Summary

If GibbsCAM displays an error referencing swdocumentmgr.dll, the SOLIDWORKS Document Manager library is either not properly registered with Windows or cannot be loaded.

This issue typically occurs after an incomplete installation, a Windows update, or changes to the SOLIDWORKS shared components. In most cases, re-registering the DLL resolves the problem.

Table of Contents

Before You Begin

Before performing the troubleshooting steps:

  • Close GibbsCAM.

  • Ensure you have administrator privileges on the computer.

  • Verify that SOLIDWORKS shared components are installed.

Important: The registration script must be run with Administrator privileges.

Procedure

Step 1 – Verify the DLL Exists

Confirm that the SOLIDWORKS Document Manager DLL exists in the default installation folder:

C:\Program Files\Common Files\SOLIDWORKS Shared\swdocumentmgr.dll


If the file is missing, repair or reinstall the SOLIDWORKS shared components before continuing.

Expected Result

The swdocumentmgr.dll file is present.


Step 2 – Obtain the Registration Script

Use the supplied register.txt file provided by CAMCO Support.

Save the file to your computer.

Rename the file extension from:

register.txt


to:

register.bat


Step 3 – Run the Registration Script

  1. Right-click register.bat.

  2. Select Run as administrator.

  3. Allow the script to complete.

If registration is successful, Windows should display a message similar to:

DllRegisterServer in C:\Program Files\Common Files\SOLIDWORKS Shared\swdocumentmgr.dll succeeded.


Step 4 – Restart GibbsCAM

After the registration completes:

  1. Close any remaining message windows.

  2. Launch GibbsCAM.

  3. Verify that the error no longer appears.


Step 5 – If the Error Persists

If the DLL still cannot be loaded:

  • Verify that the DLL exists in the correct folder.

  • Repair or reinstall the SOLIDWORKS shared components.

  • Perform a Windows Update to ensure required system components are current.

  • Perform a clean reinstall of GibbsCAM if necessary.

Expected Result

GibbsCAM loads swdocumentmgr.dll successfully, and SOLIDWORKS import functionality operates normally.

Common Causes

This error is commonly caused by:

  • The DLL is not registered with Windows.

  • An incomplete installation of SOLIDWORKS shared components.

  • Corrupted Windows registration information.

  • Missing or damaged installation files.

  • Windows updates affecting COM registration.

Best Practices

  • Always run the registration script as Administrator.

  • Verify that the SOLIDWORKS shared components remain installed after upgrades or repairs.

  • Keep Windows fully updated.

  • If reinstalling GibbsCAM or SOLIDWORKS, verify that the DLL registers successfully before returning the workstation to production.

Note: CAMCO Support may provide an updated registration script if additional registration steps are required for newer versions of GibbsCAM or SOLIDWORKS.

Troubleshooting

  • Problem: The registration script reports that swdocumentmgr.dll cannot be found.

Possible Causes

  • SOLIDWORKS shared components are not installed.

  • The DLL has been removed or relocated.

Resolution

Repair or reinstall the SOLIDWORKS shared components before attempting registration again.


  • Problem: The registration script fails.

Possible Causes

  • The script was not run with Administrator privileges.

  • Windows permissions prevented the DLL from registering.

Resolution

Run the batch file as Administrator and verify that your Windows account has sufficient permissions.


  • Problem: The DLL registers successfully, but the error continues.

Possible Causes

  • Corrupted installation files.

  • Additional missing dependencies.

  • Damaged SOLIDWORKS shared components.

Resolution

Repair the SOLIDWORKS installation and, if necessary, perform a clean reinstall of GibbsCAM.

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Keywords

swdocumentmgr.dll, SOLIDWORKS Document Manager, DLL Registration, DllRegisterServer, SOLIDWORKS Import, Register.bat, Register.txt, COM Registration, DLL Error