Disable Data Execution Prevention

What is Data Execution Prevention?

Data Execution Prevention (DEP) is a feature included on Windows machines beginning with Windows XP Service Pack 2. This feature monitors memory (Processes and Services) to stop malicious code from running. DEP does this by shutting down a program that isn’t running properly in memory. For the most part, the best practice is not to make changes to DEP, however, sometimes this can cause an issue when running your SOLIDWORKS program. This document will show you how to disable this feature. Please follow these instructions:

• Launch Windows Explorer
  • Right-click This PC
    • Select Properties

• Select Advanced System Settings

• Select the Advanced tab – Performance – Settings

• Select the Data Execution Prevention tab

• 1. Change to Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select
  (Select program/s to disable DEP)

   

  • 2. Click Add
    • 3. Click Apply
      • 4. Click OK

Conclusion

As previously mentioned, this is best left alone, but if you do need to perform this process, please follow the guide closely. When it’s completed, monitor the Task Manager when running the program having issues. If nothing is spiking and the program is running smoothly, you can get back to work! If you have any questions, please contact Technical Support.