How to Use the Update Files Task in the Task Scheduler

This is an article showing how to use the Updates Files task in the Task Scheduler. You can find a full list of tasks performed by the Task Scheduler here:
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The Update Files Task will open, rebuild, and save all targeted files. This is useful if changes were made to a model since the last time the documents were rebuilt. This can target individual files or whole folders.

• An Example is if changes were made to a part that is referenced in assemblies or drawings. You could use this task to update all assemblies and drawings with the changes to this part without having to do so manually.

Update Files Task Workflow

Here are the steps listed according to the following graphic:

1. Open up the Update Files task in the SOLIDWORKS Task Scheduler
2. Set a custom Task Title if needed.
3. Add the file or folder that contains the documents that need to be updated. Only either File or Folder can be selected for the task.
   • If adding individual files from different folders: use the button Add File > browse to the file's location > select the file > click "Open".
     • File name will be populated in the File Name or Type column below
   • If there are folders that all files within need to be updated: use the button Add Folder > browser to the folder's location > select the folder > click "Select Folder". You can then check on "Include subfolders" to include files in subfolders.
     • File type will be populated in the File Name or Type column below. In this task part, assembly, and drawing file types can be selected.
4. Running mode can be set to Once, Daily, Weekly, or Monthly. If the Start time and Start date are set in the past, before clicking "Finish", the task will start immediately
5. In the Options:
   • Rebuild changed features: To only target changed features.
   • Rebuild all features: This will rebuild all features whether they were changed or not. This will be slower since rebuilding all.
6. In the Advanced option:
   • Set where the task working folder is. The task working files can include backup files, reports, and so on. 
   • Set when the task would timeout, ending the task whether or not the task completes.
   • Run SOLIDWORKS in the background minimized or not.
7. After everything is set up for the requirements, click Finish to set the task in motion.

SOLIDWORKS will launch itself, perform the actions according to the task, and close itself when the scheduled time is reached.

For further assistance, please contact our HawkSupport team at 877-266-4469(US) or 866-587-6803(Canada) and support@hawkridgesys.com.