mfg322668 inventor migration from previous releases. all

MFG322668

Inventor migration from previous releases. All steps for an optimal success! Hugo Trepanier SolidCAD Hung Nguyen SolidCAD

Description

Every time a new version of Inventor version is released, we are so excited and cannot wait to install it. But what are the steps required to migrate from previous version without problems. Inventor uses a lot of external tools and database that need to be migrated in the right order. You can certainly use templates, but also Design Data, Content Center, Material libraries. Many users experienced problems with a new version of Inventor and why? Do I need to migrate all my files? Can I use Inventor with my old files without any problems? What is the best workflow to eliminate all possible problems and use the latest version of Inventor? If you need to improve your performance with your new Inventor version and see how to use tools such as: Style Library Manager, Task Scheduler and Content Center Migration this class is for you. Whether you use Vault or not, this class will give you all the steps to achieve your migration and eliminate possible problems with your files or performance.

Speaker(s)

Graduated with a Mechanical Engineering Technician degree from Quebec, Canada, Hugo began in 3D design in 1994 in the heavy equipment manufacturing field, such as forestry, agricultural and industrial machinery. I have acquired skills from design to production. Mainly specialized in design Hugo assisted with, ERP / MRP system implementation, ISO 9001 standards and design management. Using Autodesk products for more than 20 years Hugo is a certified professional on Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD and Autodesk Vault since 2005 as Technical Specialist at Irisco (Autodesk VAR). This experience also helped him to start his own manufacturing company in 2007. and even won a local prize, as the business of the year. Hugo is considered as one of the references on Autodesk manufacturing solutions in Quebec and continues his passion as a Technical Consultant for SolidCAD Canada since 2012. [email protected]

Learning Objectives

• Learn how to migrate Inventor tools without problems

• Understand the best workflows to migrate your Inventor tools with or without Vault

• Use Task Scheduler with his internal options to use your new Inventor version with optimal performance

• Learn tips and tricks to resolve possible problems during migration

mailto:[email protected]

Table of Contents Inventor migration from previous releases. All steps for an optimal success! ............................. 1

Overview .................................................................................................................................... 3

Advantages and disadvantages of migrating to a new version ............................................ 3

Initial steps before starting the installation .................................................................................. 4

First step, backups ..................................................................................................................... 6

Backup of your Styles & Standard ....................................................................................... 6

Backup of your Appearance and Material Libraries ............................................................. 8

Backup your templates ........................................................................................................ 9

Backup of your custom Content Center Database ..............................................................10

Backup your Inventor Settings ...........................................................................................17

Step Two, Migrating Your Inventor Tools ..................................................................................22

Inventor Styles « Design Data » Migration process ............................................................22

Migrate your custom « Content Center Libraires » .............................................................34

Migration of your custom function files « Ifeatures » (.ide) ..................................................57

Migrate your templates .......................................................................................................59

Migrate your « Custom Settings » ......................................................................................60

Files migration ...................................................................................................................67

Summary of All steps : .......................................................................................................78

Overview

Whenever you decide to upgrade to the new version of Inventor you wonder what are the new benefits of this new edition. We often feel that a new version will bring us new features and improve our design processes. However to get this advantage there are several points to validate. Inventor is a scalable product and is developed with the latest technologies available. The new versions are often dedicated to be more powerful, but will they really be. Your migration process to the new version must follow a minimum of steps otherwise you may have serious problems. Above all, we want to improve our lot and not make it worse. This document is made with my own experiences as an application specialist. The primary reason for this document is that it becomes public through my presence at Autodesk University and that it can serve everyone as a reference to help you in your next migration.

