Fixing The “SOLIDWORKS Newer Version of this Application is Already Installed” Error

The SOLIDWORKS error reading “A newer version of this application is already installed. Installation stopped.” stems from the updates made to Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) version 7.1 in SOLIDWORKS 2021 SP2. The SOLIDWORKS newer version error message will completely halt you from proceeding with updating, installing, or modifying SOLIDWORKS.

This SOLIDWORKS error typically occurs when working with a version older than SOLIDWORKS 2021 SP2 on a system that already has that version or newer. If you get the message below, keep reading to see how to solve it.

Understanding the “Newer Version of This Application Is Already Installed” Error

The introduction of VBA 7.1 in SOLIDWORKS 2021 SP2 was primarily to enhance compatibility with the latest Microsoft Office updates. However, this change has inadvertently caused issues with older versions of SOLIDWORKS during installation, which fail to recognize the new VBA 7.1 components. As a result, the SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager for these older versions attempts to initiate an installation of a now outdated VBA, leading to the aforementioned error.

Fixing the SOLIDWORKS Newer Version Installation Issue

Before proceeding with the following solution:

• Ensure that all Windows updates are completed.
• Disable any active anti-malware scans.
• Have an account with administrative permissions.
• Consider organizational tips for installing multiple versions of SOLIDWORKS on a system.

After ensuring the above, proceed with the following troubleshooting techniques. We have developed three different methods that can solve the error message you are experiencing.

Solution 1 | Uninstall VBA 7.1

1. Run Windows Command Prompt as an Administrator.
2. Type in the following commands and press Enter.
   • SOLIDWORKS 2021 SP1 and prior:
     msiexec.exe /X {90120064-0070-0000-0000-4000000FF1CE}
     msiexec.exe /X {90F60409-7000-11D3-8CFE-0150048383C9}
   • SOLIDWORKS 2021 SP2 through SP5:
     msiexec.exe /X {07C0BFE1-3291-409C-B96A-797340719C8F}
     msiexec.exe /X {826216B1-0F04-409B-A33E-C6A004AA1097}
   • SOLIDWORKS 2022 and 2023:
     msiExec.exe /x {78E1A395-FD21-499A-91A2-6135BA6112B6}
     msiExec.exe /x {9B29A3A1-255A-44C0-BCCA-E3447A41F32A}
   • SOLIDWORKS 2024 and newer:
     msiexec.exe /X {77A5892D-60F9-40FC-BB55-246FB48B0C9D}
     msiexec.exe /X {D545C682-9A1A-41FC-A3EF-647DA62B8093}
3. Proceed to install the desired older version of SOLIDWORKS.
4. Run a repair on your SOLIDWORKS 2021 SP2 (or newer) installation to restore VBA 7.1 functionality.

Running the command to fix the SOLIDWORKS error

Solution 2 | Using SOLIDWORKS Installation Files for Uninstall

1. Download or access the SOLIDWORKS 2021 SP2 (or newer) installation media.
2. In the “PreReqs” folder, locate and enter the ‘VBA’ folder.
3. Right-click on vba71.msi and vba71_1033.msi to uninstall them.
4. As with the first method, proceed to install the older version of SOLIDWORKS.
5. Conduct a repair of your newer SOLIDWORKS installation to reintegrate the VBA 7.1.

Solution 3 | Complete Reinstall/Uninstall

If, after uninstalling the newer VBA, you find that the install still fails at the same error here’s an option to try.

• Follow the steps from Solution 1.
• Install the VBA files from a newer installation set
• Uninstall them as outlined in Solution 2
• Retry the installation media for SOLIDWORKS 2020 or earlier.

Solving This and Other SOLIDWORKS Errors

We understand that such workarounds can be a hassle, but they are necessary steps to maintain compatibility with evolving software ecosystems. Our team continues to work diligently to ensure a seamless experience with SOLIDWORKS, and we appreciate your patience and cooperation in these matters.

If you need additional technical support for this issue, please contact our support team by clicking here.