The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →To troubleshoot SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager, first identify whether the failure happened during download, system checks, installation, modification, repair, or removal. Record the exact error and product code before changing anything. Then follow the recovery path for that stage: retry or resume a download, check connection and entitlement warnings, recover an interrupted installation, or repair an existing individual installation. Use the Installation Manager version that matches your SOLIDWORKS release; interface labels and requirements can differ by version.
Start by identifying the failure stage
SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager is the primary tool for downloading, installing, modifying, updating, repairing, and removing SOLIDWORKS Design. It is release-specific, so follow the help for the version you are installing or maintaining—not simply the newest help page. SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager Application Help – 2026
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
3DConnexion 3DX-700059 Spacemouse Compact 3D Mouse | $171.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
3Dconnexion 3DX-700028 SpaceNavigator 3D Mouse | $171.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
3Dconnexion SpacePilot Pro 3D Mouse 3DX-700036 | $313.32 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
3Dconnexion 3DX-700066 Spacemouse Wireless (With Carry Case And Universal Receiver) | $263.99 | Buy on Amazon |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Before retrying, write down the complete message shown under Installation Errors or Installation Canceled, along with the product code and the operation in progress. A “Download Problem” and “Download Cancelled” are different states with different recovery options; note the exact label rather than treating every interruption as the same error.
- Download: files could not be obtained, verified, or extracted.
- System check: a warning concerns connectivity, serial-number validation, or another installation prerequisite.
- Install, modify, repair, or remove: a product operation failed or was interrupted.
Fix a download problem or cancellation
Retry or resume the automatic download
For a failed or cancelled download, use Installation Manager’s retry or resume option. Before another attempt, confirm that the selected download location is accessible and has enough free space for the displayed requirement. The 2026 help notes that the required space can include room to unzip files, so it may exceed the download size. Installation Manager downloads, verifies, and extracts files during the download operation. Download Product Installation Files – 2026
#1 Best Overall
- The space mouse compact was developed to deliver an intuitive, effortless and precise 3D navigation in CAD applications that cannot be experienced by using a standard mouse and keyboard.
- Six-degrees-of-freedom (6Dof) sensor - intuitively and precisely navigate digital models or views. Operating system - Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 SP1,Apple macOS 10.14, Apple macOS 10.13, Apple macOS 10.12, Apple OS X 10.11, Apple OS X 10.10. Linux Red Hat Enterprise Linux Workstation 4, 5, Linux Novell SUSE Linux 9.3, 10, 11
- Each of the space mouse compact's two buttons opens its own 3Dconnexion radial menu. They provide direct access to up to 8 of your favorite application commands.
- With its iconic, pure design, the space mouse compact is small enough to fit on every desk while the brushed steel base ensures the device stability for precise 3D navigation.
- 2-Year manufacturer's warranty
Use browser downloads if a proxy blocks automatic downloading
If a proxy server prevents Installation Manager from downloading automatically, choose its option to download individual files through a web browser. The generated page is tailored to the files required for the selected installation. Save the files if prompted to run or save them, then return to Installation Manager and continue the installation there. Do not install downloaded MSI files manually: the download-folder guidance warns that the folder may not include everything required for a standalone MSI installation. Run setup.exe from the download folder instead. Download Results – 2024
Check the download folder before reusing it
Installation files and prerequisites depend on the SOLIDWORKS version and selected products. A folder that worked for one release or product selection may not contain everything another installation needs; Installation Manager can request files for products not previously downloaded or for different prerequisites. Verify that the folder contains the complete files for the intended version and products. The 2024 download-media instructions describe obtaining installation media for use in an installation workflow. Download Installation Media – 2024
Resolve connection and serial-number warnings
If Installation Manager cannot connect to SOLIDWORKS to check entitlement or validate a serial number, check the internet connection and confirm that the serial number is valid for the products selected. The 2026 system-check guidance notes that some installations require a valid subscription at the time that version was released. Subscription and entitlement conditions depend on the product and account, so contact your SOLIDWORKS reseller when the warning concerns eligibility. System Check Warnings – 2026
Rank #2
- Advanced 6 degrees-of-freedom optical sensor
- Simultaneously pan, zoom and rotate 3D models
- 2 programmable function keys
- SpaceNavigator SE model includes commercial use license and full technical support
- Ideal for 3D designers, CAD engineers, architects
If connection or validation trouble blocks downloading, the documented fallback is to proceed with a DVD or a previously downloaded, complete source set, if you have one. This does not bypass an entitlement requirement.
