Recover Deleted SOLIDWORKS SLDASM Assemblies on Windows

Updated on Oct 27, 2026 | by Qiling

Quick Navigation:

Check the Source and Existing Copies
Protect the Original Drive
Recover the Local File
Verify the Result
Frequently Asked Questions

An assembly file stores how components fit together but relies on referenced part and subassembly files. Check SOLIDWORKS Backup/Recover settings and the project folder before scanning. Recovering the assembly alone may leave components unresolved.

Check the Source and Existing Copies

Search the original project or export folder by name and extension. Check the Recycle Bin and any available backup or version history. If the file was only stored in a cloud service, use that service's restore tools first; a local disk scan cannot search cloud-only data.

Record the assembly's former folder tree and preserve existing .sldprt and subassembly files. Avoid saving newly opened assemblies back onto the affected disk.

Protect the Original Drive

Identify the physical disk that held the missing SOLIDWORKS assembly (.sldasm). Stop creating files on it, including downloads, application saves, and recovery output. Prepare another physical drive with enough free space for recovered candidates. If the drive makes unusual noises, repeatedly disconnects, or has hardware errors, avoid stressing it with scans and seek specialist advice.

Recover the Local File with Qiling Deep Data Recovery

Qiling Deep Data Recovery can scan Windows-visible local storage for deleted files. It cannot reconstruct a file that was never saved or guarantee recovery after its data has been overwritten. Check the application's own backups first.

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Step 1. Choose the Recovery Mode

Open the program. For a recent deletion on a local disk, choose Fast Scan; use Recycle Bin Scan if the item was emptied from the bin. For a removable card or USB drive, choose USB/SD Scan. If the source was formatted, use Format Scan. Match the mode to what happened rather than the file extension.

Choose the Qiling recovery mode for SOLIDWORKS assembly (.sldasm)

Step 2. Select the Original Location

Select the disk or partition that actually held the missing file. Confirm its capacity and drive letter, especially if several external devices are attached. Do not select the destination drive prepared for recovered files.

Select the original drive for SOLIDWORKS assembly (.sldasm) recovery

Step 3. Review Matching Candidates

After the scan, search by filename and extension when available. Compare likely folders, dates, and file sizes; keep more than one plausible version if their contents cannot be previewed. If the first scan misses the file and the source is healthy, try the deeper scan option.

Review candidate SOLIDWORKS assembly (.sldasm) files in Qiling

Step 4. Recover to a Different Disk

Select the candidates, click Recover, and save them to a different physical drive. Keep the recovered files unchanged and test copies in the appropriate application. Do not replace a working backup with an unverified result.

Save recovered SOLIDWORKS assembly (.sldasm) files to another disk

Verify the Result

Open a copy in SOLIDWORKS, resolve missing references, then inspect mates, configurations, and component positions. Keep the recovered folder structure intact.

If a candidate is incomplete, compare older backups, cloud versions, and other scan results. A correct filename or extension does not prove that all content survived. Once verified, make a separate backup of the recovered file and any required companion assets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will an SLDASM file restore missing parts automatically?

No. Locate the referenced part and subassembly files too.

Where should I check for an earlier version?

Check configured Backup/Recover folders and your project backup.

What if the recovered file will not open?

Test another candidate or backup in the appropriate application. Do not edit the only recovered copy; missing blocks or required companion files may be the cause.

The same need to recover referenced components applies to other assembly formats. CATIA CATProduct Assemblies Recovery and Creo ASM Assembly Files Recovery explain their document structure and revision checks.