Advantages and disadvantages of migrating to a new version Switching to a new version is often an advantage. The question we ask ourselves is: Should I switch to this new version or not? What are the advantages or disadvantages:

Advantages :

• An improvement of the product and its performance

• New features expected for so long

• Save time on our new designs

• Being up-to-date allows users to not be overwhelmed by technology

Disadvantage :

• Installation time may be an irritant for large companies with multiple workstations

• "$" fee for replacing computers or internal parts

• The risk of new problems related to the new version

Initial steps before starting the installation

Before starting, you have to validate some points and ask yourself some questions:

• Do you use a vault server? : o If YES, you must update your vault server to the latest version to use your new

version of Inventor. A vault server is always compatible with its own version of Inventor and 2 other versions below. But never compatible with a newer Inventor version. For the server update I recommend this link, but ideally ask for help from your Autodesk reseller. https://knowledge.autodesk.com/search-result/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Upgrading-Vault-Server-to-the-latest-version-and-from-Basic-to-Professional.html

• Do you have a good computer? Your computers that will received the new Inventor version must meet the minimum requirement of the new version. Always check the Autodesk website for the minimum requirements, but ideally the recommended ones. If you install the new version of the software on a computer that does not meet the minimum specifications, you may find your previous version just better. In addition, using Inventor on a non-certified station may increase the risk of instability. Reference for Inventor 2020: https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/inventor/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System-requirements-for-Autodesk-Inventor-2020.html

• Do you have the latest Windows updates and latest video drivers for your video card? It's always important to download updates for your video card from the Autodesk website. Autodesk reference: https://knowledge.autodesk.com/certified-graphics-hardware

• Do you have a full backup of your files, including the important Inventor tools? Later in this document, the main Inventor tools needed to backup will be mentioned.

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/search-result/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Upgrading-Vault-Server-to-the-latest-version-and-from-Basic-to-Professional.html



https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/inventor/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System-requirements-for-Autodesk-Inventor-2020.html

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/inventor/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/System-requirements-for-Autodesk-Inventor-2020.html

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/certified-graphics-hardware

• Do you use add-ons in your current version? If so, they will need to be migrated to be compatible with the new version. If your Add-Ons come from the Autodesk Applications site, it will be important to validate if they are available and download the compatible version. If however your add-on is personalized they will need to be migrated by the creator or using your reseller's programming service. Autodesk reference : https://apps.autodesk.com/INVNTOR/en/List/Search?&isAppSearch=True

•

https://apps.autodesk.com/INVNTOR/en/List/Search?&isAppSearch=True

First step, backups

Backup, Backup & Backup! Before starting any new installation, do not forget to make a backup of all your files and especially Inventor tools needed to be migrated to the latest version. Be aware, you cannot save your Inventor files in an earlier version. If you open and save with the new version there is no turning back. Files will no longer be fully reopened in earlier versions of Inventor. Only with ANYCAD technology can be used but limits the possibilities. In this case only backup can be an option. Now, what do you save besides your files?

Backup of your Styles & Standard Your « Styles and Standard » are probably on the network or on your local workspace if you use the vault. If they are in the vault get them locally and save them. To find out where they are, you can use your « Project » (2) to find out the location. The styles are represented by « Design Data ». Below, the directory is located at the project location in the Design Data directory (3). Note If you use «Default » and you are more than one user or do not know what the styles are, it could be important to inform yourself about using the Styles with your Autodesk dealer.

Point (4) is optional depending on whether your « Design Data » path is relative to the location of your project.

Backup of your Appearance and Material Libraries Since the 2013 Inventor release, it is no longer necessary to migrate the materials. This point will be seen later in this document. However, if you have customized materials it would still be important to save them but this is not an obligation.

If you keep the cursor on your Materials Library or Appearance, the folder location will appear. Normally the advice is to always put your appearance and material libraries in the existing « Design Data \ Materials » directory.

Backup your templates An important point is your templates backup. You will locate your templates in the same way as your Styles with your Inventor project (1).

Point (2) is optional depending on whether your « Templates » path is relative to your project location.

Backup of your custom Content Center Database Very important point! Because in my experience there could be problems during the migration, especially if you use a different language from English. In this case Autodesk can intervene and make a correction to restart the migration, if you have a problem of course. Without Autodesk Vault: You will locate your content center databases here:

With a click on (1) you will see all your custom libraries in « Read / Write » (2). By clicking on the hyperlink (3) you will have access to the databases below.

