Strange file names and blocked files

[EngJW]

Since upgrading to SW2006, some copies of part and assembly files are showing up with a "squigly line-$" in front of the name. They appear to go away after opening the original. However, there is one that cannot be opened at all- there is an error message "access to an unamed file was denied."

I don't understand what is going on here as I have not been at it long enough to detect a pattern. I am very concerned about not being able to open a file. Could someone enlighten me please?

 

[TateJ]

I think the squigly lines "~" is the tilde character - designating files that are temporary & usually hidden. Check your folder options in Windows. Set it to not show hidden files & see if these go away.

Windows 2000 Professional / Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer
SolidWorks 2006 SP01.0 / SpaceBall 4000 FLX
Diet Coke with Lime / Dark Chocolate
Lava Lamp​

 

[EngJW]

Thanks for the tip. I will do that.

I noticed that they appear when a file is opened, and then disappear when it is closed. I think the error message was caused by a corrupted back up file during the upgrade, because I renamed it and then the part could be opened.

 

[EEnd]

The ~$ files are made by many Windows applications. I remember a similar concept called lock files in Unix. I believe that their purpose is to indicate that a file is opened for editing. The application should delete them when the file is closed, but I have noticed some applications are a bit lazy and only clean up when the application itself is closed. These files often get left behind during a crash.

Eric