EN: Using SOLIDWORKS File Utilities
SOLIDWORKS file utilities replaces conventional renaming, replacing, and moving files without losing the references.
Many SOLIDWORKS users are used to access SOLIDWORKS which appears when we right click on any part, assembly or drawing file within Windows Explorer. This SOLIDWORKS file option has various sub-options such as Pack and Go, Rename, Replace and Move. Hence, it allows user to create pack and go of the file right from the file explorer.
Pack and Go: Gather all the related files for a model design (Parts, Assemblies, Drawings, References, Design Table, Design Binder Content, Custom and default decals, appearances, and scenes and SOLIDWORKS Simulation results) into a folder or zip file.
Rename: Renames one or more selected documents and updates all the references.
Replace: Replaces a selected part or assembly document and updates its references.
Move: Moves the selected SOLIDWORKS file to a new location and updates its references.
Usually this SOLIDWORKS option appears when we right click on SOLIDWORKS files, but sometimes it disappears when some updates occur on machine such as updating the Microsoft Office 365 and SOLIDWORKS Version. Here is the image that shows this option missing when we right click on the SW file in file explorer.
Instructions
When file utilities are not visible or available, make sure the files are set to open with SOLIDWORKS Launcher.
If the SOLIDWORKS Launcher is not in the app list, right click the SOLIDWORKS file select “Properties.”
Browse to the location C>Program Files>Solidworks Corp> Solidworks (latest version installed), select swShellFileLauncher.exe.
Click Open
If the options are still missing, then we will have to make some changes to the SOLIDWORKS registry in registry editor and here the steps to do so:
Step 1: Run Registry editor as an administrator:
Go to Start > Type Regedit > Right click on Regedit and run as an administrator. This will launch registry Editor.
Step 2: Locate registries of SW file extensions
Locate the following path:
Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FileExts
Within file extension locate all three file extensions for SW parts (.SLDPRT), assemblies (.SLDASM) and drawings (.SLDDRW) and then rename them. After renaming all three extensions registry editor should look like this.
Renaming the registries should bring back SOLIDWORKS option on the right click of all SW file types; parts, assemblies and drawings.
If the options are still missing, then repair the installation or go to modify your installation to check if SOLIDWORKS File Utilities is correctly installed.
If still the option is missing, then Uninstall the SOLIDWORKS Software and Reinstall again.
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