Toolbox problem with different machines.

G:

First step is to get a new reseller, or at least to make sure that your reseller starts putting someone competent on the phone. I assume by "SW Tech support" you mean your reseller's tech support, SolidWorks direct support knows the answer to this in their sleep. Anyone working at a reseller who can't tell what's going on right out of the box with this should be doing something else.

This is the problem created by Toolbox being installed without the entire database of parts, just a single initial configuration for each fastener type, and then the rest of the size configurations are created on the fly as you put parts into your assembly, so the correct configurations only exist on the computer where the parts were first created. It's an underlying flaw in the design of the Toolbox product which SW has not fixed for literally years. The only ways you could have avoided this would have been to have real the Toolbox FAQs, already made the mistake or to have talked to someone who knew the problem was going to happen (presumably your reseller).

The way to fix it is to either do a network install of Toolbox with all of the computers pointing to the network library or use the "Copy Parts" switch and have the copy directory somewhere where everybody can see it. I highly recommend the "copy parts" solution, since if a part is missing, the worst that happens is that it gets suppressed until you can find it, whereas if a config is missing, it gets replaced with another (inappropriate) configuration, and if you save it that way, well, that's what you've got, the largest size of fasteners everywhere.

If you have a laptop that you take out of the network to do SW work, you will need to copy the Toobox parts to that machine somewhere where SW can find it. I recommend using Tools, Options, File Locations, Referenced Files.

If you want instructions for the network install, go to the SW website in the knowledge base area.

Good Luck.

matt

Gavin Melville wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com:

So, out of curiosity, what does one do when one buys a new machine? Are all of the fasteners added with Toolbox going to go bonkers? I guess I need to look into that copy parts option you referred to.

I just started using ToolBox for my fasteners, and had neve heard of this problem before.

jk

When I was doing the CAD Admin gig, I built my own library. It took about the same amount of time as getting Toolbox right and it was a lot lower maintenance. I gave up some things like Smart Fasteners, but gained a lot of peace of mind.

If you buy a new machine, you will need to bring your old library forward. If you just install from the CD and then get an assembly from someone else that doesn't contain the TB parts the other guy created with his assembly, you will quickly find out about this problem.

The most reliable way to use Toolbox is to avoid configurations, and go with the "copy parts" option. It gives each size a quirky but distinctly different file name, and you never get the wrong size. The worst that happens is that it will get suppressed. The way Toolbox installs by default is the absolute worst way you could do it if you were trying to play a bad prank on someone; installed locally using configurations with only the default config created.

If you get a SolidWorks assembly from someone else, make sure it has their toolbox parts with it.

matt

"John Kreutzberger" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@corp.supernews.com:

John,

Short of networking your Toolbox data files, the best most foolproof way I've found is to save a copy of the fastener to the folder for the job you're working on. For instance, I use primarily socket head cap screws. After I insert the first SHCS, I open the SHCS file from the assembly and "Save As" to my working folder. All of the additional sizes (config's) will be added to this file. When I need to move it, take it home, save it to the network, it's not going to be looking for files strewn about or config's that don't exist on a certain machine.

HTH,

Malc>So, out of curiosity, what does one do when one buys a new machine? Are all

Thanks guys. I was slow the last month, and had been working on my personal library. I just completed what I call `the-mother-of-all-Hasco-inch' mold base and component libraries. It's awesome-if I do say so myself. My next project was going to be a personal fastener library like Matt mentioned, but I actually got some work!?! I decided to take a crack at using ToolBox. I had remembered hearing some complaints about this issue we are discussing, but couldn't remember exactly what the issue was. For a short-term solution, I will do what Malcom suggets.

I had spoken to my VAR about geting started with ToolBox, but they never mentioned this (glaring) limitation. Kinda surprising, because they are normally pretty good.

Thanks again.

jk

I've found is to save a copy of the fastener to

socket head cap screws. After I insert the first

folder. All of the additional sizes (config's)

to the network, it's not going to be looking