file location for toolbox items

[toycept]

I am in the process of importing various components into the Toolbox program by way of the "Add my parts wizard". If I download a component to the desktop and then add the part to the toolbox browser, where should I place the original file of the component (and the bit map image that appears). I have a feeling all toolbox components should be in a folder somewhere. I went to tools>options>system options>file locations.... but I don't see a file location for "toolbox".

Here is where I need some help. Do I need to create a folder and specify a location where all toolbox components are kept? And does it matter where that file is located?? And should I locate any other components that are already loaded into the toolbox browser and make sure all compents are in the same location?

Thank you for the help.

 

[SBaugh]

Go to your SW directory on your HDD - then look in Solidworks\Toolbox - There will be a file called toolbox.ini - Open that up in Notepad. There will be a path - that path is the path to the location of your Toolbox parts and where your file should be moved too. You will have to add it to an appropriate folder or make a new one.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.3dvisiontech.com

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376

 

[toycept]

Scott,

Thanks for the help. I followed your direction.... and found the folder which seems like where the parts should go: C:\program files\common files\solidworks data\browser. When open I see all the other catalogs. I placed the file which contain all my new parts (springs) in the inch folder (since they are all configured by inches).

when I go to an assembly file and open the toolbox browser.... it shows the spring entries but in red letters it says "no part preview".

Any suggestions?

Thanks

 

[DesignSmith]

Toycept,

That would generally indicate that the database entries for your Parts Wizard parts does not exactly match where you manually copied your files to. (it might possibly 1 subdirectory higher or lower)
From the Toolbox pull down menu, choose `Configure Browser', and in the Catalog Document settings, set the drop down lists such that your Parts Wizard items are listed.
(TomsInch-Springs-Compression for instance)
Now look at the Part FileName column on the far right. The directory path and filename must exactly match where you manually copied your files to. Click the browse button[...] to reset the path as needed. When your are finished close and restart SolidWorks.
Toolbox will automatically generate the browser panel images when it is restarted with correct paths.



DesignSmith

http://www.DesignSmith-Services.com

 

[toycept]

Thanks DesignSmith,

That works.... when I first added the items to the toolbox the files for the components were on the desktop. Then I gathered all the components and placed them in the folder with all other toolbox components. The only problem was I didn't change the path...so toolbox was always looking for the components on the desktop.

I did as you described... changed the directory path to the appropriate folder...... and now all is well.

Thanks.