SP3 is Available

[dsi]

Looking at the release notes, they discuss some of the file compression utilities. Just a heads-up for those of you that use them.

"Do not use any application that modifies SolidWorks files in an attempt to reduce their size. Several file compression utilities are available that modify SolidWorks model files. These applications typically remove the file "shadow," but some applications might remove more.

Using these file compression utilities can cause file corruption. SolidWorks does not support or endorse the use of any such file compression utilities and recommends any such use be discontinued immediately."
DimensionalSolutions@Core.com
While I welcome e-mail messages, please post all thread activity in these forums for the benefit of all members.

 

[MadMango]

There has been some chatter about the above passage on another News Group (comp.cad.solidworks). Many people believe that this is just some jargon to allow SolidWorks Corp the ability to protect itself from any legal actions that might arise from a company trying to sue them over corrupt files, lost work and wasted manpower.

The most popular file compression utilties out there are WinZip, UnFrag and EcoSqueeze. From what I have been reading, WinZip is 100% safe to use, while the other two "might" be "questionable" to use. Frankly, I have been using WinZip and UnFrag for the past year or so, and I have never had any corrupt files result from it. I've never used EcoSqueeze however.

Of course, this use was not with SP3, at least not yet. Should be getting that downloaded by the weekend. "Happy the Hare at morning for she is ignorant to the Hunter's waking thoughts."

 

[SBaugh]

I have used them all, and I have never had a corrupt file or any lost work. This may be a way for them cover their behinds...and I don't blame them. Because in today's world everyone, including most companies. They are looking for the fast cash. God knows I need some Cash right now!

I do suggest that you at least give them a try....at least once to see if you like them or not. I prefer EcoSqueeze, it has more options than Unfrag. Most of the time I just suppress all the features when I send files over Email, instead of using EcoSqueeze or any other utility for that matter.

, Scott Baugh, CSWP
credence69@REMOVEhotmail.com

http://home.insightbb.com/~scott.baugh/

 

[earlpatrick]

i've been using winzip consistently with no problems at all. Sbaugh, are you saying that if you suppress features it reduces the size of the saved file?

does anybody know what solidworks means by file "shadow"? has anybody heard yet whether SP3 is stable? our vendor suggested that we wait a few weeks before downloading it?

thanks,

e. earl patrick
epillsbury@bensonglobal.com

http://www.bensonglobal.com

 

[DetroitPickles]

Scott Baugh is absolutley correct in file size after suppressing all features. Try it and see. You file will be a LOT smaller.

Ecosqueeze CAN (optional) "remove" the SW Bitmap Image AND the Display List, where Unfrag does not have the option. I think SW "shadow" refers to these things, but I'm just guessing.

Actually, if you delete these using Ecosqueeze, it just takes longer to open the file the next time, and of course you won't have the preview bitmap. After you remove them, and then open the file and save it, they are both back again.

I don't delete the bitmap or the display list unless I'm fixin to email it somewhere to someone who doesn't know what is going on.

Most of the stuff I do have configurations set to turn off or on certain features. If I suppress all of them, then the recieving party doesn't know what to turn back on. I have created a suppress all config, and use that as the saved config before sending. the reciever opens the part, and then picks which config to use.

Plenty of options....

Mr. Pickles

 

[SBaugh]

Earl,

Reference these threads
thread559-10335
thread559-10579

These threads show some examples of what I have done to compress my files.

The Shadow file is the the bitmap image that is saved when you save your SW file. It is used for the preview when you pick the file to be opened in SW.

At comp.cad.solidworks I haven't seen a whole lot of people complaining yet. So I would be willing to bet it is stable. Of course, I haven't had hardly any trouble out of any of their SP's. I would DL it now, but you may want to wait a bit and see if anyone encounters anything. Then again, you maybe the company that finds the problem.

If anyone wants to discuss file compression just send me a email.

I hope that helps all of you , Scott Baugh, CSWP
credence69@REMOVEhotmail.com

http://home.insightbb.com/~scott.baugh/

 

[earlpatrick]

that's really good to know. i'm dealing with large assemblies on a pretty regular basis. thanks.

cheers,

earl earl patrick
epillsbury@bensonglobal.com

http://www.bensonglobal.com