How to Recover a Deleted SOLIDWORKS Part (.sldprt)

Updated on Oct 20, 2026 | by Qiling

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Check Part Versions and Dependencies
Protect the Original Drive
Recover With Qiling Deep Data Recovery
Verify the Recovered Project
Frequently Asked Questions

A .sldprt is a part document that may be referenced by assemblies and drawings. A matching filename is not enough; the recovered version must fit the surrounding design.

Check Part Versions and Dependencies

Check SOLIDWORKS PDM, team version control, Recycle Bin and any local backup. Ask whether an assembly or coworker's workspace still holds the right part version.

Record the original part path, revision and approximate size. If the part existed only on a server, request server backups rather than scanning a mapped shortcut.

A SLDPRT can be used by several assemblies and drawings, and a feature may depend on external geometry. The right recovery candidate is therefore the correct revision, not merely any part file with the expected name.

If PDM or another managed repository is in use, its version history should be checked before local disk scanning. Test rebuild and configurations on a duplicate, then confirm that dependent assemblies reference the intended revision.

Protect the Original Drive

Stop saving changed parts to the affected local disk. Do not replace a current PDM revision with an unverified recovered candidate.

Use another drive for output and preserve any intact assemblies and drawings that refer to the missing part.

Recover With Qiling Deep Data Recovery

Qiling Deep Data Recovery provides a visual scan of storage that Windows can detect. In this case, scan a stable locally attached drive that stored the part; managed repository recovery follows its own version tools. A listed file is only a candidate until you open and verify its recovered copy.

Step 1. Search PDM and Local Backups

Check authorized PDM history, shared backups and other workstations. Restore a copy of the correct revision if available.

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Step 2. Choose a File Scan

Use Fast Scan for local deletion or Recycle Bin Scan after an emptied bin. Use Disk Scan only when the storage partition is gone.

Step 3. Select the Part Drive

Match the physical disk that held the SLDPRT by model and capacity. Keep the output disk separate.

Step 4. Compare Part Candidates

Filter by .sldprt, compare file sizes and dates, and identify the expected revision from surrounding drawings.

Step 5. Recover and Validate a Copy

Save elsewhere, open a duplicate in SOLIDWORKS, and check the feature tree, rebuild status and assembly fit.

Verify the Recovered Project

If an assembly still reports missing references, verify its paths and related files rather than assuming the part itself is damaged.

Coordinate any replacement with the design owner or PDM administrator to preserve revision history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an assembly restore its missing part automatically?

Not necessarily. Check the PDM or source files for the part itself.

Why does a part open but fail to rebuild?

It may be an older version or depend on missing references; inspect a copy.

Should I check in a recovered part immediately?

No. Verify the revision and obtain the team's approval first.

For native part documents from other CAD applications, see FreeCAD FCStd Documents Recovery, CATIA CATPart Files Recovery, or Creo PRT Part Files Recovery. Use the creating application's format-specific checks; a matching filename alone does not establish a usable part.