Problem

This article goes over the SOLIDWORKS launch error: "Could not obtain a license for SOLIDWORKS CAM. Error: Invalid block name (-5,147,0)". This error can occur when launching SOLIDWORKS with the CAM add-in checked.

SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard is included with all SOLIDWORKS licenses but requires an active subscription. If the subscription expires, the CAM Standard add-in stops working and displays the error above. After the license is renewed, reactivating the license usually resolves the issue by updating the local subscription expiration date. Reactivate the license before it expires or after renewing the subscription, using the steps in this guide.

Solution 1: SOLIDWORKS Standalone Deactivation and Reactivation

For SOLIDWORKS Standalone licenses, deactivate the license and reactivate with the steps below:

1. In SOLIDWORKS 2020 & newer, go to Help > Licenses > Deactivate. For SOLIDWORKS 2016, go to Help > Deactivate Licenses. For SOLIDWORKS 2015 and older, go to Help > Transfer License 

   

2. On the Product Activation window that comes up, click "Select All" to select all licenses

3. Choose whether to transfer the license automatically over the internet or manually via e-mail, enter an email address, and click “Next”

   

4. SOLIDWORKS will now begin to transfer the licenses

5. Once it has finished transferring the licenses, click "Finish" from the "Deactivation succeeded" window that comes up to close SOLIDWORKS. Note: If all licenses were deactivated, this list should be blank.

   

6. Relaunch SOLIDWORKS and follow the Activation Prompts to reactivate the license(s)
7. Try using SOLIDWORKS CAM again

Solution 2: SOLIDWORKS Network License Reactivation

1. For Network Licenses, follow the steps in the article below to reactivate the licenses:
   How To Reactivate a SolidNetWork License Manager Server – Hawk Ridge Systems
2. Launch SOLIDWORKS to try using SOLIDWORKS CAM again

If the issue persists, please contact Technical Support to verify the subscription status of the license(s).

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