8 Replies Latest reply on Dec 20, 2012 12:10 PM by Seth Robinson

2011 SP2 and Windows 8

Seth Robinson Dec 16, 2012 8:15 AM

Does anyone have any workarounds for getting 2011 SP2 to work on a windows 8 machine? I can only get 2011 from school and need it ASAP for a project im working on over break. Im regretting my decision to choose W8 everyday, but im not willing to give up on it just yet as I have found a few ways to get other software to work. I was hoping there were people that were able to get SW to work, as that and matlab are the programs I use the most. Thanks in advance.

Re: 2011 SP2 and Windows 8

Walter Fetsch Dec 17, 2012 1:32 PM (in response to Seth Robinson)

Take it from someone who's been around that block many times over the last twenty years, installing a brand new Microsoft OS is a bad idea. Unless wrestling with computers is something you do for recreation, always wait for SP1 (at least!). If you have work to do, stick with an old OS that has had the bugs worked out.
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- Re: 2011 SP2 and Windows 8
  
  Seth Robinson Dec 17, 2012 2:02 PM (in response to Walter Fetsch)
  
  Yup learned it the hard way. Just cant imagine there is no workaround for this or that SW is not supporting win 8 and versions of the software that are relatively recent. Especially since microsoft advertised that win 7 programs were supposed to work on 8. Seems like SW is trying to push their newest software and force you to buy seats of the new 2013 software.
  
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  - Re: 2011 SP2 and Windows 8
    
    Walter Fetsch Dec 17, 2012 2:34 PM (in response to Seth Robinson)
    
    Welll... I'm known for my complaining about Solidworks (SW), but I'm going to have to stand up for them on this one. SW develops their software for a year, then moves on to the next release. There hasn't been any development on SW 2011 for well over a year. Since Microsoft (MS) didn't complete development on Win 8 until earlier this year, I don't know how you can blame SW if 2011 won't run on Win 8. It seems to me that MS didn't do their job in making Win 8 compatible with Win 7 applications.
    
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    - Re: 2011 SP2 and Windows 8
      
      Seth Robinson Dec 18, 2012 5:57 PM (in response to Walter Fetsch)
      
      So anyone have a workaround with windows 8?
      
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      - Re: 2011 SP2 and Windows 8
        
        Anna Wood Dec 18, 2012 6:00 PM (in response to Seth Robinson)
        
        Try running the installer in Windows Compatibility mode.
        
        http://www.forumswindows8.com/tutorials/windows-8-compatibility-mode-5264.htm
        
        Then if you get SolidWorks installed you may also need to run SolidWorks in Windows Compatibility mode as well.
        
        Cheers,
        
        Anna
        
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      - Re: 2011 SP2 and Windows 8
        
        Troy Peterson Dec 18, 2012 6:07 PM (in response to Seth Robinson)
        
        It will not work, your only option is to install on a windows 7 or XP system.
        
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        Re: 2011 SP2 and Windows 8
        
        Seth Robinson Dec 18, 2012 8:11 PM (in response to Troy Peterson)
        
        Did you try it or are you just stating the obvious? According to the windows compatibility center Solidworks 2012 and 2010 are listed to work with windows 8. I understand that solidworks doesnt support windows 8, however that doesnt mean it wont work.
        
        Thanks Anna, I will give this a try tomorrow.
        
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Re: 2011 SP2 and Windows 8

Seth Robinson Dec 20, 2012 12:10 PM (in response to Seth Robinson)

Well it looks like that did the trick and everything is working. I havent gotten too much into the program to see if everything is functioning normally but I was at least able to get it installed and running. Thanks again Anna.
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