Make a backup only of your libraries in « Read / Write ». The other libraries are Inventor generics.

With Autodesk Vault: Important! Do not just trust the Vault backup. It can be much easier to access the IDCL file than the vault database if there is a migration problem. I recommend transferring your custom libraries in an IDCL format outside the Vault. See below how to proceed:

After clicking (1) you will be able to see the content center databases. Only « Read / Write » databases will be transferred locally in IDCL format. You can use the "Library Transfer Guide" (2) to do this. You will see after the panel below

By clicking on (3), you will be able to proceed to the next step (4) which will allow you to start the import from the vault in IDCL format. To doing this you need a Content Center Admin right into the Vault as the following image. You can also use the Administrator user.

Here by clicking on (5), you will be able to go to the last step below and export your Read / Write libraries in IDCL format.

By pressing (6) the transfer will start and the IDCL file will be locally created. The transfer box below will tell you when the transfer will be completed.

By pressing (7) you will access to the box below that will open the log file and give you the information such as where is the IDCL and any errors reported.

Backup your Inventor Settings Normally since 2019, if you keep your old Inventor, several parameters can be migrated to the new version. However, making an export of these settings is important especially in the case of Ilogic settings. Ilogic settings are not automatically migrated. The default location of these settings is located in 2 directories: C:\Users\(Login)\AppData\Local\Autodesk\Inventor XXXX\Preferences C:\Users\(Login)\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\Inventor XXXX The importance to keep these directories if you use the new migration feature available since 2019. Autodesk supports 3 versions for migration but cannot be earlier than 2018. (see image below)

However, I recommend that you back up your settings manually. Below are the application options. In the « Tools » menu go to (1)

You can then export your application settings by pressing (2)

Then, in the "Tools" menu, go to "Customize" (3) and press (4) to export your personalization settings.

Later, it is important to export your Ilogic settings if you use them. Because the Inventor Migration Tool does not include this tool. Still in the « Tools » menu, press (5) to access the iLogic Configuration (6)

You will then be able to access the export of configurations (7).

It will be necessary to re-import these configurations into your new Inventor version

Step Two, Migrating Your Inventor Tools

Now that we have a backup of everything we need, we can proceed to the next step of migration of all Inventor essential tools.

Inventor Styles « Design Data » Migration process Your style library is a vital tool for migrating to a new version. Too often they are ignored or badly migrated. Unfortunately, the Autodesk migration tool don’t do everything and is why this document will be very useful. In the previous chapter, we did the backup to keep file in security if a migration problem occurs. Now to access the migration of your styles you must use the « Style Library Manager » tool in [Windows Start> Autodesk Inventor 20xx> Style Library Manager 20xx] It’s very important to be informed about the new Inventor features added into the « Styles ». It may be necessary to perform other operations than simply migrating. Here are some examples of the main changes in styles that have given headaches for many users after made a bad migration because they doesn’t did this.

1) Prior to R2010, the management of sheet metal styles was accomplished exclusively at the document level. Templates were often created that contained all sheet metal style definition within a single file. In R2010, all defined styles within a sheet metal component are migrated (not just the active style). Additionally, all unfold methods listed for each sheet metal style (including those not referenced) are also migrated.

2) The colors and materials were released Styles 2013 version, this caused a lot of problems for users unaware of the styles

3) « Model-Based Definition » 3D annotations have been added in the 2018 and later versions.

We do not know the future of changes at Autodesk, but always check what are the new style between the new version and the previous one. The important question is: Are there new styles or changes to the style library to do for my new version?

Below, the « Autodesk Style Library Manager » tool. Note by default this tool uses projects for migration. You can also specify the « Design Data » folder (1).

The project always specifies the "Design Data" directory that includes your styles.

Before you migrate make sure your project is pointing everything it needs. The example below shows the 2 default libraries (2) to use for the « Sheet Metal Rule » migration in your styles.

Of course in the case of the 2013 version, you needed to extract the materials and color to create these new libraries. Otherwise this message could appear during your styles migration.

