start

Description

The start command launches programs, tools, or supported applications. It supports launching SOLIDWORKS, the PDM administration tool, Notepad, Windows Explorer, and other custom programs. It can also open the SOLIDWORKS API help file or the current folder in Explorer.

Syntax

start -process -swversion

Parameters

• filePath:
  (Optional) File path or executable to start. This is the default parameter.

• process:
  (Optional) Specifies the program to start. Common values include:

  • admin: Launches the PDM administration tool.
  • notepad: Launches Notepad.
  • apihelp: Opens the SOLIDWORKS API help file.
  • explorer: Opens Windows Explorer.
  • .: Opens the current folder in Windows Explorer.

• swversion:
  (Optional) Specifies the version of SOLIDWORKS to launch. The year should be provided (e.g., 2023).

Examples

# start
start admin

Remarks

• Launching SOLIDWORKS:
  If the -swversion parameter is provided, the command attempts to locate and launch the specified version of SOLIDWORKS. If the version is not found, an error message will be displayed.

• Administration Tool:
  The admin option launches the PDM administration tool. Ensure the tool is installed and accessible.

• Notepad:
  The notepad option launches the default Notepad application from the system directory.

• API Help:
  The apihelp option opens the SOLIDWORKS API help file (api_gb.chm) from the PDM installation directory.

• Explorer:
  The explorer option opens Windows Explorer. Using . opens the current folder.

• Error Handling:
  If the specified program or process cannot be found, an error message will be displayed.

Availability

Available since PDMShell 2.0.0.