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Installation
- SOLIDWORKS and SW PDM System Requirements
- Preparing for Installation
- How to Download SOLIDWORKS
- SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager (.exe)
- How to Request a Manual Download for SOLIDWORKS
- How To Order A SOLIDWORKS Media Kit
- Installing – A Complete Overview to Managing a CAD Environment
- SOLIDWORKS Hardware Guide
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- SOLIDWORKS Individual Installation
- How to Modify Your SOLIDWORKS Installation
- How to Repair Your SOLIDWORKS Installation
- Performing a Clean Uninstall
- How to Quickly Update SOLIDWORKS to a Newer Service Pack
- How to Transfer a Standalone License
- Install Multiple Versions
- SOLIDWORKS Activation Wizard: How to Transfer SOLIDWORKS License
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- SOLIDWORKS Network Licensing
- How to Upgrade SolidNetWork License Manager
- Moving from SOLIDWORKS Standalone to Network Licenses
- Adding License to an Existing SolidNetwork License Manager
- Use Options File to Reserve Licenses for Specific Users
- SOLIDWORKS SolidNetWork License Order Guide
- How to Reactivate SOLIDWORKS Network Licenses
- How to Move the SOLIDWORKS SolidNetWork License Manager to a New Server
- SOLIDWORKS SolidNetwork License Manager Overview
- How to Install the SolidNetwork License Manager
- Reserve Licenses with Options File
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SOLIDWORKS Portal
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SOLIDWORKS
- SOLIDWORKS Keyboard Shortcuts
- SOLIDWORKS Copy Settings Wizard
- Accessing Xpress Tools
- How To Tell Who Has a SOLIDWORKS File Open
- How to Use SOLIDWORKS Pack and Go
- SOLIDWORKS Administration Overview
- Rebuild Types and How They Work
- Understanding SOLIDWORKS Settings and Templates
- How to create SOLIDWORKS Part, Assembly, and Drawing Templates
- Utilizing Cloud Storage with SOLIDWORKS
- Automate File Exports with Task Scheduler
- Troubleshooting Weldment Cut List Consolidation
- SOLIDWORKS Multi-sheet Custom Properties Source
- How to Use Save As with References
- How to Troubleshoot Graphical Issues
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PDM
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- PDM How to Work in Off-line Mode
- How to Use PDM Move Tree
- How to Use PDM Copy Tree
- PDM - What are Private State Files?
- PDM Search Operators
- How to Set PDM to Details View in Windows File Explorer
- SOLIDWORKS PDM Search Results – Which Configuration’s Variables are Displayed?
- PDM Automatic Login Options
- Preview Tab Options
- How To Overwrite Latest PDM Version
- Difference Between Versions and Revisions
- How to export search results from PDM
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- PDM Administrators: Roles and Responsibilities
- PDM License Type Matrix
- PDM Server Recommendations
- PDM Backup Procedures
- How to Reset Your SOLIDWORKS PDM Admin Password
- How to Control Get Version Commands
- Adding a PDM Vault View with a Windows Azure Active Directory Account
- PDM Major Minor Revisions
- How to Set Revision Manually in PDM
- How to Set Up Revision Tables
- PDM - What are Version Free Variables?
- PDM How to Rollback a File to a Previous Version
- PDM Setting Cache Options Automatically
- How to Change PDM Date Formatting
- How to Delete a PDM User Completely
- How to Reset Web2 Authentication in IIS
- SOLIDWORKS PDM Connectivity Test Tool
- How to Configure the SOLIDWORKS PDM Local HOSTS file to Resolve Server Name
- Create Local Vault View Shortcut
- How to Configure a Computer to be a PDM Task Host
- How to Setup a Dedicated Unattended Task Host
- How to use PDM Database Upgrade Tool
- Collect Support Information for PDM
- Update Credentials for PDM Archive Server
- Update Credentials for PDM Database Server
- Creating and Using PDM Labels
- Troubleshooting PDM Notifications
- PDM Cold Storage and How To Use It
- How to set the PDM Preview Tab Viewer
- How to reset the SQL password for the PDM Vault SQL Server
- SOLIDWORKS Strategies for Using the File Version Upgrade Tool (FVUT)
- How To Relocate An Existing SOLIDWORKS Vault View To Another Drive
- How to manually remove a disconnected PDM Vault View
- How To Relocate Vault Archive Folders To Another Drive
- How to Setup Toolbox in PDM - SOLIDWORKS
- Show all articles ( 20 ) Collapse Articles
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- Create Local Vault View
- How to Delete or Recreate a Local Vault View
- Create Local PDM Vault View Using .cvs File
- How to Change PDM Client License Type after Installation
- PDM File Version Upgrade Tool
- PDM Upgrade Checklist
- How to Upgrade SOLIDWORKS PDM Add-ins
