Problem

In February of 2024, we received a few reports of SOLIDWORKS with the SolidProfessor Add-in crashing while being launched. The error report for these crashes shows a blank fault module, making it harder to determine the reason behind it. 

After further investigation, we've found that these crashes seem to be caused by a recent update to the SolidProfessor add-in causing issues with 3DEXPERIENCE add-ins, like the 3DEXPERIENCE Marketplace. The crash occurs under the following conditions:

1. 3DEXPERIENCE and SolidProfessor add-ins are both enabled on startup.
2. 3DEXPERIENCE and SolidProfessor add-ins are both enabled at the same time.
3. The SolidProfessor add-in is enabled, and then a 3DEXPERIENCE add-in is enabled. 

Solution

The crashes on startup can be resolved by editing the registry to disable add-ins on startup. This will allow SOLIDWORKS to launch, and add-ins can then be enabled as needed. 

When going into the Registry Editor, do not modify or delete anything except what is listed below. If you do not feel comfortable performing the steps listed below, please contact Technical Support.

Follow these steps to disable the SolidProfessor add-in on startup:

1. Close all SOLIDWORKS programs
2. Open Windows Search, search for REGEDIT, and then hit Enter to open the Registry Editor

3. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\SolidWorks\AddInsStartup
4. Right-click on the folder and click Export

5. Name the file user.reg and save it anywhere that is desired. We have now made a backup of our current registry

   

6. In the AddInsStartup folder, find the "{9ff8affc-3009-41d0-8327-71d97bd798f0}" registry key which controls the SolidProfessor Add-in startup

7. Right-click on the (Default) key and select "Modify..."

   

8. Change the key's data value of "1" to "0" and hit "OK"

   

9. Launch SOLIDWORKS to test the issue

If the issue persists, you can continue disabling any other add-ins by finding any other keys in "AddInsStartup" with a data value of "1" and changing it to "0". Once all add-ins are disabled on startup, you can launch SOLIDWORKS and enable the add-ins you need. If you need both the SolidProfessor and 3DEXPERIENCE add-ins, you can leave the 3DEXPERIENCE add-ins enabled on startup. Leave SolidProfessor disabled on startup and enable it manually after launching SOLIDWORKS until a fix is implemented. 

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