Complete autoCAD Solution: March 2011

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

How to install the Subscription Advantage Pack for AutoCAD 2011

System Requirements

AutoCAD 2011® Subscription Advantage Pack can only be applied to the above products (installed as stand-alone or as part of a suite).

The system requirements for the Subscription Advantage Pack are the same as the product listed above that it will be installed on.
Installation

Log in to the Subscription Center and, based on your operating system, download one of the following self-extracting executable files to any temporary location:

For 32-bit: autocad_2011_ap_collaboration_winx86_001_enu.exe
For 64-bit: autocad_2011_ap_collaboration_winx64_001_enu.exe

Once the download has completed, double-click the .exe file and click Install (you may change the default destination folder of the extracted files). Once the extraction of the files is complete, the installer (setup.exe) will run automatically.

In the AutoCAD 2011 Subscription Advantage Pack Installation wizard, click Install Products where you can choose to install the following products:

AutoCAD 2011 Subscription Advantage Pack
AutoCAD WS plug-in for AutoCAD 2011

Follow the instructions on each page of the Installation wizard to complete the installation.

Note: You can install this advantage pack for all supported AutoCAD-based products on your system. However, if you add a supported AutoCAD-based product later, you must uninstall and reinstall the advantage pack for the added product. Also, if you reinstall AutoCAD, you must uninstall and then reinstall this advantage pack.

Deploy This Subscription Advantage Pack

Unzip the self-extracting file autocad_2011_ap_collaboration_winx86_001_enu.exe or autocad_2011_ap_collaboration_winx64_001_enu.exe to a network share location; for example, C:\Autodesk\autocad_2011_ap_collaboration_winx86_001_enu.

Copy the following text to a file:

' <script_begin> ----------------------------------------
' Scripted installation for AutoCAD 2011 Subscription Advantage Pack
option explicit

' define variables
dim shell
dim productType
dim strInstallLevel
dim strSourcePath

' Script initialization
Set shell = CreateObject("WScript.Shell")

productType = "AdvantagePack"
strInstallLevel=5      ' 5 installs everything, 3 installs typical
'
' Source to install from (e.g. C:\Autodesk\autocad_2011_ap_collaboration_winx86_001_enu)
strSourcePath = "C:\Autodesk\autocad_2011_ap_collaboration_winx86_001_enu"
'
RunStandaloneInstall()
Wscript.quit()

'
Function RunStandaloneInstall
   shell.run DefaultCommand(),2,1
end function
'
Function DefaultCommand
   dim retString
' /q for silent install ' /c [key] override parameters for the key
   retString = """" & strSourcePath & "\setup.exe " & """" & " /t /q /c " & productType & ": "
   retString = retString & "InstallLevel=" & strInstallLevel
   DefaultCommand = retString
end function
'

' </script_end>----------------------------------------------------------------

Save the file as a VBS file (for example, InstallSAP2011.vbs).
Execute the file to deploy this advantage pack.

Grid is populated very slowly in Vault Explorer 2008

Issue
When you selected a folder in Vault Explorer, you noticed that it was populated very slowly with the information from the files that it contains.
Solution

This may occur if the statistical information used by SQL to run certain queries is out of date. As a result, the grid is populated using an SQL query that is processed in an inefficient manner, causing a noticeable delay.

It is strongly recommend that you implement a Maintenance Plan as described in the Advanced Configuration Guide for ADMS 2008, which can be downloaded from the following web page:

Advanced Configuration Guide for ADMS 2008

In addition, it may be necessary to manually update the statistics for the Vault database. To do so, follow these steps:

   1. Using Microsoft® Notepad, create a new text file and insert the following text:

      osql.exe -S(local)\AUTODESKVAULT -Usa -P"AutodeskVault" -i UpdateStatistics.sql -o results.txt
      NET STOP MSSQL$AUTODESKVAULT
      NET START MSSQL$AUTODESKVAULT

   2. Save the file as "osql.bat".
   3. Create another text file and insert the following text:

      Use KnowledgeVaultMaster
      Exec sp_MSForEachTable 'Update Statistics ? WITH FULLSCAN'
      Go
      Use <VAULTNAME>
      Exec sp_MSForEachTable 'Update Statistics ? WITH FULLSCAN'
      Go

   4. Where <VAULTNAME> is the name of your VaultSave the file as "UpdateStatistics.sql" (in the same folder as the file "osql.bat").
   5. Run the "osql.bat" file and then inspect the Results.txt file for any errors.

