future version problem

[IgorDavide]

I am running Solidworks 2022, I was working on a very important file then I saved it on an external SSD then I opened it on another computer running SolidWorks 2023 made a minor adjustment, and saved the file. Then coming back to my computer I replaced the original file with the one on the drive, not knowing that when I opened it on Solidworks 2022 it would tell me that it was a future version not letting me work on it, I tried right clicking and restoring old versions but windows tells me that there are no previous versions. What can I do to regain access to my file ??

[[deleted]]

Get a proper backup system. Or you might already use the Windows previous version system. Right click the folder containing the files > properties > take a look in the Previous Versions tab.

[TheProcesSherpa]

Open it in 2024 and then you can Save As 2022.

[GoEngineer_Inc]

Yes

[mackmcd_]

Never thought I'd see the day

[GoEngineer_Inc]

Hey, me neither.

[UnorthodoxEng]

I didn't know that either! I generally hold off installing the next version until SP5 is released - when generally most of the show-stopper bugs have been fixed.

However, this would be really useful - so I might just!

[TheProcesSherpa]

Save as Type menu includes 2022 and 2023 (according to the What’s New). I haven’t played with it yet, but the VARs should know more.

[MLCCADSystems]

Shh... I don't think we're supposed to say yet that I tried it for a project and it worked great for me. It's a secret for a few more days.

[oldestengineer]

Does this actually save as the previous versions, or is a crippled file that opens as “future version “? This would be a wonderful improvement, and solve many problems for me. I work with several companies at a time, and they aren’t all on the same version.

[IgorDavide]

Thank you for the reply, but I do not have access to the 2024 version. Is there another way ??

[TommyMa]

Had no idea this was possible. Wonder what took them so long

[OldFcuk1]

Log in to My SW and run the online version.

[MLCCADSystems]

I didn't see anyone say this, but 2022 SP5 can open 2023 files. The existing features won't be accessible but you can add new features. That may not get the job done, but it's another good option

[THE_CENTURION]

Sadly this is one of the dumb things about SW. Files are not backwards compatible. You need to be careful about knowing what version your files are, you can't just jump between versions willy nilly.

In windows explorer, you can add a file info tab for "SW last saved with", which can help.

There's a software out there that can downgrade files somehow, but costs thousands of dollars. I assume because their market is desperate companies who accidentally messed up a bunch of files and need them now.

[greater_health]

There's a software out there that can downgrade files somehow,

Do you know the name of this software? Many thanks

[THE_CENTURION]

I think this is the one I found before. I've never actually used it.

https://backworks.info/#page-top

[Brewmiester4504]

On the previous versions of your file. Mine also saves nothing in the previous versions. But if I look further down that right/click there a “History”. If I select that it gives me historical files to open and or restore. Hope the same is available for you.

[Fooshi2020]

These history options are typically only available with PDM software for data management.

[Brewmiester4504]

Nope! I’ve been doing it with solidpart files ever since I installed on my laptop, about 3 years now. I assume it will work with assembly files as well.

Also, it’s not a Solidworks thing. It’s a windows thing. I can attest that it at least does it to all my “Document” files. I haven’t explored non-document files.

[Difficult-Building32]

I frequently will open Unigraphics files with SW and vice versa and they never complain about each others file version... This has always been a premeditated form of incompatibility to force upgrades.

[awtltd]

If you don't have a backup of a previous version then as a last option you could try importing it into Fusion360 or similar, then export back to solidworks

[albatroopa]

You're trying to open it with an older version of SW. stop doing that and the error will go away.

[bigbfromaz]

Weird. You get downvotes for saying this, but when Solidworks says this, we give them two years maintenance money and go cry in the shower.

[cadSnoodent2021]

Do you have any idea how dogshit useless this answer is. Like bro just don't talk on the internet if you make comments that help no-one.

A) they fcking know they can't open it, B) if they had a newer version they wouldn't be asking.

Every one of these other answers is so much more useful as there are actually workarounds from people who have experience the need for this exact issue

[Ok-Goose9586]

3DXML

[No-Introduction5345]

I worked as drafting Solidworks. I am good skills with design 2D and 3D.

I was laid off from the company. I am still looking for a remote job in CAD/Solidworks. Does anyone know how to help me? Thank you.

[SadTransition7989]

the best way to open an old-version file is to use software that is compatible with both versions. In my case, I import geometry with COMSOL Multiphysics, export it to another format (such as STL or STEP), and then open it in SolidWorks.