SolidWorks Installation errors for new computers by Jeff Brausen
Over the last couple of weeks on our support desk here at Alignex we have noticed a large number of general installation errors when installing SolidWorks 2008 or SolidWorks 2009. These errors range anywhere from installing with the wrong DVD to very high level including wrong registry permissions, etc.
The most common one has been a general MSI error. This error gives you a string of failed to install product X and Y etc. In that long error string you will see a "CODE=1603". If you Google this error you will see everything from permissions to registry.
A proposed solution:
Uninstall windows desktop search. (You will have to reboot the machine) Also be sure that you have administrative permissions on the PC and that windows fire wall and antiviruses are turned off.
A majority of our customers who received this error and followed the proposed solution, installed without getting further errors. If you follow these instructions and still get an error during installation. Please zip up your installation log (C:\Documents and Settings\(your user)\Application Data\IM) and send to support@alignex.com. Application Data could be a hidden folder, so make sure your hidden files and folders are turned on.