Problem

When upgrading SOLIDWORKS, the software updates, but Parts, Assemblies, and Drawings aren't automatically converted. Instead of opening and saving each file individually, use the SOLIDWORKS Task Scheduler to convert all files at once.

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

This article only applies to non-PDM SOLIDWORKS files. For upgrading SOLIDWORKS PDM files, review this article: PDM File Version Upgrade Utility (FVUT) – Hawk Ridge Systems

Before Upgrading Files

We recommend backing up all files before converting them. Once files are saved in the latest release, they cannot be opened in an earlier version of SOLIDWORKS easily. This article has more information: Opening later year version files in previous versions of SOLIDWORKS – Hawk Ridge Systems

Solution: Upgrade Process

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

   

2. Click on "Convert files" from the list of tasks

   

3. Create a Task title if needed.
4. Click the Options button to change Convert Options related to upgrading the BOMs, References, and Configurations for each file and setting a backup folder
5. Add the file or folder that contains the documents that need to be updated. Either files or Folders can be specified, and both cannot be used at the same time. If adding individual files from different folders, use the Add File button and browse to the file. If there are folders where all files within need to be updated, use the Add Folder button to browse to the folder and use the "include subfolders" option as needed.
6. 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.
7. Click Advanced to change the working folder, time-out values, and other options

8. Click Finish to set the task in motion after all requirements have been set up.

   

9. 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.