Enhanced Attribute Editor (EATTEDIT) causes AutoCAD to crash

Issue
When you edit text for attribute tags, using the Enhanced Attribute Editor, AutoCAD® crashes with a CER option.
Solution

This conflict has been confirmed to be caused by a trojan whose name mutates but has the file extension DIL (capitalized for emphasis. It will appear in the directory as lower case d, capital I and lower case l).

To resolve this error, search for *.DIL and rename or delete any occurrences found, along with a DAT file of the same name.

More than 12 variants have been reported, including the following:

    * c:\windows\system32\stclieqt.dIl
    * c:\windows\system32\mscored.dIl
    * c:\windows\system32\fllbxg.dIl
    * c:\windows\system32\iibswt.dIl

Note: Some systems may have multiple versions with different names.

No valid file should have an extension .dIl (d-capital I-lower case l), so, if found, they can be safely renamed or deleted without affecting valid programs.

This trojan has been logged with Symantec and identified as the Backdoor.Coreflood Trojan. Symantec will be updating definitions files soon to catch it. It is designed to conduct Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. The trojan connects to an IRC server and gives control of the infected computer to an attacker.

The trojan is also designed to regenerate itself from random CLSIDs it creates in the registry, if the DIL and DAT files are removed.

The best solution, therefore, is to log the trojan with your antivirus provider and load and run their updated definitions list when it becomes available. Otherwise, the trojan will return.

Cannot connect to ADMS

Issue

You tried to log on to the Autodesk Data Management Server (ADMS) from Vault Explorer. However, after you entered the Server name and clicked the button next to the database field to find the list of Vault databases installed on that server, a red circle with a white exclamation mark was displayed instead.

When you moved your cursor over the icon, the tooltip displayed the following text:

No vaults have been found on this server.

However, you know that there are vaults on this server because other client computers can connect to it.

If you leave the database field blank and click OK, the following Log-in message is displayed:

The database name appears to be invalid; please try again.

If you manually add the name of the vault in the databases field and click the OK button, you receive the following message:

Log In
Destination Unreachable ---> WSE846: The <wsa:To> header must match the actor URI value of the webservice. The actor URI value can be explicitly specific using SoapActorAttribute on the ASMX class.......
Solution

To resolve this issue, configure Internet Explorer to bypass any proxy servers.

Crash at startup or when editing text

Issue

You are experiencing a crash during startup or while selecting, editing, or creating text.

Solution

Certain anti-spyware programs may conflict with these 2010 products and may cause the applications to crash at startup, issuing an unhandled exception error. AutoCAD may also crash when selecting, editing, or creating text.
The following hotfixes have been created to correct these problems in AutoCAD 2010 (and products based on AutoCAD 2010), AutoCAD LT 2010, DWG TrueView 2010, and Autodesk Design Review 2010:

Startup Error and Text Editing Hotfix for AutoCAD 2010 and AutoCAD-based products
Startup Error and Text Editing Hotfix for AutoCAD LT 2010
Startup Error Hotfix for DWG TrueView 2010
Startup Error Hotfix for Autodesk Design Review 2010

Turning off tooltips for annotations

Issue

You want to turn off the tooltips that are displayed when you move the mouse cursor over symbols and balloons.
Solution

The display of tooltips is controlled by the system variable, ROLLOVERTIPS. To turn off tooltips, set this variable to 0.

Fatal Error: unable to load AcDb resource file

Issue

When you tried to launch Autodesk® Mechanical Desktop®, AutoCAD®, or AutoCAD® Mechanical, you received the following error message:

Fatal Error: unable to load AcDb resource file
Solution

There are two possible ways to resolve this issue:

Method 1

Copy the acdb17.dll and acdb17enures.dll files from C:\Program Files\Common Files\Autodesk Shared to the program folder for the applicable product.

