Refkeep File manager for SOLIDWORKS
Why SOLIDWORKS assemblies break when you rename a part — and how to prevent it
You fixed a part name in Windows Explorer, opened the assembly and got red warnings. Here is why it happens, how to find what is already broken, and your options to stop it for good.
Why it breaks
Assembly (.SLDASM) and drawing (.SLDDRW) files store the path and name of every file they use inside themselves. When you open the assembly, SOLIDWORKS looks for that path. If you renamed the part in Windows, the assembly still holds the old name — SOLIDWORKS can't find it and reports a missing file.
Moving folders is sneakier: SOLIDWORKS' search rules sometimes find the file elsewhere — but they can also find a different file with the same name. The assembly opens, with the wrong part. That error is often only noticed on the shop floor.
Today's workarounds and their limits
- Pointing to each file with "Browse": fine for one small assembly; hours of work for a part used in 30 assemblies, and each assembly must be saved.
- Renaming inside SOLIDWORKS: updates references in documents that are open and then saved. Closed assemblies, uses in other projects and drawings can be left behind; not suited to moving folders or batch renames.
- Pack and Go: makes a copy; it doesn't rename the original and repair its users (see Pack and Go alternative).
- SOLIDWORKS PDM: solves it at the root but needs a server, SQL and a rollout — often too much for small teams (PDM alternative).
How many broken links do you have right now?
Most companies have broken assembly links nobody knows about — someone renamed a file years ago, someone reorganized a folder. Refkeep's Broken references report scans your root folder and lists every link that is broken today; the Stale paths report fixes the ones it can find in one click. Duplicate files (same name or same content) and orphan parts used by no assembly have their own reports (12 reports in total, CSV export).
Stop it happening again: Refkeep
Refkeep is a Windows file manager for SOLIDWORKS files. It moves or renames the file and fixes the path inside every assembly and drawing that uses it — closed files included. Each repair is made on a copy and verified first; if it fails, the original is untouched. The last 20 operations can be undone.
- Open your project folder as the root.
- Right-click → Scan references (once; incremental afterwards).
- Move, rename, rename folders — your assemblies keep opening.
It runs standalone or in the SOLIDWORKS task pane. No PDM, no server.
Try it on your own files
Free for 30 days, no card needed. If it isn't for you, uninstall it — your files stay where they are.
Frequently asked questions
Does a SOLIDWORKS assembly open with a broken link?
Yes; the missing component shows as suppressed/missing or SOLIDWORKS asks you to locate the file. If you save, the missing component stays in the assembly.
I moved a folder and the assembly still opens — is that fine?
The search rules may have found the file elsewhere. Check the paths the assembly uses; if two files share a name, the wrong one may have been loaded.
Does Refkeep send my files anywhere?
No. Your files and file names stay on your computer; there is no telemetry. Internet is needed once, to activate the license.
Which SOLIDWORKS versions?
File reading was measured with SOLIDWORKS 2022 files; try other versions with your own files during the 30-day trial.