Moving files to a sub folder without losing their reference in assemblies?

[DATUM88]

We are in the process of changing our folder structure, but would like to do it without losing all of the part references in the assemblies that use the parts. I am finding that when I move parts into a sub folder, the assembly loses the referenced parts and must be re-linked. We have a LOT of assemblies, with a lot of parts, and would prefer not to re-link everything. 

Below is an example of our folder structure and what I am trying to do: 

Assembly (.iam) file is in the following location:

F:\STUFF\ORDERS\P02A426

Parts (.ipt) are in the following location:

F:\STUFF\FABRICATED

Location we need to move the parts to:

F:\STUFF\FABRICATED\MODIFIED

I was under the impression that Inventor searches subfolders for missing files, yet in this case it doesn't happen. when the .ipt files are moved to the new sub folder, the .iam file ceases to to find it. It's important to note, this department uses the "Default" project for everything. This project's search path is set to "F:\" and it works fine under normal circumstances, until a file gets moved.  I have attempted to create a new project file that directs to the whole "STUFF" drive, but when I open my test assembly Inventor stops responding. 

Can somebody inform me how to properly do this? Thank you.

[SharkDesign · Accepted solution]

If you link one file does it not find the rest?

Easiest way to do this is with Vault, but I assume you don't have it. 

Is it possible for you to 'pack and go' each project to a single path and then stick that wherever you want it?

Is it just fabricated parts your moving, or everything?

[DATUM88]

So in my test assembly, I only had two parts, and I was testing it by moving one of them out of the location. I just tried it with a 3rd part, and YES IT DOES find the 3rd part after re-linking only one of them. This might be acceptable for what we are doing. I will discuss it with the engineer.

We'd rather not pack n go each project. We want the parts to remain organized in their own location.

The files we want to move are just the "fabricated" parts. 

To explain it in more depth, we have a folder for the "fabricated" parts where the .ipt's are all located. We would like to consolidate them by creating I-parts that will be used going forward. But the old files need to go someplace where old assemblies in old projects can still reference them. So the plan is to move all the existing .ipt's into a new sub folder. But I need to make sure our old assemblies can pick them up from that location.

Thanks for the help!

[SharkDesign]

If you're making iparts, it might be worth sticking them in content centre. 

I've not used inventor for a while without vault, but I remember a few years ago that ipart child files were all dumped in the root directory and difficult to organise. 

You should test that first too in case it hasn't changed. 

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! You need to use a custom project. If you use Default project, it won't try to find files under any sub folders for performance reason. Set up the project and point "F:\STUFF\" as the Workspace. Inventor will be able to find the files under the Workspace.

Many thanks!

[DATUM88]

When I attempt to do this, Inventor stops responding. 

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! I am sorry I am a bit confused. What release of Inventor are you using? Please make sure all critical Windows updates are installed and applicable Inventor updates are installed.

To create a custom project, you will need to close all Inventor files. Or, just restart Inventor and go to Get Started -> Projects -> New.

Many thanks!

[DATUM88]

We do have Vault, but it is used as a place to backup files. We use some I-parts now, and their child files are in folders in the "fabricated" folder.