Method 2

Change the Start in location for the applicable product's shortcut icon:

   1.
      Right-click the application's shortcut icon on the desktop. Click Properties.
   2. On the Shortcut Tab, enter the following file path in the Start in box:

      "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Autodesk shared"

How to uninstall AutoCAD Mechanical 2010 cleanly

Issue

There are occasions when you may experience problems installing AutoCAD® Mechanical after failed installs or uninstalls of other Autodesk products. In these cases, it is recommended that you completely remove them from the system and then attempt the new installation on the cleaned system.
Solution

To uninstall AutoCAD Mechanical and remove any remnants of this product from your system, use the following procedure. The end result is a clean system on which you can install.

   1. Log on as a Local System Administrator and disable any Antivirus scanning programs.
   2. In Windows Control Panel, open Add or Remove Programs and remove AutoCAD Mechanical 2010.
   3. Using Windows Explorer, locate and delete the following file folders as appropriate:

      For Microsoft Vista 32-bit installations:
          * C:\Program Files\Autodesk\ACADM 2010
          * C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Autodesk\ ACADM 2010
          * C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Autodesk\AutoCAD Mechanical 2010
          * C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD Mechanical 2010
      For Microsoft Vista 64-bit installations:
          * C:\Program Files\Autodesk\ACADM 2010
          * C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Autodesk\ ACADM 2010
          * C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Autodesk\AutoCAD Mechanical 2010
          * C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD Mechanical 2010
      For Microsoft XP 32-bit installations:
          * C:\Program Files\Autodesk\ ACADM 2010
          * C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\ Application Data\Autodesk\AutoCAD Mechanical 2010
          * C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\Local Settings\Application Data\Autodesk\AutoCAD Mechanical 2010
          * C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\AutoCAD Mechanical 2010
      For Microsoft XP 64-bit installations:
          * C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD Mechanical 2010
          * C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\Application Data\Autodesk\AutoCAD Mechanical 2010
          * C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\Local Settings\Application Data\Autodesk\AutoCAD Mechanical 2010
          * C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\AutoCAD Mechanical 2010
   4. Open the system registry and locate then delete the following registry keys listed below as appropriate (Start menu (Windows) > Run > Regedit).

      For 32-bit versions of Vista and XP
          * HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Autodesk\AutoCAD Mechanical\R18.0\ACAD-8005:409
          * HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Autodesk\ AutoCAD Mechanical\R18.0\ACAD-8005:409
      For 64-bit versions of Vista and XP
          * HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Autodesk\AutoCAD Mechanical\R18.0\ACAD-8005:409
          * HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Autodesk\AutoCAD Mechanical\R18.0\ACAD-8005:409

How to uninstall AutoCAD Mechanical 2011 cleanly

Issue

There are occasions when you may experience problems installing AutoCAD® Mechanical after failed installs or uninstalls of other Autodesk products. In these cases, it is recommended that you completely remove them from the system and then attempt the new installation on the cleaned system.
Solution

To uninstall AutoCAD Mechanical and remove any remnants of this product from your system, use the following procedure. The end result is a clean system on which you can install.

   1. Log on as a Local System Administrator and disable any Antivirus scanning programs.
   2. In Windows Control Panel, open Add or Remove Programs and remove AutoCAD Mechanical 2011.
   3. Using Windows Explorer, locate and delete the following file folders as appropriate:

      For Microsoft Vista 32-bit installations:
          * C:\Program Files\Autodesk\ACADM 2011
          * C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Autodesk\ ACADM 2011
          * C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Autodesk\AutoCAD Mechanical 2011
          * C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD Mechanical 2011
      For Microsoft Vista 64-bit installations:
          * C:\Program Files\Autodesk\ACADM 2011
          * C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\Autodesk\ ACADM 201
          * C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Autodesk\AutoCAD Mechanical 2011
          * C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD Mechanical 2011
      For Microsoft XP 32-bit installations:
          * C:\Program Files\Autodesk\ ACADM 2011
          * C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\ Application Data\Autodesk\AutoCAD Mechanical 2011
          * C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\Local Settings\Application Data\Autodesk\AutoCAD Mechanical 2011
          * C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\AutoCAD Mechanical 2011
      For Microsoft XP 64-bit installations:
          * C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD Mechanical 2011
          * C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\Application Data\Autodesk\AutoCAD Mechanical 2011
          * C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\Local Settings\Application Data\Autodesk\AutoCAD Mechanical 2011
          * C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\AutoCAD Mechanical 2011
   4. Open the system registry and locate then delete the following registry keys listed below as appropriate (Start menu (Windows) > Run > Regedit).

