Problem

This article walks through troubleshooting steps to resolve the "Contact your administrator, can't write to the following log file" error that prevents a SOLIDWORKS Administrative Image installation from launching.

The error can be encountered when an Administrative Image install of SOLIDWORKS has been set up to automatically activate when first launched. The option for this silent activation method is found in the "Client Installation Options" section of the Administrative Image Option Editor.

In order to activate successfully, the Administrative Image Option Editor generates several activation files that must be referenced once SOLIDWORKS launches for the first time. During this silent activation, SOLIDWORKS must also create a log file in the directory where the admin image is located. 

A failure to create the activation log file indicates that SOLIDWORKS cannot reference the original paths where the administrative image is located. Typically, this will be either caused by inadequate permissions to the admin image folder, or by the actual relocation of the admin image directory before the software is launched.

Solution

Follow the steps below to resolve the error using the Windows Registry Editor. Be extremely careful not to modify anything except what is listed below. If you do not feel comfortable performing the steps listed below, please contact Technical Support.

1. Close all applications, including SOLIDWORKS.

2. Search for REGEDIT in your Start menu, and hit Enter.

   

3. Navigate to: 
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\SolidWorks\Licenses\Activation Wizard\[version number]
   Note: <version number> is the release number corresponding to your release of SOLIDWORKS. This article will use 2016 as an example, which is the 24th major release of the software.
    

   

4. Delete the "Auto File" and "Event Log" Strings that are located in this specific version key, as shown below.

5. Launch SOLIDWORKS and follow the activation prompts that appear. 

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