dimension input 'calculator'

I've never seen this. I have always considered the math functions within dimension input boxes quit powerful and reliable. Unless of course you are using multiple units which you have to make sure you type in the actual units (1in + 1mm). Could you please give an example of exactly what you are typing in to get it to fail (every character and space).

Usually, this sort of things is blamed on anti-virus software preventing a proper install. A reinstall with AV disabled might be in order. I've not had to do this yet myself. If I'm wrong, someone please correct me.

I don't believe it is ever advisable to upgrade your installation if you want to keep a copy of the last version around until your drawings have all been updated you can do a new install to another folder. Otherwise Uninstall the older version and then do a clean install. ALWAYS BE SURE TO TURN OFF VIRUS PROTECTION WHENEVER YOU ARE DOING AN INSTALL OR UPDATE. I have heard a few times that one of the AV programs sometimes looks like it is off in your task bar but you have to open it up completely to actually stop it enough to do an install.
Another possible reason that your equation may fail is because it is evaluating to a negative number which isn't allowed in SW try this
abs(your entire equation)
it will evaluate the absolute value of your equation so if you are negative it will correct it to a pos.
Corey

To do a clean uninstall and reinstall see Regards, Scott

Post an example of what you are trying to get the dimension box to calculate.

Hello again,
I installed sw2005 as a test on another computer and it worked just fine. So I uninstalled all of the solidworks 2004 stuff and resintalled 2005 from scratch and that seems to have worked.
It also seems to run faster now...
Thanks for the response, Anders