- SOLIDWORKS PDM: Moving Server Components - Checklist
- How to Install SOLIDWORKS PDM Standard
- SOLIDWORKS PDM / Manage Installation Guide (PDF)
- Install Microsoft SQL 2019 for PDM Professional
- How to Install PDM Client Software
- Change SQL Server License
- How to Upgrade SOLIDWORKS Toolbox in PDM - AUTOMATICALLY
- How to Upgrade SOLIDWORKS Toolbox in PDM - MANUALLY
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Known Solutions
- Windows Firewall Exceptions for SOLIDWORKS Network Based Products
- Why Users Need Local Admin Rights to Install SOLIDWORKS
- How to Run SOLIDWORKS with Administrator Permissions
- Blank SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager - Resolution
- SOLIDWORKS RX - The Ultimate CAD Diagnostic Tool
- SOLIDWORKS Safe Modes
- How to Force SOLIDWORKS to Use Your Graphics Card
- How to Ensure that You are Running a SOLIDWORKS Certified Graphics Card Driver
- Troubleshooting SOLIDWORKS Installation Issues
- Resolution to Common File Location Errors
- Non-Matching Internal ID
- Could not obtain a license for SOLIDWORKS CAM. Invalid (inconsistent) license key
- “The Source Folder Is Not Versioned Properly…” Error when Modifying Serial Number
- “A Newer Version of This Product is Already Installed” Error when Installing SOLIDWORKS
- "Error obtaining License (-85, 147, 0)"
- SOLIDWORKS Search Routine Order
- How to Restore Dismissed SOLIDWORKS Messages
- Viewing SOLIDWORKS Configurations in eDrawings
- How to Modify the Reference/Update Dialog Dismissal Time
- SOLIDWORKS Educational Resources
- How to Change the SOLIDWORKS Language
- Restore Your File Associations
- How To Reset SOLIDWORKS Registry
- Resolve "Sheet Format Could Not Be Located"
- How To Correct The "Default Templates Are Not Valid" Error
- Correcting foreign language characters in the FeatureManager Tree
- How to Collect CXPAs
- Show all articles ( 12 ) Collapse Articles
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Simulation
- Simulation Meshing Guide
- How to Duplicate and Reuse Simulation Study Data
- Setting Up Default Options for SOLIDWORKS Simulation Studies
- Which Type of Elements Should I Use?
- Is SOLIDWORKS Simulation Accurate?
- Getting Started with Simulation
- The Basics of Setting Up a Study in Simulation
- Do I Need Non-linear Simulation?
- Submodeling Studies – The What, Why, & How of Using Them in SOLIDWORKS Simulation
- What To Do When you get the “Excessive Displacement” Warning in SOLIDWORKS Simulation
- How to Create Temperature Dependent Custom Materials in SOLIDWORKS Simulation
- How to Export Flow Simulation Results to Import into FEA
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3DEXPERIENCE
PDM File Version Upgrade Tool
PDM File Version Upgrade
PDM File Version upgrade tool can speed up the SOLIDWORKS file version upgrade process considerably by automating the check out, SOLIDWORKS file version upgrade, and finally check in for files in a PDM vault all while maintaining file references, revisions, and workflow states.
When the files reside in SOLIDWORKS PDM, before they can be saved in SOLIDWORKS, the files must first be checked out from a workflow state which allows file check out. The files can then be opened and saved in the newest SOLIDWORKS version and checked back in. This manual file version upgrade process can be very time consuming when working with many files.
Note: the File Version Upgrade tool upgrades SOLIDWORKS part, assembly and drawing files only (sldprt, sldasm, slddrw). All other file types must be updated manually, including SOLIDWORKS template files. If you need to update SOLIDWORKS files outside PDM, use the SOLIDWORKS Task Scheduler.
After upgrading SOLIDWORKS to a new major version and before changes can be made to existing SOLIDWORKS files saved in previous versions, the existing files must be converted to the upgraded SOLIDWORKS version. This file version upgrade allows files to take advantage of any enhancements to features and software code released in the new major version. SOLIDWORKS automatically converts the files the next time they are opened and saved in SOLIDWORKS. If a file is closed without saving to upgrade the version, then the file must be converted again the next time it is opened in the upgraded version of SOLIDWORKS. Once a file is upgraded, it can no longer be opened for edit in previous versions or SOLIDWORKS.
CAUTION! This tool is for PDM Admins only
It is CRITICAL for anyone configuring the File Version Upgrade tool to fully understand the options prior to running the tool. If you have ANY QUESTIONS, please do not hesitate to contact MLC CAD Systems technical support prior to running any version upgrades. Click here to submit a question to technical support.
