How to Use the Update Associated Files Task in the Task Scheduler

Michael Hoeller
Updated

Problem

When working with large assemblies or files with many references in SOLIDWORKS, manually opening, rebuilding, and saving each file is time-consuming. The Update Associated Files task in SOLIDWORKS Task Scheduler automates this process by opening, rebuilding, and saving a document and all its references with any recent changes. This article shows how to use the Update Associated Files task in the Task Scheduler.

For more information on other Task Scheduler Tasks, check out this article: Automating Tasks After Hours with SOLIDWORKS Task Scheduler – Hawk Ridge Systems

Solution

Follow the steps below to set up and use the Update Associated Files task:

  1. In Windows Search, type "Task Scheduler" and click on SOLIDWORKS Task Scheduler 20XX

    Open Task Scheduler

  2. Open up the Update Associated Files task

    Select Update Associated Files
  3. Set a custom Task Title if needed
  4. Specify the seed file in “Seed file path name” or click Browse and navigate to the desired seed file. The seed file defines the starting point for the Update Associated Files task. For example, if you take an Assembly as the seed file, then all files associated with the seed file are updated. The scope of the search for referenced files is controlled by specifying the folders and file types to search and whether or not to limit the search to direct references only.
  5. 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.
  6. Click Advanced if you want to change task options such as backup file location and time-out duration

  7. Click Next

    Update Associated Files Window
  8. Select the folders and types of files you want to update: Click Add, then Browse to the folder that contains the files to update, then click OK.
  9. Under File Type, click in the row that contains the folder you just added, then select the types of files to update. 
  10. Repeat steps 8 & 9 to select additional folders. 
  11. Select or clear Update direct references only. This controls the scope of the search for reference files to update. 

  12. Click Finish.

    Update Associated Files Window 2
  13. SOLIDWORKS will launch itself, perform the actions according to the task, and close itself when the scheduled time is reached.

For additional support, existing customers can submit a ticket or new customers can contact Hawk Ridge Systems.

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