This video goes through how to modify your Solidworks installations to update your serial number from Trial version to full version, or standalone to network license, etc.
This video was produced by Gabriel Davila - Application Engineer
In this short demonstration by Perry from Solidtec, you will see how to install another version of SolidWorks alongside an already existing version. The method used will help keep the file references between the two versions apart. Please feel free to comment below.
When upgrading a major version of SolidWorks, we recommend uninstalling previous SolidWorks versions to ensure there are no conflicts. SolidWorks uses the Windows registry to store settings and other information, and these registry entries should also be removed after uninstalling. SolidWorks automatically regenerates any necessary registry entries, using default values, when the program is opened.
As of SolidWorks 2011, there is an option in the Installation Manager (IM) to cleanly uninstall SolidWorks, which has been one of the most popular Enhancement Requests in recent years.
Before you begin, make sure you have transferred your license off the computer!
In XP: Start Menu >> Control Panel >> Add/Remove Programs >> RMB on SolidWorks 2011>> Uninstall
In Vista/Win7 Start Menu >> Control Panel >> Programs and Features >> RMB SolidWorks 2011>> Uninstall
Once the SolidWorks IM has started, RMB on the Title Bar >> select Total Uninstall
Then proceed through the IM process (just keep clicking next) to uninstall. This will uninstall SolidWorks, and also remove the Windows Registry keys under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\SolidWorks
Although these are NOT the only registry entries and files installed by SolidWorks, it’s enough to ensure that your new installation won’t have any conflicts with holdovers from previous installations.
If you’re looking for a more thorough list of registry keys and files to remove, or if you’re uninstalling an older version of SolidWorks, check out this document by Greg Jankowski of SolidWorks Corp., which covers the full list of files and registry keys created by SolidWorks, as well as the creation of a batch file to automate the cleaning up process.