How to keep model versions (.1 .2 .3 etc.) when working with Intralink

[sundevil98]

Our company has just started using intralink.

Over the past few years, I've really grown accustomed to being able to go back to an older version of a file if I make a mistake (ie being able to open widget.prt.1 when I screw up widget.prt.2).

I've noticed though that when I'm working in my Intralink workspace, I can't access (or at least can't figure out how) older versions of the part.

What I've been doing is just resubmitting versions once I get to a point where I'm happy. But, I really think that this practice will eventually clog up our server with a lot of un-needed versions of our parts.

Does anyone know how I can go back to my old "system" for screwing up???

Thanks

 

[peppinu]

In an INTRALINK workspace browser you can go in
under "frame" and "frame manager" you can "undo frames".
This means you can go back in workspace operations, that is, it may not be exactly what you want. One other not so much reccomended procedure is to search in your workspace
via a normal file manager(explorer on Windows), make a copy in a directory outside "workspaces" and use the "import" from INTRALINK.

Joe.

 

[im4cad]

If check the parts into the Commonspace you can always check out into your Workspace any revision “as stored”, not the latest one only. I think using “undo” frames is not the best practice and you can mess things up because you don’t really know what frame you want to use.
Whenever you think you should check into Commonspace, name that submission with a specific name (in the “name” field) so you can recognize it, and whenever you want to go back You can play around with these file and check out whatever version you want, and when you have your design done you can get rid of the other versions and check in the good one.
Another thing you can do is to work in several Workspaces where you’ll have different versions of you design, and check into the Commonspace when you decide which is the right one.


im4cad
Pro Design Services, Inc.

http://www.cadproe.com/pds/home.asp

 

[ohio30]

I agree with im4cad. Check-in to Commonspace and enter a name in the name field.
If you have not yet checked in your models in the Commonspace you can fetch the files from the .proi folder on your local drive. If you decide to do this be careful not to move, rename, or delete the files in the folders.
Each file in a Workspace is stored locally (presuming you check-out the objects for local copy) on your computer. The folder location will depend on your installation, but the files will be located in the proi folder. Depending on the version of Pro/INTRALINK client you will find the files in the folder with the name of your Workspace and then possibly in the backup folder.
I would suggest that you copy out the needed files to another local folder. Then create a new Workspace and import each of the copied files. If any of the copied files are found in Commonspace it is a good time now to update them in this Workspace.
I cannot stress enough the importance of being careful when browsing in the .proi folder.

I have done a number of unthinkable things using this technique. I have gone so far as to replace files in the .proi folder with new files without corrupting the Workspace or Commonspace.
If you want to overwrite the current model file with a previous model file... Rename the previous file to the same name as the latest model file (i.e. previous=model.prt.12 latest=model.prt.102). Be sure to include the number as part of the rename. Overwrite the latest file with the renamed file. Now you can open the model using Pro/Workspace and the model that will open will be the previous model.
(Be careful!)

 

[ohio30]

I just had another idea that you might be more comfortable performing.
1) Undo your Workspace frames to the previous state that you need. Use the time stamp on the frame to determine what models you are intersted in using. 2) Create a new Workspace. 3) Copy/Export the models from your Workspace to the new Workspace. 4)Continue your design or modifications using the new Workspace.
If you want you can redo all of your frames in the previous Workspace in case you are not satisfied with the results in the new Workspace.
This sounds much better and is totally within the normal function of the Pro/INTRALINK software.

Good luck!

 

[ohio30]

im4cad has the right idea....Use multiple Workspaces or specify a branch name at check-in.
Multiple Workspaces can be very time consuming if working with large assemblies.
I have not tried using the branch functionality in Pro/INTRALINK, but I would suggest that you read up on the subject in the Pro/INTRALINK HELP files and see if it will work for you. I believe the branch method is the safer way to go - even if I suggested a different and more dangerous method in my previous post.

Good luck!

 

[procadman2]

I'll add another avenue.
Every time you save said modified part/model/assy it creates a higher .number in your working directory.
.proi/[workspace_name]
If you rename the older ,numbered file to a higher number than the latest filed then import it into Intralink over top the current file it will keep all of the required attributes of the current file.
Unfortunately all ways of retrieving an older file are more complicated than the pre-Intralink process of opening a file by saying [file_name].[ext].-1, -2 etc.

procadman2
Proe Design & Admin
NASA Contractor

"You can't build a reputation on something you haven't done."
H Ford