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How to Resolve the "Could Not Find the Standards Database" Error in SOLIDWORKS

Learn how to fix the SOLIDWORKS error message stating "Could not find the Standards database" related to the Hole Wizard and Toolbox configuration path.

 

When launching or using the Hole Wizard or Toolbox in SOLIDWORKS, users may encounter the following error:

Error: Could not find the Standards database '<dir>/lang/english/swbrowser.sldedb'

This error typically occurs when SOLIDWORKS cannot locate the swbrowser.sldedb file, which contains critical standard definitions used by the Hole Wizard and Toolbox features.

 

Root Cause

The error is caused by one or more of the following:

  • The file path to the standards database is invalid, moved, or deleted.

  • The Hole Wizard and Toolbox are pointing to a temporary or download location instead of a permanent, network-accessible, or properly installed directory.

  • The referenced swbrowser.sldedb file does not exist in the configured location.

 

Steps to Resolve the Error

Follow these steps to correct the issue and re-establish a valid path to the standards database:

1. Open System Options

  1. Launch SOLIDWORKS.

  2. Go to Tools > Options or click the gear icon on the toolbar.

  3. In the System Options tab, select Hole Wizard/Toolbox from the left-hand panel.

2. Verify or Update the File Location

  1. Under Hole Wizard/Toolbox, review the path listed for Hole Wizard and Toolbox folder.

  2. Navigate to this path in Windows File Explorer and confirm swbrowser.sldedb file exists in this location.

  3. Either add a backup copy of your swbrowser.sldedb file, if missing, or click Browse... and navigate to the correct Toolbox installation directory, if pointing to the incorrect location.

  4. If you do not have a customized Toolbox database, you can point to the default directory selected during the original installation. This is generally one of the following depending on which license type you have, and may differ if any changes were made from the defaults during the original installation.

    1. Standalone or Network License: C:\SOLIDWORKS Data\
    2. Named-User License: C:\Users\Public\Documents\SOLIDWORKS\SOLIDWORKS Data\

TIP: If you are unsure of your license type or unable to find the default installation directory for your Toolbox, select Reset in the bottom left corner of the Systems Options page, and then select Reset this page only. Once you confirm the changes, this should not be set to the default directory from the original installation.

3. Apply and Restart

  1. Click OK to apply the updated path.

  2. Restart SOLIDWORKS to ensure changes take effect.

  3. Test the Hole Wizard functionality again to confirm the error is resolved.