Problem

This article will assist with resetting the SOLIDWORKS Data path to fix the Blank Error box issue seen when launching SOLIDWORKS. The blank error box will be a blank box with a blue circle with a white exclamation point (!) in it and the “OK” button. Clicking OK will continue into SOLIDWORKS. This is caused by the Toolbox/Hole Wizard path. 

If the SOLIDWORKS Data folder has been moved out of the path set during the SOLIDWORKS installation or the registry key is different than the path set, SOLIDWORKS will be unable to open/use the Hole Wizard/Toolbox settings, thus causing the blank error message. 

Solution 1: Set the Toolbox/Hole Wizard Path in SOLIDWORKS Options

The SOLIDWORKS Data folder is what holds the Hole Wizard/Toolbox content and from where SOLIDWORKS references when using its various features. Point SOLIDWORKS at the Data folder location with the steps below:

1. Locate the correct SOLIDWORKS Data folder. The Default location is located in 
   C:\SOLIDWORKS Data
2. If there is more than one SOLIDWORKS Data folder, the correct version can be determined by checking the ToolboxFiles.index file in each SOLIDWORKS Data folder

3. The index file will have a version line near the top when opening the file using Notepad.
   Note: Version numbers follow the following pattern: 2026=34.#.#.#, 2025=33.#.#.#, 2024=32.#.#.#, etc. 

   

4. Note the location of the correct SOLIDWORKS Data folder
5. Open SOLIDWORKS, bypassing the blank error box so that SOLIDWORKS opens.

6. Go to Tools > System Options>Hole Wizard/Toolbox

   

7. Click the "..." next to the Hole Wizard and Toolbox folder box.

   

8. Navigate to the SOLIDWORKS Data folder located in steps 1-4.
9. Select that folder so that it shows up in the Hole Wizard and Toolbox folder box.

10. Click OK.

    

11. Close and reopen SOLIDWORKS to retest the issue.

Solution 2: Fix SOLIDWORKS Toolbox/Hole Wizard Path Registry Key

If Solution 1 did not resolve the issue, please follow the steps below to confirm the registry keys are correct. We are going into the Registry Editor during these steps, 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.  

1. Close SolidWorks
2. Locate the SOLIDWORKS Data folder in File Explorer. Copy the folder path or place it in a text editor to hold onto. The default location can be seen in the example below:
   C:\SOLIDWORKS Data

3. Open Registry Editor by navigating to the Windows Start Menu > Search for Registry Editor > Run as Administrator.

   

4. In Registry Editor, navigate to the Toolbox Data Location key under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\SolidWorks\SolidWorksXXXX \General\Toolbox Data Location

   

5. Modify the key > Paste the path copied from Step 2 into the Value data section. Select OK to confirm.

   

   

    

6. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the Toolbox Data Location key under HKEY_CURRENT_USER: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\SolidWorks\SolidWorksXXXX \General\Toolbox Data Location

   

    

7. Similar to Step 4, modify the key so that the path is correct.
8. Close the Registry Editor
9. Open SOLIDWORKS and confirm that the error no longer shows.

Here are some additional Articles for Hole Wizard/Toolbox Issues:

SOLIDWORKS Hole Wizard/Toolbox Version Error Plus Toolbox Files
Note: This article has downloads that may be able to help you get a copy of the correct SOLIDWORKS Data folder if you are unable to locate it on your machine. 

Hole Wizard Error, "SOLIDWORKS Needs a Folder to Store User Data"

Updating The SOLIDWORKS Toolbox

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