The example images in this article contain default options and example file locations. This does not imply MLC CAD Systems recommends certain options over others. You are responsible for determining which options pertain to your PDM environment and company standards prior to running this tool.
Before you begin
- Choose a machine powerful enough to open the largest assembly in your vault.
- Check all files into the vault.
- On the machine performing the upgrade, close any open session of SOLIDWORKS.
- Perform a complete PDM backup prior to running the File Version Upgrade tool.
How to Install the File Version Upgrade tool
The File Version Upgrade tool is a standalone application which is not installed by default. The File Version Upgrade.exe installation file can be found where you downloaded SOLIDWORKS to within the directory SWPDMClient\Support\File Version Upgrade
For example, the default download location is C:\Users\\Documents\SOLIDWORKS Downloads\ SOLIDWORKS \SWPDMClient\Support\File Version Upgrade
Double-click the File Version Upgrade.exe to launch the InstallShield Wizard. Follow the prompts to complete the install.
Once complete, the File Version Upgrade application will display in your Windows Start menu under SOLIDWORKS PDM. Click the application once to launch the tool.
How to Configure and Run the File Version Upgrade Tool
This example uses a default installation with only a few example files as a general overview of the tool’s functionality.
On the Welcome screen, select the option to Initiate a new upgrade process (Coordinator Workstation) and then click Next >
On the Select Version screen, select the version of SOLIDWORKS you will be using for the upgrade and then click Next >
On the Select Vault screen, select the vault where the files reside to upgrade and then click Next >
Log into PDM if prompted with the standard PDM login dialog.
On the Search Files to Upgrade screen, you can input conditions for SOLIDWORKS file types to upgrade, folders, states, or files with specific variable values. If you do not want to apply any of these additional filters, simply leave them at their defaults. Once you are satisfied with your selection, click Next >
The Search Results screen displays a list of files that met the search criteria set in the previous screen. If needed, you can uncheck files individually to not include them in the upgrade. Click Next > to continue.
The Version Settings screen contains a critical decision-making step with two main categories:
- Create new versions of files
- Overwrite existing versions of files
Choosing to Create new version of files includes additional decisions/options for how to manage file references and revisions.
Choosing to Overwrite the existing versions of files will save space in the archive, however, if an unexpected event occurs which causes the upgrade to fail, you could risk losing data.
Choosing to Overwrite the existing versions of files also requires decisions/options to overwrite all versions, only the latest version, or versions with revisions.
Note that overwriting all versions or versions with revisions will extend the upgrade process time considerably.
The Upgrade Settings screen contains input fields for a comment to be added to the history as well as additional upgrade settings, including a log file location. The Comment filed is required and will display when reviewing a file’s history. Consider adding a version specific comment.
If your vault contains thousands of files, you may want to consider selecting the option Divide the upgrade work into multiple instruction files to run in batches. With this option unchecked by default, the tool runs all files as a single batch from start to finish, checking all files out as a batch, opening each one in SOLIDWORKS, and then checking them all back in as a batch.
If you choose to run multiple batches of work instructions, you will also need to select a Shared location for work instruction files. This must be a shared UNC path. Work instruction files with extension .wrkins will be created in the specified location.
Tip: You can use PDM search in your vault to search for all SOLIDWORKS files by using *.sld* in the file name search. Then you can decide as to how many batches you may want to configure to run.
Lastly, at the bottom of the dialog, you can choose to Notify success/failures to users. These are PDM users and the system will use your PDM messaging system settings.
Click Next > to proceed
On the Ready to Upgrade Files screen, a summary displays the number of files and batches to run. You can choose to start the upgrade process now by selecting Continue or clicking Cancel to close the dialog and run the work instructions files individually later.
It is recommended to run the upgrade outside of normal PDM working times, since the process will slow PDM performance as well as make certain files inaccessible while upgrading. This process can also be run from several machines to speed up the upgrade process.
After clicking Continue, while the upgrade process is running, a status indicator displays to indicate which part of the process is running. A confirmation and summary screen displays once complete.
Review the history of files to see the added comment and any version number changes.
How to Run a saved Work Instruction
To run a saved work instruction (.wrkins), you must choose the option on the Welcome screen to Participate in an upgrade process (Agent Workstation) and then click Next >
Different Work Instruction files can be run on different computers with a local vault view and same major version of SOLIDWORKS.
Set the Share location for work instructions and then select the Work instruction file from the dropdown list. Click Next > to proceed.
Review the Work Instruction File Summary and then click Next >
On the Ready to Upgrade screen, click Continue to run the upgrade.
Status dialogs will display during the process and then a confirmation summary once complete.