Solidworks 2008 OpenGl Problems

[reiterjt]

Currently using SolidWorks 2008 on Dell Precision T3400 Workstation with a nVidia Quadro FX 570 graphics card. Booted up this morning and SolidWorks ran with a message saying

"The Use Software OpenGL option has been enabled because of a recent configuration change. Click Connect for more information."

I clicked connect, which brought me to the SolidWorks videocard testing page. The test showed that my card has no limitations and is capable of running realview graphics.

I cannot for the life of me figure out how to run SolidWorks without the "Use Software OpenGL" box checked. I use Solidworks for work and generally deal with larger assemblies/drawings, and the slow caused from running the OpenGL from software instead of from the hardware is really slowing down my performance and overall productivity. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[DareBee]

I am confused?
Uncheck the "software opengl" box and press Okay
Way you go.

[reiterjt]

That's the problem, I can't uncheck it. SolidWorks automatically enables it upon opening and greys out the setting. Normally it only greys it out if you have a document open, but it is inaccessible even with all documents closed.

[DareBee]

aahhh

Try this
In hardware manager, uninstall the vid card driver.
Turn off the computer.
Remove the video card.
Now - jump on it! -- JK lol
Might be a good time to blow out the fans, PSU and heat sinks while you are in there.
Re-install vid card.
Turn it on.
Install Quadro drivers.

If this doesn't work, there is a good chance your Vid card or mobo have gone caput

[reiterjt]

Although I have already done most of the steps you recommended, I hoped my computer was just being finicky and proceeded to try your suggestions in the exact order you suggest (and believe me, with how frustrating this troubleshooting process has been, I did almost jump on the video card). Unfortunately, I still am unable to clear the OpenGL check box.

Everything else appears to being functioning normally, so I don't believe there's anything wrong with the card or the motherboard. It just seems that SolidWorks, or maybe the computer in general, is unable to detect OpenGL support from the video card. Do you know of anyway to check that?

The workstation I am currently using has the identical hardware and setup to another workstation here, and that one is working properly. The only difference I can find is that I am using XP SP2, whereas they are running on XP SP3. Also, although both workstations have identical monitors, a DVI connection, and identical video cards, there is a difference in maximum resolution. The monitor supports up to 1680x1050 and the card supports up to 2560x1600. The maximum resolution available on my computer is 1680x1050, whereas the maximum on the other computer is 2560x1600.

Finally, I am also unable to use realview graphics (the icon and settings do not appear in any documents) even though the SolidWorks video card test shows that my video card supports all realview features.

I greatly appreciate your help.

[DareBee]

Yes Realview will not work in SW opengl because it uses functionality built into the vid card.
sounds like something is not right with the OS or SW install then.
Next thing I would do is -
uninstall Solidworks
Reboot
Fully update windows
Reinstall Solidworks with the latest SP (09 is up to SP04 now).

Best of luck

Somedays I REALLY HATE computers

[RandK]

I recall seeing other people complain about this on the solidworks support forum under Hardware and OS. Somebody figured out a registry change that fixed it.

[reiterjt]

Well there's another problem. I first attempted to access the SolidWorks support areas before coming here, but apparently my boss did not renew the subscription that is required for full access to their support because, as is the case with many companies right now, money is a little tight. Could anyone that has access to the SolidWorks forums please find that thread and post it here as an attachment? I would much rather check that out first before taking on the unpleasant task of uninstalling SolidWorks and updating software.

[RandK]

The Solidworks forum login says that an active subscription contract is not required for access but you do need to log into the portal.

[reiterjt]

No you do need a subscription for full access. I attached a picture of the SolidWorks customer portal after I logged in. It has locks next to most of the links, including the forums section. At the top it says that anything with a lock next to it means "Active subscription service contract required for full access." I know it is a lot to ask, but if someone has the time and would be kind enough to find that forum regarding the OpenGL registry fix and post it here it would help me out a lot. Thanks.

[reiterjt]

Also wanted to add that I did upgrade to XP SP3, no change, and when I tried to upgrade from Solidworks 2008 SP4 to SP5 I received a message during installation that again said an active subscription was required to upgrade Solidworks and most off the add-ins.

[Dougal]

I have been having the same problem sporadically with SW2009 on a dell M4300.

Sometimes it works fine and realview works. Othertimes realview is greyed out and software opengl has been enabled.
A computer restart sometimes fixes it.