorks.

    Install Options
  • Determine Install Method: ModernTech recommends an Admin Image installation for 3 seats of SolidWorks or more. DVD installation for 1 or 2 seats.

  • Serial Numbers: During the installation be sure to select all products in the installation manager that you wish to install. PDMWorks, SolidWorks Simulation, SolidWorks Motion and Solidworks Flow have their own serial numbers


  • Upgrade PDM System: The last step in any upgrade is the PDM system. Upgrade the PDM server to the latest version and determine your file update method. This can be either "On Demand" at check out or "Bulk" via Task Scheduler.

ModernTech Mechanical offers a NEW service called the "Quick Start" for SolidWorks that will assist new and existing customers in the upgrade (initial install) process. This is a one day service where an Application Engineer assists in all of the above information (plus more!). You can find out more information at the following link: http://www.moderntechmech.com/services/solidworks_quickstart.html