The reason was that your Sheet Metal Rule needed to be migrated, uses materials. These material nedded to be extracted to new libraries to work. Below is an example of what should be done in 2013 version and up for all versions later than 2013. No need to do this again if your libraries "adsklib" already exist.

The link below will give you information on how to migrate and extract your colors and materials in new libraries (.adsklib). https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/inventor/troubleshooting/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2020/ENU/Inventor-Install/files/GUID-DA369E52-CCEF-43DE-AEBE-68ACDD353340-htm.html

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/inventor/troubleshooting/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2020/ENU/Inventor-Install/files/GUID-DA369E52-CCEF-43DE-AEBE-68ACDD353340-htm.html

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/inventor/troubleshooting/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2020/ENU/Inventor-Install/files/GUID-DA369E52-CCEF-43DE-AEBE-68ACDD353340-htm.html

Also, note that the new « adsklib » libraries do not require migration from Inventor 2013. The important thing is to keep them. As in the previous chapter, your backup includes these libraries if a problem occurs. So now, back to the Autodesk Style Library Manager tool to migrate your styles. Once your project is selected, press (3). Styles will be migrated to current version. Note here that 2 columns show different projects. This tool not only allows to migrate but also help to transfer styles from one library to another. We'll see this further in this document.

Once the migration is complete, you should see the table below. This table will show you the report of everything has been migrated.

Now, you should notice that the "Migrate" button is now inactive (4). Sign that everything went well.

But in the case where "Migrate" is still available, we have a problem. In this case, your « Design Data » directory may be corrupted. Here are 4 possible solutions

1) If you are migrating from a version later than the previous one, try to migrate by step. Example: version: 2017 to 2018, 2018 to 2019 and 2019 to 2020. All this by using the "Style Library Manager" of each inventor versions.

2) If you have this message:

Make sure that your project has the correct default active material libraries

3) If the problem persists, you will need to recreate your styles or try to recover them from a file containing them locally.

4) Another solution is to export your style in ".styxml" format of the previous version and try to import it in your new version see (5,6 and 7 below)

With a right click on the style of your choice, you will be able to select « Export » (7) for each styles.

The file can then be exported and imported into the new version (8), see below.

The following link below may be useful if you have problems https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/inventor/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Error-when-try-to-save-a-Sheet-Metal-Rule.html

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/inventor/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Error-when-try-to-save-a-Sheet-Metal-Rule.html

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/inventor/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Error-when-try-to-save-a-Sheet-Metal-Rule.html

The « Style Library Manager » utility unfortunately doesn’t process everything. After the migration you will need to import into your style library all the new styles of the new version if needed. The reason why always find out what's new to avoid problems. For example, the arrival of the 3d annotation in 2018 brings new 3D style necessary for the use of this new 3D function. In this case, you must use the "Style Library Manager" utility to import these styles from the generic library of your new version to your recently migrated library. It is impossible to transfer to a non-migrated library.

By using the « Show unique Style » filter (9) you will be able to see the unique styles of each library. In column (A) use your project using your migrated library. In column (B) use the Default project or the generic folder installed by default in the directory: C: \ Users \ Public \ Documents \ Autodesk \ Inventor 20XX \ Design Data A little trick for 3D annotations (Model Based Definition, new in 2018), by selecting the standard (10) it will avoid you to import the annotations of each style. You can then select the new Styles (11) by holding « CTRL » or « Shift » to select them all. Then pressing the transfer (12) will import the new styles in your library.

Another important thing to complete the migration of your « Style Library ». The « Design Data » directory contains files that could be modified by you. For example, the .xls files contained in the « Design Data / XLS / en-US » directory may contain your own information and modifications. So you need to keep them and not take the generics. Autodesk can make major changes in this type of file it is better to keep the generic and copied them your changes. This will ensure that you will benefit from the latest news and avoid problems on the 3D functions referring to it.

