Problem

When upgrading SolidWorks PDM to a newer version, it is often necessary to upgrade your SQL version if it does not meet the system requirements. PDM Professional will require SQL Standard or SQL Enterprise, while PDM Standard will only run on an instance of SQL Express.  This article will help you upgrade your SQL.

Solution Step 1: Download SQL

Before attempting to upgrade any PDM Server components, please be sure to create backups of your data.

The first step to updating your SQL is to confirm compatibility with your Windows Server Operating System.

SQL Server in Windows operating system - SQL Server | Microsoft Learn

If you need to upgrade SQL Standard, the paid version that is needed for PDM Professional, you will need to get the installation files from the Microsoft Admin Center. Here is the link: Admin Center.

Below are the links for SQL Express for PDM Standard:

SQL 2016 SP3:

KB3177534 - How to obtain the latest service pack for SQL Server 2016 (microsoft.com)

SQL 2019:

Download Microsoft® SQL Server® 2019 Express from Official Microsoft Download Center

SQL 2019 latest cumulative update (you will need to do this after upgrading to SQL 2019):

Download SQL Server® 2019 for Microsoft® Windows Latest Cumulative Update from Official Microsoft Download Center

SQL 2022:

Download Microsoft® SQL Server® 2022 Express from Official Microsoft Download Center

SQL 2025:

Download Microsoft® SQL Server® 2025 Express from Official Microsoft Download Center

Solution Step 2: Upgrade SQL

1. After downloading the executable, you will want to run it with administrator rights. Be sure to select Custom.

   

2. After selecting custom, you will select install.

   

3. Under the Installation section of the SQL Server Installation Center, you need to select Upgrade from a previous version of SQL Server.

   

    

4. You will accept the license agreements and select Next.

   

5. You will then select the instance on which PDM exists. Then hit Next.

   

6. If you have any features, you will select them in the options prior to the next screenshot. If you do not have any features, it will automatically send you to the last step. This process can take a fair amount of time, depending on the size of your database.

   

7. After completion, you will have to restart your server.

8. If you have not upgraded SQL Cumulative Update yet, you will receive the following error when trying to upgrade your PDM database.

   

9. Please download the latest Cumulative Update from the Microsoft website. Run the executable and accept the license agreement, then select Next.

   

10. Select all PDM existing instances, then hit Next.

    

11. Select Next.

    

12. Select Update.

    

13. You will need to restart your server after the cumulative update.

    

14. After you restart your server, the SQL upgrade is complete.

Solution Step 3: Upgrade the SolidWorks PDM Vault Database

To finish the database upgrade, navigate to your SolidWorks installation media and run the Upgrade.exe located in SOLIDWORKS 20XX SP0\SOLIDWORKS 202# SP0#\SWPDMServer\Upgrade. Follow the steps below:

1. Open the upgrade tool and run it. Select your vault and click Next.

   

2. Select Next.

   

3. Select Finish

   

After this, you should now have a working PDM client and server with all compatible components.

For further technical support, please contact Hawk Ridge Systems at 877.266.4469 for the U.S. or 866.587.6803 for Canada and support@hawkridgesys.com.