Is there an easy way to rename files in PDM that doesn't break references? I heard SolidWorks Explorer won't work for this. Is there another method other than opening up each file and doing a "save as"?
Is there an easy way to rename files in PDM that doesn't break references? I heard SolidWorks Explorer won't work for this. Is there another method other than opening up each file and doing a "save as"?
Hi,
SOLIDWORKS Explorer will work for this. It is exactly what it was made for, retaining file references when a file is renamed or moved. Is it Workgroup PDM or PDM Standard/Pro as the latter will handle the file references automatically for you within your vault view as long as the file is checked in.
Phil.
Yes this is one of the many big advantages to PDM. You can rename to your heart's content and the links remain unbroken.
Virtual parts in themselves can still be used with little problem. It's when you create a virtual sub-assembly inside your main assembly and use non virtual parts inside the virtually sub-assembly. The contains tab shows the structure correctly but the where-used for a part inside a virtual sub-assy does not show it. The PDM database does know about the relationship because I have a query that shows the where-used correctly.
So renaming that part will not update the virtual sub-assy. I don't know if that's because its using the same where-used query that isn't working properly or the update mechanism can't reach a virtual sub-assy inside of a regular assy.
Easy way is to check-in your files.
Then select which files you would like to rename.
Then right click and rename without having SolidWorks Open.