CAMWorks Frequently Asked Questions

Does CAMWorks run on 64-bit computers? Does CAMWorks run on Windows Vista? Do I have to buy a full version of SolidWorks? What is the current CAMWorks release? What are the system requirements? Which video cards are supported? Can I run different versions of CAMWorks? Can I open files saved in CAMWorks 2008 in previous releases?

Operating System: CAMWorks 2008 will run under 64-bit XP with the 32-bit version of SolidWorks 2007, CAMWorks Solids 2007, SolidWorks 2008 and CAMWorks Solids 2008. If you are using hardware security (dongle), you need to install a 64-bit driver and update your current Sentinel driver. Click HERE for more information.

SolidWorks: SolidWorks has released a 64-bit version. CAMWorks is 32-bit and will not run with 64-bit versions of SolidWorks.

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CAMWorks has not yet been tested with the new Windows Vista operating system. It is not known if it will run or if there are problems at this time. We recommend that CAMWorks users continue to use Windows XP. If you are purchasing a new computer to run CAMWorks, we recommend that you purchase a Windows Vista compatible machine with Windows XP installed.

Support for CAMWorks 2008-08 in Microsoft Windows Vista® (32-bit) with SolidWorks 2008 or CAMWorks Solids 2008 is planned for SP2.

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No! You can purchase a cost-effective package that includes CAMWorks and a discounted OEM version of SolidWorks or you can purchase CAMWorks to run with the full version of SolidWorks. For more information, contact a Geometric reseller in your area.

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What is the current CAMWorks release?

CAMWorks 2008 is the current release. There are 2 versions of CAMWorks 2008:

• CAMWorks 2008-07 runs in the 32-bit version of SolidWorks 2007 and CAMWorks Solids 2007

• CAMWorks 2008-08 runs in the 32-bit version of SolidWorks 2008 and CAMWorks Solids 2008

You can download the Release by logging in to the Downloads page. To learn more about this release, see What's New.
 

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Because CAMWorks runs within the SolidWorks environment, the system requirements are basically the same as for SolidWorks:
 

RAM

• 512MB (1GB or more recommended)
• Virtual memory recommended to 2X the amount of RAM

CPU

• Platform: Intel® Pentium™, Intel® Xeon™, Intel® Core™, AMD® Athlon™

• Note: SolidWorks 2007 is not supported on Apple Mac®-based machines.

• Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional (32-bit and 64-bit versions)

• A certified OpenGL workstation graphics card and driver. For a listing of tested and certified graphics cards and driver combinations visit the SolidWorks website

• A mouse or other pointing device

• A DVD drive (to install from the CAMWorks 2008 DVD)

• Microsoft's Windows Networking environment

•  Novell networks and non-Windows based network storage devices are not tested or recommended

• SolidWorks® 2007, SolidWorks 2008, CAMWorks Solids 2007 or CAMWorks Solids 2008 (32-bit versions only)

•  Microsoft® Access 2000, 2002, 2003 or 2007

Note: These requirements also apply to running CAMWorks in CAMWorks Solids.

Because CAMWorks runs within the SolidWorks environment, the system requirements are basically the same as for SolidWorks.

CAMWorks 2008 can only be installed as a new installation. You can run different CAMWorks versions using the SolidWorks Add-in manager to switch the version.  For best results, follow these steps:

1. Close all part models.

2. Select the Add-in Manager and disable the version you no longer want running, then enable the version you want to run and click OK.
3. Open a part model.