Solidworks like to make what I can only imagine is some sort of temporary lock file for each open part or assembly with a "~$" prefix followed by the file name, including the same .sldprt or .sldasm suffix. It places them in the same directory as the actual file. Upon closing the files, the ~$ Files seem to be deleted, but whenever SW crashes it will leave them behind. If solidworks takes a dive with a big assembly open, I can wind up with hundreds of these junk files at a clip, and so far the only thing I can do is delete them manually every so often.

I'm wondering just what exactly these files are for, if they are important (i.e. "you really shouldn't delete those") and if there is something I can do to stop them from clogging my folders in the first place.

Thanks for any input!