This guide will take you step by step through the process of updating your SolidNetWork License Manager (SNL) on your server or host computer. The SNL is required to be upgraded to match the most recent version of the SolidWorks Client Installations. In this guide we will download the necessary files, deactivate/uninstall the old SNL, then reinstall/reactivate the new SNL.*Note: To eliminate the chance of activation errors in the following steps, do not use remote access to the server.
SolidWorks also requires a reboot of the server to complete process.
Part 1: Download Files
This step is first to minimize downtime during update.
STEP 1: Login to the SolidWorks Cutomer Portal: https://customerportal.solidworks.com/
STEP 2: Navigate to Downloads and Updates and find the SolidWorks Service Pack link for your requirements.
*Note: The SNL file we need is located inside the other SolidWorks files.
STEP 3: Read the Download Terms and hit Accept Agreement & Continue.
STEP 4: Select manual download method.
Note: Normally we’d use the installation manager here, but the SNL is a self-standing file so we can limit download size.
STEP 5: Choose preferred options from each of the three drop down lists below.
STEP 6: Choose SolidNetWork License Manager.
STEP 7: When prompted to Run or Save click the drop down and select Save as to save (usually to local drive).
STEP 8: Select Save to save to your disk location on your server or host computer. *make note of your save location
Part 2: Uninstallation
STEP 1: Browse to SolidNetWork License Manager from Start menu > All Programs > SolidWorks > SolidWorks Tools > SolidNetWork License Manager.
STEP 2: Click on the License Usage Tab and make sure all licenses are free.
STEP 3: Click on the License Borrowing Tab and make sure all licenses are returned
STEP 4: On the Server Admin Tab, select Stop
STEP 5: Choose Modify to begin the license transfer (Back to SW’s Servers).
STEP 6: Choose Transfer a software license and click Next.
STEP 7: Enter your email address and click Next.
STEP 8: Upon successful transfer choose Finish to complete (If transfer fails, repeat steps 5-7).
STEP 9: Navigate to your Start menu and click Control Panel.
STEP 10: From the Control Panel select Uninstall a program.
STEP 11: Choose SolidNetWork License Manager and click Uninstall.
STEP 12: Click Yes when prompted for confirmation.
STEP 13: Click OK when reboot window opens (a reboot is necessary)
Part 3: Install updated version of SNL license Manager
STEP 1: Browse to your Download folder (or folder where file was saved in Part 1: Step 7) and open swlicmgr.exe.
STEP 2: Unzip the file.
STEP 3: Select Next once the Setup Wizard window is open.
STEP 4: Enter your 24 digit license number and click Next.
STEP 5: Unless file location change is desired choose Next to continue if this window appears.
STEP 6: Click Install to begin the installation process.
STEP 7: Once the program is done installing choose Finish to complete the installation.
Part 4: Activate License Manager
STEP 1: Browse to the Start Menu< SolidWorks< SolidWorks Tools< open the SolidNetwork License Manager
STEP 2: Select Yes to activate
STEP 3: Check the Firewall box if one is in use then click Next to continue.
STEP 4: Choose Next if all information looks correct.
STEP 5: Upon successful activation choose Finish.
STEP 6: Start the License Server back up if necessary and select OK.
Thanks for reading and we hope you found this post helpful in your SOLIDWORKS deactivation! You can also download the Alignex Guide to SNL Options File, as well as our other helpful guides in the Technical Support Documents section on our website.

Written by The Alignex Team
The Alignex Team of application engineers combined their depth of experience and industry knowledge to bring you the contents of this article.