Recover from an interrupted or failed installation
Prepare before retrying
- Record the exact error message and product code.
- Restart the computer.
- Check that SOLIDWORKS products are no longer running before retrying. The 2025 recovery guide names processes such as
SLDWORKS.exe,EModelViewer.exe,PDMworks.exe,pdmwVault.exe,SWViewer.exe,swlmwiz.exe,SWBoengine.exe,SWVBAServer.exe, andSldshellextserver.exe. Use the guide for the affected release for the applicable process list and recovery details. Recovering from a Failed or Canceled Installation – 2025
Retry or abandon the affected products
For a failed or skipped product, the recovery guide describes opening Windows Programs and Features, selecting the failed SOLIDWORKS version, choosing Change, and retrying the affected products. You can also remove installed products to abandon the attempt. Abandoning an upgrade does not restore the previous version of products, so do not treat removal as an automatic rollback.
If a prompt requests source files and you were not modifying an existing installation, the recovery guidance says the installation or computer may be corrupt and advises contacting your SOLIDWORKS reseller. Do not assume the previous version can be restored after an upgrade attempt.
Rank #3
- Design excellence for engineers
- LCD workflow assistant
- Powerful application control
- Advanced MCAD navigation
- Superior comfort
Repair an existing individual installation
Repair applies to an individual installation, not an administrative image. The original source files and any applied service packs must still be available in their original location. Follow the 2026 procedure:
- Open Windows Control Panel and go to Programs and Features.
- Right-click the SOLIDWORKS Design version and choose Change.
- Select Repair your installation.
- Select the product to repair and click Repair.
An administrative image cannot be repaired through this operation; uninstall and reinstall it instead. Repairing an Installation – 2026
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose the recovery path that fits
| Situation | Use this path | Key condition |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic download fails or is cancelled | Retry or resume in Installation Manager | Check the selected location and displayed free-space requirement. |
| A proxy blocks automatic downloading | Download individual files in a browser, then continue in Installation Manager | Use the generated files for the selected installation; do not run MSI files manually. |
| An installed individual product needs repair | Programs and Features > Change > Repair your installation | Original source files and applied service packs must remain available. |
| An administrative image needs repair | Uninstall and reinstall the image | The individual-installation repair operation does not apply. |
| An installation attempt failed or was cancelled | Use the version-specific recovery path to retry affected products or remove installed products | Removing products does not restore the prior version after an upgrade. |
Find Installation Manager logs and escalate
For a regular user account, the 2025 help gives this log location:
Rank #4
- Six-degrees-of-freedom (6Dof) sensor - intuitively and precisely navigate digital models or views.
- Wireless freedom - 3Dconnexion 2.4GHz wireless technology ensures a reliable, real-time connection to your 3D content.
- One month of battery life - space Mouse wireless will operate for up to a Month between charges
- Stylish design - small footprint, elegant brushed steel base, two programmable buttons.
- 2-Year manufacturer's warranty
C:UsersusernameAppDataRoamingSOLIDWORKSInstallation Logsinstalled_version
SummaryIMLog_...txt summarizes Installation Manager progress; the Other Logs subdirectory contains more detailed information. If Installation Manager ran as a system account, use the system-profile location instead:
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsC:WindowsSysWOW64configsystemprofileAppDataRoamingSOLIDWORKSInstallation Logsinstalled_version
You may need to show hidden files and folders to reach these locations. Include the exact error, product code, release, operation, and relevant log details when contacting your reseller or SOLIDWORKS support. The logs can help distinguish a file-access problem from an installation or validation failure. SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager Log Files – 2025
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
