Opening an older version of SolidWorks can be a common requirement, especially when you have files created in a previous version. In this tutorial, we will explore different methods to open an older version of SolidWorks.
Method 1: Opening an Older Version from within SolidWorks
1. Launch SolidWorks by double-clicking on its icon. 2. Once SolidWorks is open, go to the “File” menu located at the top left corner of the window. 3. From the drop-down menu, select “Open” to open the file selection dialog box. 4. In the file selection dialog box, navigate to the location where your older version file is stored.
5. Change the “Files of type” option to “All Files (*. *)” or select the specific file format of your older version file if you know it (e.g., .sldprt for a part file). 6. Select your older version file and click on the “Open” button. 7. SolidWorks will attempt to open the older version file using its compatibility mode. If successful, you can now work with your older version file in SolidWorks.
Tip: If you encounter any issues or error messages while opening an older version file using this method, try Method 2.
Method 2: Using Pack and Go
1. Locate and copy your older version SolidWorks files into a new folder on your computer. Open SolidWorks by double-clicking on its icon. In SolidWorks, go to the “File” menu and select “Pack and Go” from the drop-down menu. The Pack and Go wizard will appear with options for copying and renaming files. 5. Click on the browse button next to “Save To Folder” and navigate to the folder where you copied your older version files in step 1.
6. Checkmark the files you want to open in the older version of SolidWorks. Click on the “Options” button to access additional settings. 8. In the “Advanced” tab, select the desired version of SolidWorks from the “Save As Version” drop-down menu. 9. Click on “OK” to save your settings and return to the Pack and Go wizard. 10. Click on “Save” to create a new folder with copies of your older version files.
Now, you can navigate to the new folder and open your older version files using SolidWorks.
Tip: If you need to open multiple older versions of files, repeat this method for each version.
Method 3: Converting Older Version Files
If you have an older version file that cannot be directly opened in your current version of SolidWorks, you can convert it using a separate utility called “SolidWorks Explorer”. Here’s how:
1. Install SolidWorks Explorer if it is not already installed on your computer. Launch SolidWorks Explorer by double-clicking on its icon. In SolidWorks Explorer, navigate to the location where your older version file is stored.
4. Right-click on the file and select “Convert”. The conversion process will start, and once completed, a new converted file will be created with an updated file extension that matches your current version of SolidWorks (e. You can now open the converted file in your current version of SolidWorks.
- Note: This method may result in some loss or modification of features that are not compatible with the newer versions of SolidWorks.
In Conclusion
Opening an older version of SolidWorks is possible through various methods depending on your specific requirements. Whether it’s opening directly from within SolidWorks, using the Pack and Go feature, or converting older version files with SolidWorks Explorer, you now have the knowledge to access and work with your older files.
Remember to regularly update your files to the latest version of SolidWorks to take advantage of new features and enhancements.