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

Problem

If your SOLIDWORKS Data folder has been moved out of the path set during your SOLIDWORKS installation or the registry key is different than the path you 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. We'll need to point the software to this folder.

1. Locate the correct SOLIDWORKS Data folder. The Default location is located in 
   C:\SOLIDWORKS Data
2. Note: If you have more than one SOLIDWORKS Data folder, you can determine which one is the correct version by checking the [ToolboxFiles.index] file.
   This can be found here, by default: 
   C:\SOLIDWORKS Data\browser\ToolboxFiles.index
    

3. The file will have a version line near the top when you open the file using Notepad.

   

   Version numbers follow the following pattern: 2026=34.#.#.#, 2025=33.#.#.#, 2024=32.#.#.#, etc. 
    

4. Open SOLIDWORKS, bypassing the blank error box so that SOLIDWORKS opens.
5. Go to Tools > System Options.

6. Select Hole Wizard/Toolbox from the left-hand side.

   

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

   

8. Navigate to the SOLIDWORKS Data folder located in step 1.
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. You should no longer get the error.

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

If Solution 1 did not resolve your issue, please follow the steps below to confirm the registry keys are correct:   

1. 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
   
   NOTE: Close SOLIDWORKS before completing the following steps
    

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

   

    

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

   

    

4. Modify the key > Paste the path copied from Step 1 into the Value data section. Select OK to confirm.

   

   

    

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

   

    

6. Similar to Step 4, modify the key so that the path is correct.
7. Open SOLIDWORKS and confirm that the error no longer shows.

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 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.