Migrate threads.xls and clearance.xls.

o Method 1 (when many customizations exist): ▪ Use the old version Threads.xls and add new content into old version

Threads.xls from new version Threads.xls. o Method 2 (when few customizations exist):

▪ Use the new version Threads.xls and copy the customized content into the new version Thread.xls from old version Threads.xls

Moreover, if you use the functions of « Tube & Pipe », you will find the template (.iam) in « Design Data / Tube & Pipe / en-US » you will also need to manually migrate this template with Inventor

Normally after all these steps, your style library will be ready for use. Of course, if you are still using the default library and you never added new materials, new styles or even changed anything in the « Design Data » directory migration for your custom styles is not for you. You will be able to use the new generic styles. However strongly consider using them.

Migrate your custom « Content Center Libraires » Another very important tool to migrate is your Content Center databases. Of course, if you never set up your own databases this is not necessary. However, if you are using the content center's generic hardware, you are still editing their descriptions by saving them in the project, or you are editing the parts list manually, be aware because in this case you are not using Inventor correctly. You should seriously think about modifying the generic content center databases to adapting them to your reality. Please inquire about the training available from your Autodesk reseller. Note: The following procedure is for users who already know the configuration of a custom content center. For assistance, contact your Autodesk dealer. Custom library migration from the Content Center is crucial. It must be done according to specific steps depending on what was configured. For example, if you replaced family templates and they are related to the original families, you will need to be done again after the migration. This is not a simple click to perform the migration. In addition, it is strictly recommended to not change the language of the content center if you have custom libraries. The reason is very simple, each content center families have their own family property per language! If you had an English Inventor with the English Content Center, keep the same languages before starting the migration! Below you will see how to set your language before starting the migration (1,2 and 3).

An example below of the family properties that were modified:

If we change the language, the properties will be different, and your generated files will be problematic. So never change the language of your content center if you have made changes to your families. This can help you avoid big problems. If you use more than one language make sure to make the changes in all languages for the family properties. But I strongly recommend that you use only one language.

As seen in the backups section, your content center files are in (.idcl) format or managed by the vault server. Your project configuration and the Inventor options for the content center must be corrected before starting the migration. In your active project (4), press the button (5) to access to the content center configuration libraries for your project.

You will see in (6) your your libraries location (vault or on a Windows location). It will be important here that your old libraries (.idcl) be with the new libraries of the new version. You will see in (7) that your older library will be with a yellow exclamation point. This indicates that it must be migrated. So, we need to press (8) to migrate your libraries. *** Never migrate if your files are older than 3 versions. For example, Inventor 2020 will migrate from 2018 or 2019 but not 2017. It will be important to migrate the “idcl” files from 2017 to 2018 or 2019 before putting them in 2020 format. Autodesk officially supports 3 versions. It could be possible that’s working, but we can have many problems too. Always keep your backup of your “idcl” file. Your Autodesk Reseller could also help you if needed, mostly in case of multi-step migration.

When the migration window appear, you can press (9) to continue.

The migration tool will tell you which custom libraries need to be migrated (10). Remember that before you perform the migration you must have configured your Inventor and Content Center in the same language as the previous version. Of course having made your backup. You can then press (11).

If you use Content Center with Vault, you will need to be sure that your Libraries are in Read/Write Mode .

A Library analysis will be made at this time. Depending how you created your libraries you may have this message (12). If you have libraries with links to the original families, the template will be replaced by the new original at the same time. You will need to go on all your custom families and replace the template again by the one that has been saved (13). It’s important to don’t check the box (14) to have a backup of your templates. A Log file will be created in the specified directory (15). This file will allow you to see if any problems occurred during the migration. To start the migration press (16).

During the migration the following window will give you the migration evolution. This step could take time if you have a lot of custom family. From minutes to many hours!

Once the migration is done, your library won’t have an exclamation point (17) and will be in the new format.

If a problem occurs, please consult the Log file. From my personal experience, problems could appear. In this case, you must manually correct them or open a support call at Autodesk. At this point it will be easy to send Autodesk your Log file as well as IDCL library. You understand here why I recommend to always get the library in IDCL format if you use Vault. Autodesk will be able to provide an update if necessary, this happened a few times in the past.

