Once the activator runs without errors, you must secure your system:
If you want, I can:
The "Error 6" encountered with the SolidWorks 2018 SSQ activator often refers to an Access Violation or a compatibility conflict
, typically occurring on newer operating systems like Windows 11. Microsoft Learn Root Causes of Error 6 VBA 7.1 Conflict
: A primary driver for installation errors in older SolidWorks versions (pre-2021) is the presence of a newer version of Visual Basic for Applications (VBA 7.1)
. If your system already has a newer VBA installed from another application, the 2018 installer fails to recognize or overwrite it, triggering an error. Windows 11 Compatibility
: SolidWorks 2018 is not officially supported on Windows 11. Users attempting to install it on this OS frequently encounter activation flashes or "Error 6" due to mismatched system libraries. Permissions/Access Violation
: As noted in technical forums, the "Error 6" is often a generic code for an access violation, meaning the activator does not have the necessary administrative rights to modify the registry or system files. Google Groups Potential Fixes and Workarounds VBA Downgrade
: To resolve conflicts with newer versions of VBA, you may need to manually uninstall the current version. Navigate to the folder in your SolidWorks installation media, open the folder, and uninstall vba71_1033.msi before attempting the install again. Administrative Execution
: Ensure the SSQ activator is "Run as Administrator." Right-click the executable and select Run as administrator to prevent access violation errors. Registry Cleanup
: If a previous activation attempt failed, it might leave "dirty" registry keys. Professional users often recommend a clean uninstall and using a registry cleaner before re-running the SSQ activator. Repair Installation SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager
through the Windows Control Panel to attempt a repair if the software is installed but failing to activate. GoEngineer or managing Windows 11 compatibility mode for this version?
Error 6 during SolidWorks 2018 installation on Windows 11 - Facebook solidworks 2018 activator ssq error 6 new
The SolidWorks 2018 Activator SSQ Error 6 typically occurs due to conflicts with the FlexNet licensing service, antivirus interference, or residual license files from previous installations. This error is often described as an "Activation Library Initialization" or "Access Violation" error that prevents the software from launching. Understanding Error 6
This error code is primarily a licensing library failure. In the context of the SSQ (SolidSquad) activator for SolidWorks 2018, it usually indicates that the activator cannot communicate with the necessary system registries or DLL files required to bypass the standard activation. Common Causes of Error 6
Antivirus Deletion: Security software may flag and delete critical activator files (like .exe or .dll files) during extraction, leading to incomplete activation.
Invalid License Paths: Residual files from older SolidWorks versions can interfere with the 2018 licensing process.
FlexNet Service Failure: The SolidWorks FlexNet license service may be stopped or not set to "Automatic" in Windows Services.
Permission Issues: Running the activator without administrative privileges often results in "Access Violation" errors. Step-by-Step Solutions 1. Disable Antivirus and Re-extract
Antivirus programs often prevent the activator from running correctly. Disable your antivirus and Windows Defender temporarily.
Re-extract the _SolidSQUAD_ folder to a writeable location, such as C:\Temp.
Ensure all files, including swlicservinst.exe, are present in the directory. 2. Run Activator as Administrator
Right-click the SolidWorks.2017-2018.Activator.SSQ.exe and select Run as Administrator.
This ensures the program has the necessary permissions to modify the Windows Registry and system files. 3. Clear Residual Licenses
Old license keys can cause "invalid license server configuration" messages. Once the activator runs without errors, you must
SolidWorks 2018 Activation Guide | PDF | Microsoft Windows - Scribd
SOLIDWORKS 2018 Activator SSQ Error 6: A Comprehensive Guide to Resolution
Introduction
SOLIDWORKS 2018 is a powerful 3D computer-aided design (CAD) software used by engineers, designers, and manufacturers worldwide. However, some users have reported encountering the SSQ Error 6 while trying to activate the software using the SolidSQUAD (SSQ) activator. In this write-up, we will explore the causes of this error, its implications, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to resolve the issue.
What is SSQ Error 6?
The SSQ Error 6 is an activation error that occurs when the SolidSQUAD activator fails to properly activate SOLIDWORKS 2018. This error is usually accompanied by an error message indicating that the activation process has failed.
Causes of SSQ Error 6
Several factors can contribute to the occurrence of SSQ Error 6, including:
Implications of SSQ Error 6
The SSQ Error 6 can prevent users from activating SOLIDWORKS 2018, which means they cannot:
Resolving SSQ Error 6: A Step-by-Step Guide
To resolve the SSQ Error 6, follow these steps: The "Error 6" encountered with the SolidWorks 2018
Step 1: Update SolidSQUAD Activator
Step 2: Run the Activator as Administrator
Step 3: Disable Antivirus Software
Step 4: Repair Installation Files
Step 5: Contact SolidSQUAD Support
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, contact SolidSQUAD support for further assistance.
Conclusion
SolidWorks is a solid modeling computer-aided design (CAD) software that is used for creating three-dimensional models of parts and assemblies. It is widely used in various industries for design, simulation, and manufacturing.
The SSQ activator uses heuristic injection methods that modern antivirus software (especially Windows Defender, McAfee, and Norton) flags as "Win32/Patch" or "HackTool." When the AV quarantines the SW2010-2018.Activator.SSQ.exe or modifies its behavior, the script cannot access the required memory addresses, instantly throwing Error 6.
If Error 6 persists, manually apply the activation license:
sw_d.lic file (from a working SSQ package) into C:\ProgramData\FLEXlm\.SolidWorks Licensing Service in Services.msc).Historically, Error 6 was linked to leftover license files or corrupted previous installations. However, on a fresh Windows + fresh SolidWorks 2018 install, new causes have emerged:
| Cause | Explanation |
|-------|-------------|
| UAC & Windows Defender | Modern Windows (22H2 and later) aggressively blocks low-level registry writes that the SSQ activator relies on. |
| SmartScreen / AMSI | Antimalware Scan Interface can intercept the activator’s behavior, triggering Error 6. |
| Missing VC++ Redists | The activator expects certain Visual C++ runtimes (especially 2005–2010) that are no longer installed by default on new Windows versions. |
| Registry Virtualization | Windows may redirect the activator’s writes to a virtual store instead of the real HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, causing an overflow condition. |
| SSQ Activator Version | Older SSQ builds (pre-2019) have compatibility bugs with Windows 10/11 kernel changes. |