SOLIDWORKS Error “Failed to update the system registry: Please try using REGEDIT”

Problem:

SolidWorks returns an error message, typically when launching, stating: Failed to update the system registry. Please try using REGEDIT.

Solution

This error message requires the user to modify the registry editor. When modifying the registry editor, it is extremely important not to modify anything that is not explicitly stated below. Ensure that all settings match what is written. If you do not feel comfortable performing the steps listed below, please contact Technical Support.

DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING IN YOUR REGISTRY UNLESS EXPLICITLY INSTRUCTED TO.

1. Close all applications, including SOLIDWORKS
2. Hit the START menu and search for REGEDIT, then hit Enter
   

3. Browse to the folder named,

   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\

4. Right-click the file, HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SldAssem.Document, and select Permissions

   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SldAssem.Document 

5. Select the currently logged in user from the top section of the dialog box
6. In the permissions, enable Full Control and Read in the Allow column

7. Repeat steps 4-6 for the following 2 keys

   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SldDraw.Document
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SldPart.Document

8. Reboot the machine

After the registry keys are set with the correct permissions, the errors that you are seeing should no longer be generated when you launch SOLIDWORKS.

For further technical support, please contact Hawk Ridge Systems at 877.266.4469 for the U.S. or 866.587.6803 for Canada and support@hawkridgesys.com.