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

Overview

This error is typically returned upon launching SOLIDWORKS when permissions to particular registry keys are insufficient.

Solution

One thing you need to understand first is that we are going into registry editor, so you should 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.

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 HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\SldAssem.Document and select Permissions
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