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"PreviewCfg" configuration created by Solidworks annoyance

"PreviewCfg" configuration created by Solidworks annoyance

"PreviewCfg" configuration created by Solidworks annoyance

(OP)
When I drag fasteners that have been create by the toolbox, but have been saved out as individual files, into an assembly, I am asked to choose a configuration, even if there is only one configuration in the fastener file.  This is because a configuration is automatically added to the file called "PreviewCfg".  This is a major annoyance and really slows me down.

thread559-220552: Configurations-PreviewCfg

Here's an explanation and solution provided by David Israel from Hawk Ridge Systems...

The PreviewCfg configuration is used for dynamic updating of Toolbox fasteners using the auto-sizing functionality or manually changing settings in the Toolbox and Smart Fasteners PropertyManagers. The PreviewCfg improves drag/drop performance. If this did not exist, this configuration would be built on the fly which would cause a few seconds delay.

All Toolbox parts are flagged as a Toolbox part (even if you save them as a separate file), and will create the PreviewCfg when inserting them into assemblies. There is a utility named sldsetdocprop.exe that will allow you to change whether a part is flagged as a Toolbox part or not. If you remove the Toolbox flag, you will no longer be prompted for the PreviewCfg for that part file - it will be treated as a standard part file. This utility can be found in the following path: /toolbox/data utilities . The default install directory should be something close to C:\Program Files\SolidWorks Corp\SolidWorks\Toolbox\data utilities.

1. Double click sldsetdocprop.exe and once the dialog is open, add the file to perform the change.
2. You can select 'Show Selected Property' and if it shows (IsToolboxPart)=(Yes) then it is flagged as a Toolbox part.
3. You can change it to not be considered as a Toolbox part by selecting 'Property state: No' and then choosing "Update Status".
This tool can be also be used to set the flag on a DIRECTORY of files to change multiple files in one step.

Alternatively, you could also copy a fastener when inserting multiple instances of the same fastener by holding down CTRL and clicking and dragging a currently existing instance of the fastener from one area of the graphics area to another area. If the part is still flagged as a Toolbox part, it will prompt you for the configuration the first time you insert the fastener, but it will not prompt you again by using the CTRL-drag method of copying.

RE: "PreviewCfg" configuration created by Solidworks annoyance

loeb,
Did you try the change that David Israel suggested?

I went into my toolbox files and deleted the PreviewCfg, but it automatically puts it back in.

Colin Fitzpatrick (aka Macduff)
Mechanical Designer
Solidworks 2008 SP 4.0
Dell 490 XP Pro SP 2
Xeon CPU 3.00 GHz 3.00 GB of RAM
nVida Quadro FX 3450 512 MB
3D Connexion-SpaceExplorer

RE: "PreviewCfg" configuration created by Solidworks annoyance

(OP)
Colin,

Yes, I used the sldsetdocprop.exe utility that David Israel mentioned.  The utility leaves much to be desired, but it works.

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