PDM Workgroup Upgrade 2013

If you are planning on upgrading your SolidWorks Workgroup system to version 2013, please review the following steps to ensure the upgrade process will not cause any problems and downtime.

1.    Solidworks 2013 will NOT install on Windows XP operating systems.

2.    Server Upgrade –

            a.      Stop the service PDMWorks WorkgroupServer

            b.      Make a back up of the existing VaultData folder. If you are unsure where the vaultdata folder is located, go to the Workgroup Server PC and open the registry editor by typing REGEDIT at the run prompt.

The vaultdata folder path is located in the key HKLM\Software\SolidWorks\SolidWorks version\PDMWorks Workgroup\Server\rootPath.

            c.     Upgrade the PDMWorks Workgroup Server to 2013. For help with the install process, refer to the    install_guide.chm located in \pdmwserver\Support\Help\English on the Solidworks DVD. This document has a  section under SolidWorks Workgroup PDM called ‘Installing a Workgroup PDM Server’.

            d.      Once the update is finished, the service will restart and run a validation process. The validation may take anywhere from only a few minutes to a few hours depending on the size of the vault

3.   Client Upgrade –

            a.       Upgrade clients from old version to 2013.

            b.       Upgrade clients who only use SolidWorks Explorer to SolidWorks Explorer 2013

            c.       Upgrade clients who only use the Web Viewer from eDrawings 20XX to eDrawings 2013

4.       If you are using the Workgroup PDM Viewer tool, make sure the following windows components are installed on windows 2008 server:

You must install Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) before installing the Viewer including:

            a.     Web Management Tools

            b.     IIS Management Console

            c.     World Wide Web Services: Application Development Features

            d.     .NET Extensibility

            e.     ASP.NET

            f.     CGI

            g.     ISAPI Extensions

            h.     ISAPI Filters

5.       SolidWorks and Workgroup PDM must be at the same version so both must be upgraded to 2013 at the same time. It is not necessary to check in or release ownership of files prior to the upgrade.

Inflow has a team of SolidWorks Workgroup PDM professionals that can provide consulting upgrade solutions packages ranging from a "start-to-finish upgrade" or just "best practices" to ensure a successful transition.

For "do it yourself" upgrades that develop issues, the InFlow support team can be available for help or assistance during normal business hours, but may need to schedule dedicated additional paid consulting time based on the complexity of the issue.  We will do our best to make sure the issues are resolved in the shortest time possible. You can contact phone 800-875-3009 or email support@Inflow-tech.com.

To reduce the risk of any issues occurring, plan on using InFlow’s consulting services for your next scheduled upgrade.  Please contact your CATI Sales Representative or InFlow PLM Consultant for additional information.