For your information, you will see below where will be saved your custom templates with your custom changes linked with family templates. The name of your library will be in the directory name (18). You can notice 2 subdirectories here. Normally only one will be used depending on which language you have set up your Content Center before performing the migration.

In the example case above, only one family had a linked template and its ipt file (19) containing all custom configurations was created. It will be necessary to replace the template of this family again.

Now, before replacing the linked family template, I strongly recommend that you update these backups in the current format. Also update this template with your project's style library. You will notice in the properties of the backup file of your family that the file remains in its original format After right clicking on the file (20), you can access its information by following (21,22,23, and 24).

Once the file is updated and saved in the current version of Inventor, you will be able to begin the family replacement. NB. You will have more details about migrating files later in this document in the MIGRATE YOUR TEMPLATES section.

Now the last step to finalize everything and replace the family template. This step should be done only if you have replaced templates on related family in the past. To access go to (25 and 26), you must choose your custom library (27) and access custom families (28 and 29). In the case below you can notice that the family (28) is related and that the family (29) is independent. The reason why we need to replace only the family (28) with the template locatred in the backup directory during the migration. It's the only one that has a link in this case.

To replace the family you need to right click on the family (28) and access the tool (30).

For all linked family, you will see this message, then you can press (31) to continue. Otherwise you can also make the families independent by saving them under another name. However, it will be new families.

You will be prompted to replace the template of this family with the file saved during the migration (32).

If your template has not been updated with your styles, you may have the message below. It’s why it will be important to migrate and update the template with your styles.

Once completed you will have the following notification:

We have now finished migrating your custom families to the content center database. I highly recommend testing and validating the different custom families to validate that everything works fine. Use a temporary assembly and insert a template from each of your families to see that everything is correct. I recommend this because in the past some migration could corrupt the integrity of your family tables. In these rare cases, the problem need to be submitted to Autodesk for a fix request. Here is an interesting link for content center migration. Note however that the limitation of 4GB in this document is now at 10GB since the last version of SQL. https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/inventor/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2018/ENU/Inventor-Help/files/GUID-75DD27B5-70EE-47E0-B0A5-0082EA9EB24D-htm.html

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/inventor/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2018/ENU/Inventor-Help/files/GUID-75DD27B5-70EE-47E0-B0A5-0082EA9EB24D-htm.html



Optional migration of your generated files from your Content Center. . Synchronization of standard library files already generated is optional. However, it might be interesting to refresh them with your latest changes made in your custom families. I give you here my favorite tips to do it in one operation !! With or without the vault, the procedure is the same. In the case of the vault make sure to obtain locally the entire « Content Center Files » folder in extraction. Make a "Get" of the complete folder (1).

Then press (2) to get everything. You will see that all the files will be obtained and downloaded (3). Make sure you have a user with unrestricted rights to extract all files for update.

Create a temporary assembly in Inventor that you can call « UpdateCCF.iam ». Then by Windows explorer go to the location of your content center and start a Windows search in this folder with « * .ipt ». You will have all the ipt files of the « Content Center Files » (4) inside this search.

Once the search is done, use « CTRL + A » to select all files in the search.

You can now « Drag N Drop » all these files in your temporary assembly.

Subsequently access (6 and 7) to refresh all of your files included in your assembly! It can take a lot of time if you have thousands of files.

You will be able to see the files that will be modified (8). Press (9) to proceed.

Once completed you will observe the status of the files that have been assigned (10). If there are errors a Log file will have been created to see the problems (11).

Now that we have all the content center files in hand we can take the opportunity to migrate them to the current format. To do so, stay in your temporary assembly and go to ÉFile \ Manage \ Migrate » (12). Note this tool migrate in memory only. The real migration will be made on the save.

Then, go to « Manage\Rebuilt All » (13).

After during save you can press on « Yes to All » to save and migrate all files in your library (14).

You will normally have the following message telling you the file version change.

