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Verify the installation

Confirm GitM loaded into SolidWorks and can talk to Git, LFS, and your repository.

Prerequisites

  • GitM installed and SolidWorks restarted at least once after install.

1. Confirm the add-in loaded

  1. Start SolidWorks.
  2. Look for the GitM PDM tab on the right-hand task pane strip and open it.
  3. Check Tools → Add-Ins — GitM should be listed and enabled.

If GitM isn't in the task pane or the Add-Ins list, see "Task pane doesn't appear" below.

2. Check the add-in version

Hover the ? button in the task pane top bar. It shows the GitM build version, e.g. GitM PDM · V1.1.1. Use this when reporting issues.

Note: the in-app build version and the installer version (GitM-Setup-1.6.4.exe) are derived from one source, so they always match. Clicking ? → Version also shows the exact build stamp (git hash + date).

3. Run diagnostics

  1. Open Settings (⚙️) → Diagnostics.
  2. Click Run all checks.
  3. Confirm green status for: Git installed, Git LFS installed, LFS hooks registered, local path is a valid repo, remote reachable, authentication working, and .gitattributes has LFS + lockable rules for SolidWorks extensions.

Expected result

  • The GitM PDM task pane is present and listed under Add-Ins.
  • Diagnostics are green (once you're connected to a repository).

Troubleshooting

Task pane doesn't appear after install

  1. Restart SolidWorks — the add-in registers at install but loads at SolidWorks startup.
  2. Tools → Add-Ins — if GitM is listed but unchecked, enable it (tick both boxes).
  3. If GitM is not listed at all, COM registration likely didn't complete:
  4. Re-run GitM-Setup-1.6.4.exe as Administrator (right-click → Run as administrator).
  5. The installer warns at the end if the COM CLSID key is missing.
  6. Confirm the files exist in C:\Program Files\GitM\.

See Verify and troubleshoot deployment for the registry-level checks (CLSID, SolidWorks\Addins, AddInsStartup).

Diagnostics show a red check

Red check Fix
Git / Git LFS not installed Install the prerequisite; see Review prerequisites.
Remote not reachable / auth failing Fix credentials on Settings → Authentication.
.gitattributes missing LFS+lockable Repair the repo's .gitattributes; see Set up a team repository.

Known limitations

  • A successful install does not guarantee the add-in is enabled in every SolidWorks version on the machine; check Tools → Add-Ins in each.