How to Use SOLIDWORKS Rx with SOLIDWORKS Connected

SOLIDWORKS Rx is an important tool for troubleshooting many problems. With SOLIDWORKS Connected, it is not able to launch in the same method we normally use with desktop SOLIDWORKS, and the safe modes are not available. This article will explain how to launch SOLIDWORKS Rx with SOLIDWORKS Connected and how to apply its safe modes.

SOLIDWORKS Rx can be used for a few different purposes:

• Checking system diagnostics to ensure SOLIDWORKS is set up to run well. 
• Capturing problems with video and logs to provide technical support for in-depth troubleshooting.
• Launching SOLIDWORKS in safe modes to isolate the source of an issue.

This article will apply if you are using SOLIDWORKS Connected, also known as 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS. If you are using desktop SOLIDWORKS, including the Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS add-in, please refer to the articles for using the desktop Rx tool for problem captures (Rx Problem Capture Tool) and the safe modes (Starting SOLIDWORKS in RX Safe Modes).

Although the SOLIDWORKS Connected installation does not create a Start Menu shortcut for SOLIDWORKS Rx, the application is installed. There are three ways to run the application. 

Launching SOLIDWORKS Rx with SOLIDWORKS Connected

Although the SOLIDWORKS Connected installation does not create a Start Menu shortcut for SOLIDWORKS Rx, the application is installed. There are three ways to run the application:

• Select the SOLIDWORKS Rx command in the Help menu within SOLIDWORKS

• Right-click on the SOLIDWORKS Resource Monitor icon in the System Tray and select "Run System Diagnostics"

• Run the sldrx.exe application in
  %programfiles%\Common Files\SOLIDWORKS Shared\20XX\sldrx

SOLIDWORKS Rx can be used to capture a problem that is difficult to explain or reproduce. Please see our Rx Problem Capture Tool guide to learn how to create an Rx capture, and note that you may need to enable the "Include 3DEXPERIENCE debug logs" when using SOLIDWORKS Connected.

Using Safe Modes in SOLIDWORKS Connected

With desktop SOLIDWORKS, the SOLIDWORKS Rx tool includes the ability to launch SOLIDWORKS in two safe modes to narrow down the source of an issue. The Software OpenGL safe mode can pinpoint an issue with the graphics card or its driver, and the Bypass the Tools/Options Settings safe mode can pinpoint an issue with the SOLIDWORKS settings or registry. Desktop SOLIDWORKS can be launched in either of those modes and if the issue cannot be reproduced in that mode, those respective items are the likely source of the issue. SOLIDWORKS Connected does not include these safe modes, but they can be implemented manually. 

Using Software OpenGL in SOLIDWORKS Connected

1. Make sure no SOLIDWORKS files are open. 
2. Go to the Performance section of the System Options and disable the "Enhanced graphics performance" option.
3. Hit OK to confirm the change and restart SOLIDWORKS for the change to take effect.
4. Go to the Performance section of the System Options and enable the "Use software OpenGL" option.
5. Attempt to recreate your issue. 

If the issue cannot be replicated after following those steps, the issue is likely caused by your graphics card or driver. To stop using this safe mode and restore your settings, follow the steps below:

1. Make sure no SOLIDWORKS files are open. 
2. Go to the Performance section of the System Options and enable the "Use software OpenGL" option.
3. (Optional) In the Performance section of the System Options, enable the "Enhanced graphics performance" option.

Using Bypass the Tools/Options Settings in SOLIDWORKS Connected

1. Make sure no SOLIDWORKS files are open.
2. Go to the Tools menu and select Save/Restore Settings.
3. Select Save Settings, hit Next, ensure all settings are selected and a location is specified and hit Finish to create a backup of your existing settings.
4. Go to the Tools menu and select Save/Restore Settings. 
5. With that window open, close SOLIDWORKS.
6. Select Reset Settings, select Reset Only, hit Next to reset your SOLIDWORKS settings, and hit Finish to close the Settings Wizard.
7. Attempt to recreate your issue. 

If the issue cannot be replicated after following those steps, the issue is likely caused by your settings or registry. To stop using this safe mode and restore your settings, follow the steps below:

1. Make sure no SOLIDWORKS files are open.
2. Go to the Tools menu and select Save/Restore Settings. 
3. Select Restore Settings, select Browse to choose the file created in the step 3 of the previous section, ensure all settings are selected, and hit Next and Finish to restore your settings.

Contact Us

For further technical support please contact Hawk Ridge Systems at 877.266.4469 for the U.S. or 866.587.6803 for Canada.