I asked this a while back attached to another question but it withered without a response so here it is again...

We finally upgraded from SW2011 SP3 to SW2012 SP5. And in trying to clean some things up have come across an issue with the material database files.

Over the years multiple material databases have shown up on their own after each upgrade. After the 2012 install we had 4 or 5 databases named Custom Material all with the same single "Custom Plastic" material in them.

I would like to have the two standard SW databases and one company custom database. Our company custom file is located on a network share. I found where the various files were hiding and what the listings in the Options/File Locations/Material Database were. I opened a few of the files and determined I could copy/paste to combine.

HOWEVER, I have run into some peculiar behavior.

I removed all the local path listings in the File Locations leaving only the network share. I copied and consolidated some materials in the network share file. I deleted the local files. But when I launch the Material Editor from a part file the removed local paths are restored to the File Locations list AND the deleted "Custom Plastic" / Custom Material file is recreated in the local folder. The Custom Material database shows back up in the Material Editor.

Any idea what drives this? Registry setting? The local folder location that gets restored is:

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\SolidWorks\SolidWorks 2012\Custom Materials (our install folder for SW is "SolidWork 2012")

Thanks,

Daen