      For 32-bit versions of Vista and XP
          * HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Autodesk\AutoCAD Mechanical\R18.1\ACAD-9005:409
          * HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Autodesk\ AutoCAD Mechanical\R18.1\ACAD-9005:409
      For 64-bit versions of Vista and XP
          * HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Autodesk\AutoCAD Mechanical\R18.1\ACAD-9005:409
          * HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Autodesk\AutoCAD Mechanical\R18.1\ACAD-9005:409

Monday, March 7, 2011

Wipeouts not plotted

Issue

With some printers, you noticed that the wipeouts were plotted transparently on paper and the underlying objects were not hidden as expected. However, the print preview displayed the wipeouts correctly.

Solution

This occurs with some printers when the Raster Graphic Quality in the Plotter Properties is set to 6 (the highest level). To determine the Raster Graphic Quality setting

On the File menu, click Plot.
In the Plot dialog box, select the plotter and click Properties.
In the Plotter Configuration Editor, on the Device and Document Settings tab, expand Graphics.
Under Graphics, select Raster Graphics.
The Raster and Shaded/Rendered Viewports slider reflects the Raster Graphic Quality setting from 0 (lowest) to 6 (highest).

To work around this issue, set the Raster Graphic Quality to 5. This ensures high quality raster images and correctly printed wipeouts.
Some plotter models also offer different quality settings. Increasing the quality setting in the plotter driver also ensures that the wipeouts will be printed correctly.

Group Policy installation runs with a full user interface

Issue

You created a deployment using the Network Installation Wizard and you indicated that the client installations should be silent. After you set up a software installation package in Group Policies to distribute the application, you noticed that the installation has a full user interface which allows the user to change installation options.

Solution

When you configure a software installation package in Group Policies to Publish to the User, sometimes the user interface level is set to maximum by default.
Changing this setting back to basic in the GPO software installation package allows the installation to occur silently.

Windows Installer Error 2203 when creating a deployment

Issue

When you created an administrative image and network deployment, you received the following error message:
Windows Installer Error 2203 <Path to Admin Image location>

Solution

This error message indicates that you do not have the correct permissions to the UNC share where you are trying to build the deployment. To resolve this issue, you must have Full Control permissions to this share. Contact your Network Administrator for additional information on setting permissions for this location.
Note: You may be able to create the deployment with some level of restricted permissions. However, Autodesk only tests and supports deployment creation with Full Control permissions.

Controlling amount of computer resources used to index Vault content

Issue

You have enabled the Content Indexing Service for a particular Vault, and you want to know how to control the amount of computer resources used by the ADMS Console.

Solution

When you enable the Content Indexing Service, the Vault's filestore is registered with the Indexing Service used by the operating system. To modify the performance of this service, follow these steps:

Click Start menu (Windows) > Settings > Control Panel.
In Control Panel, double-click Administrative Tools.
Double-click Computer Management.
Expand the Services and Applications node located in the left panel of the Computer Management dialog box.
Right-click Indexing Service. Click All Tasks > Tune Performance.
Select the Customize option and then click the Customize button.
In the Desired Performance dialog box, modify the level of performance for Indexing and Querying.

Location of Plot Styles folder

Issue

You want to know where the Plot Styles folder is located in AutoCAD® 2010.

Solution

The Deployment wizard in AutoCAD 2010 now provides greater control over where your support content is installed by allowing you to specify locations other than the default user profile folder used in previous releases.
As part of this new functionality, the path for the Plot Styles folder has been moved from a sibling level of the Plotters folder to a subdirectory in the Plotters folder.
For example, in AutoCAD 2009, the Plot Styles folder was located here:
Windows XP:
C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\Application Data\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2009\R17.2\enu\Plot Styles
Windows Vista:
C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2009\R18\enu\Plot Styles
In AutoCAD 2010, the Plot Styles folder is now located here:
Windows XP:
C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\Application Data\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2010\R18.0\enu\Plotters\Plot Styles
Windows Vista:
C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2010\R18.0\enu\Plotters\Plot Styles

Controlling ADMSConsole log file verbosity

Issue

You want to know how to change the amount of information that is written to the ADMS Console log file.

