SW04 compatibility with older files?
SW04 compatibility with older files?
(OP)
The IT department here won't upgrade us to SW04 until they see user feedback that confirms the ability of SW04 SP1 to open older versions of SW files with error (at least major).
We started using SW since SW96+, and we still have a few files created in every past version to present (SW03 SP3.1). This is the first time we have considered opening every single SW file (~35k+) and saving them to the latest version (via home-grown scripts).
I have been testing SW04 at home with older files and I have not run into any issues. Granted my sample size has been small and simple (about 20 files, no more than 100-part assys, no Design Tables, no swoopy parts). I would like to hear feedback from others that have already upgraded to SW04 (either SP0 or SP1) concerning opening older files. Have you had any troubles, or have things been silky-smooth?
Thanks in advance.
We started using SW since SW96+, and we still have a few files created in every past version to present (SW03 SP3.1). This is the first time we have considered opening every single SW file (~35k+) and saving them to the latest version (via home-grown scripts).
I have been testing SW04 at home with older files and I have not run into any issues. Granted my sample size has been small and simple (about 20 files, no more than 100-part assys, no Design Tables, no swoopy parts). I would like to hear feedback from others that have already upgraded to SW04 (either SP0 or SP1) concerning opening older files. Have you had any troubles, or have things been silky-smooth?
Thanks in advance.
MadMango
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RE: SW04 compatibility with older files?
RE: SW04 compatibility with older files?
You may also want to detect and cycle through all configurations.
RE: SW04 compatibility with older files?
Best thing to do is back up all your files, update your system too SP1.0 (since that pack usually fixes a LOT of the bugs in SP0) and try it out.
I have a lot people that have upgraded and out of all the people that have upgraded only 2 have came back and said there was a problem when opening up their files form SW03 and that was fixed in SP1. Now only 1 says there is still an issue with his files in SP1. We are in process of looking into his claims, but I do know for a fact the thing they complained about is fixed in SP1. FYI - It had to do with Derived configs.
Regards,
Scott Baugh, CSWP

3DVision Technologies
http://www.3dvisiontech.com
http://www.scottjbaugh.com
FAQ731-376
RE: SW04 compatibility with older files?
We've always coverted one step at a time though (always without any major problems). Might be a bit careful about doing through several levels at once.
Might try doing one folder or directory at a time with autobackup utility turned on so you don't lose anything.
Remember...
"If you don't use your head,
your going to have to use your feet."
RE: SW04 compatibility with older files?
I am now hearing tale of features/sketches being mysteriously suppressed when RE opening files, once they are saved in SP1. I dont particularly recall seeing this myself, and wont have access to the SW04/SP1 box till tomorrow. Has anyone else seen this behaviour?
RE: SW04 compatibility with older files?
My words of advice, backup all files, open, repair and save all parts and part drawings prior to opening any assemblies, do not open any assembly drawings until the assembly is repaired.
Be prepared to spend 20% of your time repairing files, assemblies with parts from many different rev’s seem the biggest pain. The more configurations and in context features the more problems. Drawing pages may be faster to replace than fix in some cases.
As with each new release there are some nice features, some features will take time to get comfortable with (the new mate method), and a few steps backwards (the new BOM method is poorly done), we still use Excel.
RE: SW04 compatibility with older files?
Hopefully it won't take as long as Wine does!
Regards,
Scott Baugh, CSWP

3DVision Technologies
http://www.3dvisiontech.com
http://www.scottjbaugh.com
FAQ731-376
RE: SW04 compatibility with older files?
Opening and saving aren't enough because the part does that fine. Make sure you do a full rebuild for each part and config.