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Improve reliability through routine system maintenance

eDrawings 2004 becomes a universal tool for sharing product design concepts

When dealing with computers that are used for CAD, there are some common practices that should be performed on a regular basis. Any computer used for large parts, assemblies, and drawings can strain the computer. This technical tip will describe the following common maintenance tasks:

• Cleaning
• Backup Information
• Create an Emergency Repair Disk
• Security
• System Updates
• Graphic Card Drivers
• Disk Space and Temporary Files
• Defragmentation
• Getting your System Ready for an Upgrade

NOTE: Consult your IT and/or CAD administrator before performing any of the tasks listed here.

Many of the tasks listed here can be automatically scheduled using the Scheduled Tasks utility available through the Windows® operating system. By using this utility, you can run these tasks off-hours and on a regular basis without having to remember to start the tasks and without interfering with normal working hours.

Figure 1

Hardware

An often overlooked aspect of system maintenance is the physical condition of the computer. On a regular basis (i.e., annually, bi-annually), check to see if there is dust build-up on the back near the power supply fan. Remove this build-up by using a hand vacuum. If you just blow the dust inside the computer, you would need to remove that from the inside as well. Optionally, you could also pop off the top of the computer and blow the dust from the inside and make sure all the cards and RAM chips are seated properly. The downside to opening the top is that you may create problems. There is something to the adage, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." The important aspect here is to insure the power supply fan is free of dust build-up.

Backup and disaster recovery

Your information, whether it's CAD related or not, is a valuable asset to your company. You should always plan for the worst when it comes to backups. These backups should include the files shared on the network, as well as the information you may have on your computer.

For the data backup, make sure there is a sufficient backup and disaster recovery plan in place so if you lose or delete a file, a hard disk fails, or if a disaster occurs within your facility, the data used to run your company can be recovered. This should include an off-site set of backups. For more information on backups and disaster recovery, visit one of the backup software vendors.

Another aspect of backups is your computer. One item that you should have is an Emergency Repair Disk. Figure 2 shows the Windows XP Automated System Recovery Wizard. If a serious problem occurs with your computer, these disks can be used to help recover the system.

Figure 2

System Restore is a Windows XP utility that can be used to undo harmful changes to your computer. The utility can be used to create a restore point or restore a previously saved configuration. This can be useful if you have installed an application, changed a setting, or removed a file or application that is now causing the system to misbehave. This utility can be accessed via the Windows Start Menu/Accessories/System Tools menu.

Figure 3

Another technique that can be used is to create an image of the computer so if it does fail, you can restore the original configuration. For more information, visit http://enterprisesecurity.symantec.com/products/products.cfm?ProductID=3.

Operating system updates

Operating system updates are another area that requires regular maintenance. There are many updates for security and other purposes available from Microsoft®. Check with your IT/CAD administrator to review your organization's policies and procedures. The automated service is available through the Windows Internet Explorer Tools/Windows Update link. The Scan for Updates button will look at what is loaded on the computer and compare it against the current updates. The area to review first is the Critical Updates and Service Packs. Each update should be reviewed to evaluate whether it would be applied within your environment and tested prior to rolling out or recommend that everyone install the update.

All computers should have up-to-date antivirus software installed. Even if antivirus software is installed; it will quickly become worthless without the ability to provide automatic, regular updates to the software. This can be particularly true when a virus surfaces and all the computers need to be updated to protect your network and data. For more information on security, visit http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/default.asp.

Graphic card drivers can be a common source of issues with SolidWorks® software. SolidWorks lists the latest tested driver versions at http://www.solidworks.com/pages/services/VideoCardTesting.html.

When installing a new operating system on a computer there are two methods; a new installation or update the existing operating system. While it may be easier to just update an existing operating system, a better practice is to backup all information, low level format the operating system, and then install the new operating system and re-install the applications. While this takes more work, in the long term, the system will perform better and be more stable.

NOTE: Check with IT/CAD administrator prior to uninstalling software.

Disk space

On a regular basis, the free disk space available should be reviewed. If there is less than 400 MB for free disk space, it can cause problems. If the operating system has little or no disk space, the system can become unstable or lock up. It is a good practice to have a reasonable amount of free disk space.

The free disk space should be checked on your local hard disks, the SolidWorks backup directory, the Windows temporary directory, the Documents and Settings directory, and the network drives. If any of these locations start running low, there are two basic options: add more disk space or remove files and/or applications.

Defragmentation

One area that has a large effect on system performance is disk fragmentation. When a disk becomes highly fragmented, it means that the files are scattered on the hard disk and it takes more time to access files.

This process should be a regularly scheduled task. If the disk is highly fragmented, it will take multiple iterations to defragment your disk to an acceptable level. This is a good reason to run this task on a regular basis.

While some versions of Microsoft Windows provide a defragmenter, these free utilities do not help these files:

• Pagefile. This is the virtual memory used by the system. The utility provided with Windows does not defragment the pagefile. This function is performed during the boot process as it cannot be defragmented while in use.
• Master Table File (MTF). The MTF is used by NTFS volumes. This file can also be defragmented during the boot process.

For an example of a complete disk defragmenter, visit http://www.executive.com/coverpage.asp.

Getting ready for a SolidWorks upgrade

When preparing to upgrade to a new version of SolidWorks, there are a number of steps that can be taken to insure the new version is a complete, clean installation. The following steps should be taken to insure all old information is removed:

• Prior to moving to a new version of any major software application, it is a good practice to conduct a pilot test to insure the new version works well with the way your organization is using the software, works with other add-in or custom applications, and to see whether any of your standards or configuration options need updating.
• Back up your SolidWorks data and other SolidWorks related files (i.e., Tools/Options settings, Toolbox database, templates, etc.).
• Uninstall the previous version of SolidWorks unless you plan on running more than one version at the same time.
• Remove the SolidWorks directory. Review any files left in the directory prior to removing.
• Remove the old version settings from the Windows Registry. The following text can be placed in a file named RemoveSWReg.reg and executed to safely remove the old SolidWorks registry settings.

  REGEDIT4
  REM This file will remove all the SolidWorks Registry keys.
  REM Note: This should be done only after uninstall.
  [-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\SolidWorks]
  [-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\SolidWorks\]

• Install and configure the new version of the software.

NOTE: Check with IT/CAD administrator prior to uninstalling software or modifying the registry.

Conclusion

One of the keys to insuring that you do not have computer issues is to be proactive with your systems and data. The saying "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" applies to developing and following a regular system maintenance program.

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SolidWorks Corporation