Archive Folders

The archive folders define the path where SOLIDWORKS PDM creates new file vault archives and replicated archives.

The archive server can have multiple archive folders pointing to different storage locations. The default subfolder, Archives, points to \Program files\SOLIDWORKS PDM\Data.

Point to a subfolder rather than the hard drive root. If you point the archive folder to a subfolder on a network drive, be aware that:

  • It can degrade performance.
  • Users must have both read and write access to the network share.
  • Users will be prompted to enter their Windows user account passwords to connect.
  • It is the archive server service that connects to the share. If you have trouble accessing the archive folder, you may have to change the login account from System to a Windows account.

To determine where an existing archive folder is mapped, open the following registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\SOLIDWORKS\Applications\PDMWorks Enterprise\ArchiveServer\Computers\<local>\[Archive_Folder_Name]

Creating an Archive Folder

You can create additional archive folders.

To create a new archive folder:

  1. Click New archive folder (toolbar), or Tools > New Archive Folder.
  2. In the Create New Archive Folder dialog box, under Archive folder name, type a name for the archive folder.
  3. Under Archive folder path, do one:
    • Enter the path to the folder.
    • Click Browse, select the folder from the Select Folder dialog box, and click OK.
  4. Click OK.

Deleting an Archive Folder

You can delete an unused archive folder, but not one that contains file vaults.

To delete an archive folder:

  1. In the left pane, select an empty archive folder.
  2. Click Delete (toolbar) or Tools > Delete Folder.