Changing references ? SW2007 SP5.0

[Ralph2]

Learning as I go... and have come up against a cosmetic problem.

I have made a part and then a drawing of that part. My problem is that I do not like the file name of the original part. As I made changes I kept a (in retrospect) a foolish file name process.. "Arm with part xxxx.SLDPRT". I "should" have "save as" to something suitable before I made my drawing. Now am I stuck with having to keep that foolish file name?

Seems that if I delete it (*.SLDPRT) I can no longer make changes (or open) the drawing (*.SLDDRW). Is there a way to edit the reference? I have tried renaming (in SW) to try a workaround... but so far have failed.

One option is to redo the drawing which would not be a bad thing... but in the future.. should I wish to change a file name it would be nice to know how /// if, this (changing referenced files) is possible.

Thanks for your time
Ralph

 

[ctopher]

Us SolidWorks Explorer to rename the file. It will keep the references together.

Chris
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 08 3.1
AutoCAD 06/08
ctopher's home (updated Apr 30, 2008)

 

[SteveMartin]

You can also use 'save as' on the part file if the drawing is open in the same Solidworks session. That will update the reference in the drawing. Just make sure you save the drawing after, or it won't keep the change when you close & reopen that file.

 

[ShaggyPE]

The method Steve mentions will definitely work, but the SolidWorks Explorer method is preferred. The save as will make a copy of the file with a new name. The old file will still live in your directory.

When using the solidWorks explorer method, make sure to use the "where used" functionality. This will ensure that the assemblies and drawings know the file name changed.

The third option (not really recommended) is to simply change the file name in windows. When you re-open the drawing and the assembly, you will be prompted to find the "missing" part yourself. Then you browse to the renamed file. Not as elegant, but functional when only a couple files are impacted.

-Dustin
Professional Engineer
Certified SolidWorks Professional

 

[Ralph2]

Thanks to all... tried the third option described by ShaggyPE.. but it then pops up with a list of things to include / exclude..seems there were some changes made between the two part files in one of my many edits.
Decided to make a new drawing.. The practice will be benificial.. allready I am finding better ways to accomplish previous tasks...