Problem

This article goes over how to resolve the SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager Download error "Installation files could not be downloaded because: Internal Error: CoCreateInstance...".

This error message often appears because of issues with the Firewall, Antivirus software, or Proxy server. In some cases, a proxy server might prohibit the SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager from downloading updates automatically or the installation files during the install process. It is also possible that the firewall settings prevent access to the download locations. Another potential cause is that the SOLIDWORKS Background Downloader is running at the same time and is conflicting with the installation since SOLIDWORKS will think that two installations are running at the same time.

Solution 1: Troubleshooting Steps

1. Temporarily disable the SOLIDWORKS Background Downloader, Windows Firewall, and Antivirus running on the computer.
2. Click the SOLIDWORKS Background Downloader icon in the Windows system tray, click on ‘Disable Background Downloading’. Note: It can be re-enabled by selecting it again to change options.
3. Verify that any proxy servers running on the network allow connection to the SOLIDWORKS website and servers. 
4. A firewall might be in use and blocking the outbound communication from the sldimdownloader.exe process to the server as well. Make sure to allow outbound TCP connections to port 80 in the firewall for sldim.exe and sldimdownloader.exe that are found in C:\Program Files\Common Files\SolidWorks Installation Manager.
5. Allow full access to the following sites that the Installation Manager connects to for downloading: im.solidworks.com, im-ak.solidworks.com, dl-ak.solidworks.com (.solidworks.com can be specified to include all sites)
6. Set the default Internet Browser to Microsoft Edge
7. Uncheck the Installation Manager option, "Speed up downloads by using more network bandwidth"
8. Run the installation using the installation manager as before.

Solution 2: Full Installation File Set Download

If the issue is still occurring, contact Technical Support to get a Full Direct Download Link for SOLIDWORKS. This will download the full file set, so no additional files need to be downloaded during the installation.

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