17 Replies Latest reply on Feb 5, 2019 12:45 PM by Simon Rezelj

Cannot create global variable

Melvin Stevens Feb 25, 2018 9:03 PM

I cannot create a global variable in Solidworks 2018 Premium under Window 10 Enterprise with all latest win updates. I always get "The syntax of this equation is incorrect."

It does not matter how I try to create the variable. I have tried creating it from modifying a dimension as well and when I do that and then go to equation editor, the variable is not there.

I have completely uninstalled SW 2018 and reinstalled SW to no avail.

These are the steps I try to minimally get a global variable

Open Solidworks 2018 Prem.
Sketch a rectangle on the top plane
Open up the Equation Editor
Under Global Variables, I click in “Add global
variable” text box
Type testVal1
Hit tab
Type 10; SW automatically changes this to =10
Hit enter
Get the popup message “The syntax of this equation is
incorrect.”

I've tried the info here GoEngineer - Knowledge Base .

Can anyone help with this?

Re: Cannot create global variable

Husein Delic Feb 26, 2018 8:20 AM (in response to Melvin Stevens)
A) SolidWorks uses VBA for equation functionality.

To test if the issue is with VBA or not, please follow the steps and check the result:

1. Start a new sketch and insert a rectangle.
2. Now insert a dimension.
3. Now in the Feature Manager, instead of entering a value, enter:

msgbox("Hello!")

If VBA is messed up, the dimension box will ask us to enter a number. If VBA is OK, a message box will pop up containing the text "Hello!", and then the dimension value will be 1.

If you find issue with VBA then please reinstall it and reconfirm behavior

B) Try this before reinstall VBA
1. Stop the SolidWorks process
2. Search the local hard drive, where SolidWorks is installed, for the file called "swvba.tlb"
3. Delete all that are found
4. Turn off any anti-virus/firewall that may be active (you may need to log in under a different user if you are not a system administrator)
5. Restart SolidWorks

The SolidWorks installer will automatically regenerate this file -from KB solution S-028801
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- Re: Cannot create global variable
  
  Melvin Stevens Feb 26, 2018 9:00 AM (in response to Husein Delic)
  
  I've searched for the KB referenced and can't find it. But, I have tried deleting SWVBA.TLB as instructed and SW does not auto reinstall it.
  
  I assume I type the msgbox function into the value field per below correct?
  
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  - Re: Cannot create global variable
    
    Elmar Klammer Feb 26, 2018 9:05 AM (in response to Melvin Stevens)
    
    That's what you'll see...It changes to 1 (for OK) after hitting OK button
    
    sketch dimensions no longer accept simple equations
    
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  - Re: Cannot create global variable
    
    Husein Delic Feb 26, 2018 9:05 AM (in response to Melvin Stevens)
    
    yes, do you get dimension 1 after insert or an error?
    
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    - Re: Cannot create global variable
      
      Melvin Stevens Feb 26, 2018 9:36 AM (in response to Husein Delic)
      
      No. I get
      
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      - Re: Cannot create global variable
        
        Husein Delic Feb 26, 2018 9:47 AM (in response to Melvin Stevens)
        
        So, if after insert and hit enter dimension is not changing to 1 then its a VBA problem. Try to reinstall vba and framework .net .Best reinstall solidworks and try to do all win updates. After uninstall solidworks reinstall framework 3.5. read this SOLIDWORKS
        
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      - Re: Cannot create global variable
        
        Elmar Klammer Feb 26, 2018 9:50 AM (in response to Melvin Stevens)
        
        Try to reinstall VB
        
        Failed to initialize Visual Basic for Apps, equations and macros will not work. W10 2016 SP02
        
        We found that uninstalling VSTA allows you to proceed. Otherwise, you may need to re-install VBA7.1 and then repair SOLIDWORKS to have it reinstall them.
        
        The VBA 7.1 components do not show in Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features. There are two ways to uninstall these components:
        
        1. Right click on the respective MSI files from your source media and choose "Uninstall".
        2. Specify an "msiexec /x" command line script. For example, to remove the components on an English machine, run the following two commands:
        
        msiexec /x "<path to MSI>\vba71.msi
        msiexec /x "<path to MSI>\vba71_1033.msi
        
        Alternatively, you can specify the component GUID in the msiexec command. you can find the GUID in the Windows Registry Editor at:
        "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall"
        
        Install      vba71_1033.msi     as an administrator
        
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        Re: Cannot create global variable
        
        Melvin Stevens Feb 27, 2018 8:48 AM (in response to Elmar Klammer)
        
        One can just click on vba71.msi no need to use msiexec. Reinstalling vba71 worked.
        
        Thanks for all the help.
        
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        Re: Cannot create global variable
        
        Vladimir Urazhdin Mar 25, 2018 4:27 PM (in response to Elmar Klammer)
        
        Everybody knows that VB is disabled, but this is the great way to fix the issue!
        Thank you Elmar Klammer
        
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Re: Cannot create global variable

Elmar Klammer Feb 26, 2018 8:46 AM (in response to Melvin Stevens)

HI Melvin,

Try adding the GV in the sketch instead. Enter =Testval1 and you will be asked if you want to add it as a GV.
The equation editor is temperamental at times. I only use it if I have to, and avoid it if all possible.
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- Re: Cannot create global variable
  
  Melvin Stevens Feb 26, 2018 8:53 AM (in response to Elmar Klammer)
  
  I've tried this as well, from my original post " I have tried creating it from modifying a dimension as well and when I do that and then go to equation editor, the variable is not there." It still does not work.
  
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  - Re: Cannot create global variable
    
    Elmar Klammer Feb 26, 2018 8:57 AM (in response to Melvin Stevens)
    
    Hi Melvin,
    
    Just a stab in the dark....I have had issues with the equation manager and the document unit settings.
    Try to change your units and see if you get the GV to stick. Change it from imperial to metric or so. Whatever your settings are.
    Can't say it will work for sure. I just know that thing is so delicate that it defies using it.
    
    Elmar
    
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  - Re: Cannot create global variable
    
    Vladimir Urazhdin Feb 26, 2018 8:57 AM (in response to Melvin Stevens)
    
    VBA has an issue. Follow Husein Delic advice to reinstall it.
    
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Re: Cannot create global variable

Melvin Stevens Feb 26, 2018 8:51 AM (in response to Melvin Stevens)

Tried many naming variations, none work. Tried while in an active sketch editing the dim, this does not work either.
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Re: Cannot create global variable

Elmar Klammer Feb 26, 2018 9:16 AM (in response to Melvin Stevens)

Have you tried importing a text file with your equations specified there.

"testval1"=16

See if that works
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- Re: Cannot create global variable
  
  Melvin Stevens Feb 26, 2018 9:37 AM (in response to Elmar Klammer)
  
  I have not tried imported a var.
  
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Re: Cannot create global variable

Simon Rezelj Feb 5, 2019 12:45 PM (in response to Melvin Stevens)

I had exact problem for a long time, tried a lot of things. But now i tried again running vba71.msi and like a miracle it now works. I dont know how and why it didnt work before but great.
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