Moving SOLIDWORKS PDM Archive Folders

In the lifetime of a SOLIDWORKS PDM vault, there will be occasions when the PDM archive folders will need to be moved to a new location. This can happen if the vault gets too big for the space on the server, or new drives are added to the server to increase the space. 

When this happens, there are two ways you can move your SOLIDWORKS PMD archive folders: The Relocate tool in the Archive Configuration Tool and the manual method. 

In this article, we'll address some of the pros and cons of each method. 

Suggested articles:

• Learn how to use the Relocate Tool 
• How to Manually Relocate SOLIDWORKS PDM Archive Files

Pros and Cons of the Relocate Tool Method

Pros

As shown in the article listed above, the Relocate tool does most of the work for you. Once the destination location is chosen and the amount of data that is to be moved is selected, the folders and files are moved. The registry keys are updated automatically. When the tool has completed its run, the vault is ready to go. This method works well if there are new drives added to a server and files are being moved to the new drives. 

Cons 

The Relocate tool needs to be performed all at once and must run to completion. During the process, there will be a time while the tool is moving the files that Windows will give a non-responding error. The tool needs to be given the chance to complete, if the close program option is chosen when the error is presented, the files can be corrupted. It is very likely that the error will occur. The tool chooses what files to move. Offering less control of the file management. 

Pros and Cons of the Manual Method

Pros

As shown with the manual method article listed above, you are doing all of the work, which means you have more control of what is moved and where. You can choose which folders are moved to what drive. This gives you more control as to how to manage the folders and the data. 

With this method, the files are copied and then moved to the new location. Because you are copying files, if there is a problem, you are less likely to lose data. Tools such as Robocopy can be used for this process. The advantage of Robocopy is you can make copies before the actual move and then at the time you can run Robocoby again and it will do a check for anything that has changed and copy just changes. This will reduce the time needed at the time of the move. The manual method is most useful when the files need to be moved to a new server. 

Cons

With this method, everything is manually done. The folders are created in the new locations, the files are moved, and the registry keys are updated all manually. When all of this is being done it will increase the chance for errors. This method will also take more time. The whole process can take longer to complete.

Summary 

Relocate tool Pros

• automatic movement of folders and files
• updates registry keys
• easy to use 

Relocate tool Cons

• must be done all at once
• could corrupt file if doesn’t complete in one move
• can’t customize locations 

Manual method Pros

• can use Robocopy
• can make a copy prior to moving to decrease downtime
• customize where the folders are located 

Manual Method Cons

• Manually process takes more time
• larger potential for errors

Learn More

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