Subsequently, for those who use the vault, make a « check-in » of this temporary assembly. You just need to erase later in the vault. All your content center files will be refreshed by this temporary assembly.

Migration of your custom function files « Ifeatures » (.ide) If you use « Ifeature » functions, you will also need to migrate them in your new version. You will see in « Tools \ Application Options \ iFeatures » (1). You will be able to see the places that have been designated for your « iFeatures » (2).

For migration you can simply open the (.ide) files and save them again. You will then have this message indicating that the file will be migrated.

If you have multiple files (.ide) to migrate, we can use the « Task Scheduler » tool. See next section how to use the « Task Scheduler ».

Migrate your templates For your templates, this is very simple. The best method is to open each of your template files and migrate them individually. As seen in the section of the backups, you will access to your templates in the folder specified by the project Once open be sure to update the styles (1) and take the opportunity to update them all (2).

Do not forget to use the Rebuilt All for parts and assembly files before saving them in the new version.

Migrate your « Custom Settings » As seen during the backup of your settings it can be imported into the new version or can be migrated with the new migration tool in the « Tools\Options » Menu The default location of these settings are located into 2 directories: C: \ Users \ (Login) \ AppData \ Local \ Autodesk \ Inventor XXXX \ Preferences C: \ Users \ (Login) \ AppData \ Roaming \ Autodesk \ Inventor XXXX The importance of not losing these directories if you use the new migration feature available since 2019. Autodesk supports 3 versions for migration but can not be earlier than 2018. (see image below)

If you use the "Migrate Settings" you will have the automatic migration of the previous version installed on your computer. If the provenance is 2019 and over (1), you will have 4 choices.

However if you take 2018 (3), only 2 choices will be available (4).

Since 2019 Inventor uses "Presets", which are visible in projects, the reason why there is only 2 element in 2018 vs 2019 (see below).

You can also manually import your settings. The same ones that will have been exported to the backup section. Under the application options. In the "Tools" menu go to (5)

You can then import your application settings by pressing (6)

Then always in the "Tools" menu, go to "Customize" (7) and press (8) to import your personalization settings.

Later it is important to import your Ilogic settings if you use them. Because the Inventor Migration Tool does not include this tool. Still in the "Tools" menu, press (9) to access the iLogic Configuration (10)

You will then be able to access the configuration import (11).

Now all is done! Good luck in your migration process.

Files migration Now, the famous question about the migration of your files. Should we do it for all files? The answer is YES ideally. However, Autodesk assures us that it will still be possible to migrate version files much older than 3 versions. We are talking here about files and not databases like the vault or Content Center. Inventor is forward compatible, so opening older files is not an issue

However migration may have a beneficial effect for you. Here's why:

✓ Files converted in the current version are faster opening ✓ You will be able to benefit from the last features. (For example the "Express Mode"

function, in version 2014 required the migration of all files) ✓ Your repetitive library parts in all your projects should be the first to be migrated. ✓ Several "bug" problems could happen if you rework old projects that have not been

migrated properly. We are talking here about all the parts and assembly without exception.

✓ Your current projects would be next to be migrated after your libraries

For projects that are no longer used they could be done when you have time or the day you go to rework them.

Different approaches exist for files migration process.: ✓ Open and Save ✓ Use the « Migrate » function ✓ Use the « Inventor Task Scheduler » All of these tools are good, however the use of the « Rebuilt All » feature is an important tool in solving future problems. Of course, you could use this function when a problem occurs. First you can configure Inventor so that it will notify you that the file is not migrated. Even if the file has not been modified, the message will be displayed when closing. For this, you need to go to "Tools \ Application Options \" and make sure (1) is selected.

Then the most efficient way to migrate your files is to use the Inventor Task Scheduler. Whether you use the vault or not it will be the best tool. Here you will find the Autodesk link for its use. https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/inventor/troubleshooting/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2019/ENU/Inventor-Install/files/GUID-873B3D0D-E1D7-4CF3-BFC3-1956B43389F2-htm.html Migrate your files in this order to ensure a trouble-free migration.

