best way to install the pdm vault

Little more info,

You talking about Server side too, or just client Install

You can check the full documentation.

https://files.solidworks.com/Supportfiles/PDMWorks_Ent_Installation/2018/English/Installation%20Guide.pdf

You can check this for server side install guide

SOLIDWORKS PDM Server Installation | How-to Guide

You can check this for Client install walk through

SOLIDWORKS PDM Client Installation | Walk through Tutorial

Always did setups on client pcs as a local admin that way we never ran into any Windows permission issues.

Erik,

If you are going to SWW in Dallas, there is a group of us getting together during lunch on Monday to talk about PDM.