2018 Activator Ssq Error 6: Solidworks

---

Title: SOLIDWORKS 2018 Activator (SSQ) Error 6: How to Fix & Common Causes

Body:

Hey everyone,

I’ve been seeing a lot of questions about the "Error 6" when trying to apply the SSQ activator for SOLIDWORKS 2018. Before we dive in, let me get the disclaimer out of the way: I strongly recommend using a legitimate student or professional license. This post is for educational/troubleshooting purposes for those testing the software in a VM or offline environment. solidworks 2018 activator ssq error 6

If you are hitting Error 6 (often described as "Access Denied" or a general permission failure), here is why it happens and how to fix it. Title: SOLIDWORKS 2018 Activator (SSQ) Error 6: How

Step 1: Fully Uninstall Previous SolidWorks Components

Residual services from previous failed activations are the #1 cause of Error 6. Open Control Panel > Programs and Features

1. Open Control Panel > Programs and Features.
2. Uninstall:
   • SolidWorks 2018 (all modules)
   • SolidWorks FlexNet Server (if present)
   • SolidWorks Licensing Service
3. Reboot.
4. Manually delete these folders if they remain:
   • C:\Program Files\SOLIDWORKS Corp
   • C:\Program Files (x86)\SOLIDWORKS Corp
   • C:\ProgramData\FLEXnet (hidden folder – enable view)
   • C:\ProgramData\SolidWorks

Quick checklist (start here)

1. Confirm license method: Verify whether your organization uses standalone (serial-based) or network/SSN (Site/SNL) licensing. Activation steps differ.
2. Use official channels: Always prefer SolidWorks’ official activation process via the SolidWorks Activation Wizard or your reseller/SOLIDWORKS admin.
3. Check files: Ensure the activation request (.REQ/.RRF) and response (.RES/.RSP) files are complete and unmodified.
4. Clock & locale: Ensure system date/time and time zone are correct; mismatches can invalidate tokens.
5. Run as Administrator: Launch the SolidWorks Activation Wizard or license utility with administrative privileges.
6. Antivirus/Firewall: Temporarily disable or add exceptions if local security tools are blocking file creation or license utilities.
7. Paths & permissions: Ensure the license folder (usually C:\ProgramData\SOLIDWORKS) is writable and not redirected or blocked by policies.

Method 5: Disable Firewall and Antivirus Software

1. Temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus software.
2. Attempt to activate SOLIDWORKS 2018 using the SolidWorks Activator tool.