1. Use Task Scheduler Migrate folder or project.

2. Migrate your files in this order: • iPart Factory • iPart Members • Parts • Standard parts • Subassemblies • iAssembly Factory (lowest level first) • iAssembly Members (lowest level first) • Assemblies • Presentations • Drawings

However, the "Task Scheduler" will always migrate the files from the bottom to the top and it starts with the parts (.ipt), assemblies (.iam), presentation (.ipn), drawings (.idw and .dwg) and ends by the functions (.ide).

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/inventor/troubleshooting/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2019/ENU/Inventor-Install/files/GUID-873B3D0D-E1D7-4CF3-BFC3-1956B43389F2-htm.html

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/inventor/troubleshooting/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2019/ENU/Inventor-Install/files/GUID-873B3D0D-E1D7-4CF3-BFC3-1956B43389F2-htm.html

You will find the "Task Scheduler 2020" tool in the Windows menu under your last Autodesk Inventor version.

Once the program has started, if you use the vault, it will be possible to log inside your Vault in the « File » menu (1).

Later you can follow the instructions provided by Autodesk to migrate your files. However here are the good methods to remember before starting. You probably have thousands of files to migrate. It is not urgent to migrate immediately, however, go in a logical order. Start in this order: 1) Your content center files 2) Your library files 3) Your repetitive files used in several other projects or components 4) Your projects or component in progress 5) Finish with what you do not currently use as obsolete or never reused projects. They can even stay in the version they are. However, remember that the day you want to use them, there could be problems. At this point, migrate the files before reworking them. Sample problem listed:

- "Copy Design" tool in the vault does not work with old assemblies - Quantity issues in your parts lists on old non-migrated assemblies - Problem of extreme slowness when opening documents

Of course there are others but the files migration will surely solve a lot of problems.

For better performance with the "Task Scheduler" you can enjoy the use of your Multicore processor. Go to « Settings \ Multiple Processes » (2)

Then you will see the total number of processors and available memory. Enable multiple processes (3), keep at least oneprocessor for your system (4). To avoid swapping, specify a value less than the total physical memory (5).

Other important tips when you decide to do a migration task. After being in (6) and creating a task (7), you will have the choice to add files or folders (8). If you add folders the "Task Scheduler" will migrate the files in the right order starting with the parts etc ... Once the selection is made do not forget to go to the options (9). I strongly recommend that you activate the "Total Rebuilt" option (10). This option can solve a lot of problems especially for files that are older than 3 versions. Then the options in (11) will save you migration time. Note that if you have made changes to your materials and appearance, it might be very useful to activate the update of these (12). This will correct the visual appearance and material properties of your parts and assemblies. Of course, options 10 and 12 will increase the file migration time.

Tips and tricks for file analysis. First, if you open an older file you will see in "File \ Manage \ Migrate" (13) that the function is active. Once activated, it will be grayed out (14). This indicates that the files have been migrated to RAM memory only. You don’t need this command to migrate because the save will migrate the file. But good to know if file need migration.

It only remains to save the file. You will then have the following box:

However if you want to diagnose a file and know what needs to be migrated in its structure here I show yo ua tips : Go to "help" (15) and select (16)

Once the following box is visible, press « CTRL + D » on the keyboard to start the diagnostic.

You will then have access to the diagnostc of what is in « Dirty State » in your file.

Do not forget that if you manually migrate a file to perform before saving a « Rebuilt All » (18) in the "Manage \ Update" menu.

Many problems can be solved like this on very old files (more than 3 versions).

Summary of All steps :

✓ Backup Styles and Standard (Design Data) ✓ ✓ Backup your Material and Apperance library

✓ Backup your template

✓ Backup your custom Content Center Database

✓ Backup your Inventor custom settings

✓ Migrate your styles « Design Data »

✓ Migrate your « Content Center Libraries »

✓ Migrate your Content Center files

✓ Migrate your « Ifeatures » (.ide)

✓ Migrate your templates

✓ Migrate your Inventor Custom Settings

✓ Migration your files (the only step that can be done later)