Problem

On a brand new or existing SOLIDWORKS installation, users may encounter an issue where SOLIDWORKS does not launch. A SOLIDWORKS splash screen would come up showing "Starting..." and immediately close.

This is likely due to the libcef.dll/Chromium Embedded Framework (CEF) not working correctly. For a clearer indication, check the Windows Event Viewer Application log for critical/error event levels related to SOLIDWORKS with a faulting module libcef.dll.

Solution 1: Reinstall CEF for SOLIDWORKS

1. Type "Programs" into a Windows Search to bring up the "Add or remove programs" and hit Enter

   

2. Uninstall 'CEF for SOLIDWORKS' from the list of programs
3. Restart the machine
4. In Windows Explorer, copy %temp% into the address bar and hit Enter
5.  Delete the folder “swcefcache” after making a backup of the folder
6. Go to the full installation file set of the latest version of SOLIDWORKS installed
7. Open the 'swcef' folder
8. Right-click on Setup.exe and choose “Run as Administrator”
9. When finished, restart the machine
10. Launch SOLIDWORKS to retest the issue

Solution 2: Install a specific libcef version

The support team at Hawk Ridge Systems has found success in replacing the libcef.dll file with file version 100.0.14.0 to resolve the issue. The DLL version can be checked by right-clicking on the file and selecting Properties. Follow the steps below to replace the file:

1. Download the libcef.dll file here: download link
2. Browse to C:\Program Files\Common Files\SOLIDWORKS Shared\swcef\
3. Replace the libcef.dll in the folder with the one downloaded from Step 1
4. Launch SOLIDWORKS to retest the issue

Solution 3: SOLIDWORKS Repair

1. Browse to C:\Program Files\Common Files\SOLIDWORKS Shared\
2. Rename the "swcef" folder to "swcef-old"
3. Repair SOLIDWORKS following the steps here: How to Repair SOLIDWORKS – Hawk Ridge Systems
4. Launch SOLIDWORKS to retest the issue

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