Problem

This article contains information on getting started with SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional installation and administration.

INSTALLATION

1. Before installing SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional software, you should install Microsoft SQL Server.  The software is included with the SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional media kit.  If you cannot locate the Microsoft SQL Server disc, please contact Technical Support.  This article goes over installing SQL: SOLIDWORKS PDM Installation Guide with SQL Installation Instructions
2. Once Microsoft SQL Server has been installed and configured, proceed to install the PDM Archive and Database Server components following the steps in these articles:
   PDM Professional Archive Server Installation
   PDM Professional Database Server Installation
3. Then install PDM Professional clients and create a local vault view to access the vault with this article:
   PDM Client Installation

ADMINISTRATION

1. If you are planning to upgrade PDM Professional, please consider setting up a test environment and conduct proper testing before upgrading your production environment.
   PDM Test Environment
2. A commonly missed step in a PDM Professional upgrade is the database upgrade: 
   PDM Database Upgrade Utility
3. SOLIDWORKS files located in a PDM Professional/Enterprise PDM vault can be updated using the PDM File Version Upgrade Utility: PDM File Version Upgrade Utility
4. Hawk Ridge Systems recommends running regular backups of your PDM Professional SQL databases; archive server settings, and vault archives should be made in case PDM Professional needs to be restored. This article goes over the steps: PDM Backup and Restore

For additional support, existing customers can submit a ticket or new customers can contact Hawk Ridge Systems.