Solidworks 2014 on Server 2016?

[snagrat]

We are trying to install Solidworks 2014 on Server 2016. Its actually the network license server we are installing.

 

However it is failing. We think it may not be supported by Server 2016 so wondered if anyone currently has it working?

 

If not, does anyone have it installed on Server 2012 R2? Would rather not have to drop down to Server 2008 R2

[3s-gtech]

We had 2014 installed on our Server 2012 R2 host, worked fine. Not tested on newer, current is 2015 for us.

[snagrat]

Thanks I will proceed with installing a 2012 R2 server for this role

[snagrat]

I’ve got it installed now and activated but struggling to understand the deployment to machines.

 

I have created a MST and can deploy the msi with it but the machine doesn’t auto activate. It seems I must borrow a license from the server and then it shows as the username and computer name.

 

Is this correct?

 

I can only seem to borrow for 1 month as well?

[fredbayker]

I’m not sure but you may be able to ‘embed’ the activation into your build.

However if you’re using a licensing server then the clients ‘borrow’ a licence for a fixed time and then have to renew- like dhcp works.

 

You can configure a reg key to point your clients to your server.

 

HKLM/software/solidworks

 

Have you done this?

[3s-gtech]

Solidworks only takes the licence when it's open on a machine connected to the licensing server. Close it on the client and it frees up.

[snagrat]

So by the sounds of it no manual activation process is required at each station.

 

As long as the client can see the licensing server it will borrow a license.

[3s-gtech]

That's right, it's a really nice system when working. You do have to push out the address of the licensing server when deploying - if you haven't done that, I think you have to go onto each client and open the licence app to change it.

[snagrat]

The licensing server was in the MST however I cannot find anything in the registry that this is set.

 

On my test machine I have made no changes after deploying and I can run Solidworks. Does it run even if unlicensed maybe in restricted mode? Or if it opens then everything is working correctly?

[snagrat]

And when it is running in the bottom bar it says “Solidworks Education Edition - Instructional Use Only”

[3s-gtech]

It won't load without the licence server. Looks like you've cracked it!

[snagrat]

Ah that’s great. Thanks for confirming

[fredbayker]

You can deploy that regkey to your clients using security filtering if it’s only for a specific dept

[snagrat]

You can deploy that regkey to your clients using security filtering if it’s only for a specific dept

 

I can’t see any reg keys that specify licensing.

 

That said, everyone uses the same elements so not too bothered

[fredbayker]

Have a quick read here

 

https://forum.solidworks.com/thread/51917