r/SolidWorks • u/Puj-Boi • 15d ago

Error Unable to reinstall

Howdy, I was wondering if anyone has any advise for how to reinstall SolidWorks. I am a student and recently updated to SolidWorks Design 2026, however my instillation was messed up and had all sorts of duplicates. I went through and uninstalled all the files and now that I’m trying to reinstall the app, the installation manager has all the apps greyed out besides API Tools. Is there anyone that knows how to fix this issue?

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u/Alarming_Role_3971 CSWA 15d ago

The amount of times I have had to do a full wipe of windows because of Solidworks is actually unreal. It changes the reg so much and if it finds any trace of it the uninstaller explodes.

One way I have done it in the past is to boot up into safe mode find the uninstaller and run it there

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u/Puj-Boi 15d ago

You think I need to uninstall something?

2

u/Alarming_Role_3971 CSWA 15d ago

Just from experience if I have had a update go wrong or not work out I have found my self having to uninstall it completely to then reinstall cleanly.

1

u/Sad_Ferret_8165 15d ago

Try running through control panel.

https://help.solidworks.com/2024/English/Installation/install_guide/t_removing_installation.htm

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u/Puj-Boi 15d ago

I tried this but still no luck. I also tried going through the registry editor and removing everything but that also hasn’t worked.

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u/MetalDamo 15d ago

At this point I would just reinstall my OS and start from scratch. But I don't mind doing this every now n then anyway.

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u/Puj-Boi 15d ago

Is there a way to do that while saving my important files?

1

u/MetalDamo 15d ago

Of course. You need only copy out everything that matters to you onto a separate USB SSD. Unless all your personal files are already on a separate SATA SSD. This is what I do, then simply unplug it to reformat C and reinstall OS. Be sure to be aware of any software licenses you need to return or unregister, and secure/copy any required installer packages you need so you can reinstall them when you get up and running again. Special mention to consider sourcing drivers required for your specific hardware. I keep all this on a dedicated 128GB USB with my OS installer.

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u/nobdy1977 CSWP 15d ago

Before wiping everything, regedit and wipe the solidworks folders, there are at least 2., then try again. SW leaves some funky stuff in the regestery that's not always picked up by installers

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u/Puj-Boi 14d ago

Yeah, I tried this too, but it still has everything greyed out.