If when installing SolidWorks, Microsoft SQL Server fails to install, first change block sizes and the instance name and see. More solutions here.

SolidWorks VAR's just say "SolidWorks Corp doesn't support any install methods outside of using their installer tools" which is a pretty worthless position to take, in my opinion.

Solid Edge is comparable with Solidworks. This Solid Edge is also the full version (with similar license restrictions to Solidworks Maker version) and is completely free.