How to Fix SOLIDWORKS File References

[@cjoy36]

I found a way to have SW actually save the Search Path and not over write after you changed it. 1. Open File explorer, top taps select view, check box checked for hidden items 2. Open "Indexing Options" in your computers Control Panel. 3. Click "Modify" button 4. Make sure your desired file location path is in the "Included Locations" and remove undesirable file locations that maybe causing the reference priority issue. 5. Open SW, Options, File Locations, show folders for: search paths -> make sure your desired file location is at the top of the priority. I hope this helps anyone else that has been running into this issue!

[@nari7660]

Thank you so much! This is so helpful

[@mantistoboggan5346]

If I change this reference, it shows green and I click OK. Then when I try to open the drawing, the file path is still looking where it doesn't exist. It seems no matter what I do I can't overwrite the reference. As soon as I close the dialog box it ignores it and goes back to the old reference. Not sure why it won't save when I change the linked file... any ideas?

[@bigmeatyxclaws876]

For me, I had to open the drawing from the recent documents window. Then when the "browse for file..." pop-up comes up, you have to hit [browse], then select the (renamed/moved) reference file and you should be good.

[@nielsassen1988]

I've the same problem

[@davidcombs97]

What I just did to work around this is open up the "file locations..." option in the "Move" dialog box and copy the file path to our "engineering" folder and then it will search within that entire folder for where used and it will update when you move or change the name.

[@blazedragon9497]

i accidently click "not show this again" help... how to enable this notice/alert again??

[@We-Do-NOT-Consent-303]

My problem is slightly different. I am running SolidWorks on a Virtual Machine on Linux. And I am opening the Main Assembly from a shared folder in Linux. All the part files are already in the same directory, yet SW can not find them even when it is highlighting them in the open dialog box. I do have just press Open, and then it gets it, but I have several 100 parts in this assembly so it gets tedious! What am I doing wrong?

[@primarynik913]

It help me a lot, thank you so much man 💕💖💕

[@dominickd9291]

I was able to update my references and they show the correct locations, but still every time I open the file it re asks for me to find every component in a 24 part assembly.

[@dominickd9291]

Actually if I create a new assembly and throw a few components in it. Save it, close and re open. It asks me to find each component each time. is there a check box somewhere I turned on to break this?

[@patrickcunningham7161]

I'd have to agree with all the other comments, that this fix does not actually work. You can change the reference, but it reverts back when you open the file. This may work if you rename a file, but no good for a broken reference or replacing a reference file path. Very frustrating.

[@erweevandermerwe6644]

same issue it searches for parts in a F folder but i cant seem to find where i need to replace the new destination? help please

[@dvaVivy]

I don't know why but this is so confusing

[@ronchampagne8484]

HOW DO YOU GO BACK TO FILE EXPLORER ? I cannot find the thing !! Where is it , how do you get there ? This utility does not exist or its buried someplace I dont know about . Could you start from the beginning ..... the REAL BEGINNING ? The total beginning ! The frustration is due to the fact countless videos all make the same mistake of assuming we know where it is to begin with . Solidworks help is absolutely useless , they make the same mistake of pointing you to commands that cannot be found in the first place . Once again , WHERE IS SOLIDWORKS FILE EXPLORER LOCATED ?

[@rupakbasnet5737]

This technique doesn't work

[@shekiba.646]

Solidworks very sucks. I'm frustration.. but other CAD, SOftware NX, etc better