Solution

You can control the verbosity of the ADMSConsole by editing the Connectivity.ADMSConsole.exe.Config file located in the C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Data Management Server 2009\ADMS Console folder.
You can adjust the verbosity for different processes by editing the "value=" parameter from 1 to 4 in the following section:

<system.diagnostics> <trace autoflush="true" indentsize="4"> <listeners> <add name="rollingListener" type="Connectivity.Core.Exceptions.RollingLogListener,Connectivity.Platform" /> <remove name="Default" /> </listeners> </trace>  <switches> <add name="SecurityTracing" value="3" /> <add name="ClientStackSwitch" value="1" /> <add name="ErrorCodeSwitch" value="4" /> <add name="LibraryServiceSwitch" value="3" /> <add name="IndexerTraceSwitch" value="3" /> <add name="MigrationTraceSwitch" value="3" /> <add name="ReplicationResourceTraceSwitch" value="3" /> <add name="VacuumCleanerTraceSwitch" value="4" /> <add name="ConfigurationBooleanSwitch" value="1" />

Avoid problems that can cause drawing file corruption or data loss

Issue

The program terminates unexpectedly with one of the following error types:

DBQSPACE
DBTHUNK
UNHANDLED ACCESS VIOLATION EXCEPTION
MSTACK
SMIO
EREAD

Note: The preceding list of errors is not necessarily complete.

Solution

These errors are usually an indication that there is a problem with the system that could lead to data loss or corruption.
This solution provides steps and suggestions that you can use to troubleshoot these errors and minimize the risk of data loss or corruption.
Hard disk maintenance
Carry out the following hard disk maintenance on a regular basis.

Check integrity and fix any errors.
Keep fragmentation levels to a minimum.
Ensure there is always enough free space on the hard disk.

System resources

Ensure there is enough free physical RAM.
Specify an adequate size for the system swap file and, if set dynamically, ensure there is enough free disk space for it to grow to the maximum size.

Data backup

Ensure the Autodesk® software creates BAK files. (You set this option on the Open and Save tab of the Options dialog box; the default setting is ON.)
Employ a backup solution to back up your data on a regular basis (at least daily).

Saving to a network server in a mixed operating system environment
If you save to a network server in a mixed operating system environment (for example, Novell® or UNIX servers), you might encounter problems with file locking that can lead to data loss or corruption. The related solution, "File Locking in mixed AutoCAD environments" discusses this issue.
ISAVEPERCENT system variable
Set the ISAVEPERCENT variable to 0. This variable determines the amount of wasted space tolerated in the drawing file.You can enter an integer from 0 to 100, inclusive, for ISAVEPERCENT; the initial value is 50. When set to the initial value, the software tolerates up to 50% of wasted space in the drawing file before doing a full save. Setting ISAVEPERCENT to 0 forces the program to do a full save (not incremental) of the drawing database each time you save.
Note: This is a precautionary measure that is only necessary while you troubleshoot the problem. After you have identified and resolved the problem, you can reset the ISAVEPERCENT variable to its original value.

Disable video acceleration to troubleshoot problems with AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT

Issue

One or more of the following problems occurs while you are using AutoCAD® or AutoCAD LT® software:

Objects or lines do not disappear after they have been erased.
Objects or lines are not displayed after they have been drawn.
The system locks up without any error message or warning.
The system locks up when you execute commands that require a display regeneration (such as Real-Time Pan or moving objects in the drawing).

Solution

These problems may be due to defects in the video driver. These are problems that can occur when video acceleration is enabled.
To determine if the problem is related to the video card, you can disable video acceleration.
To disable video acceleration:
For Microsoft® Windows® 95, Windows 98, and Windows NT® 4.0
Note: These operating systems are not supported for all AutoCAD products and versions related to this solution. See the System Requirements for your version of the product for more information

On the Start menu (Windows), click Settings > Control Panel.
In the Control Panel, double-click the System icon.
In the System Properties dialog box, click the Performance tab.
On the Performance tab, click Graphics.
Under Application Performance, move the slider all the way to the left to completely disable video acceleration.

For Microsoft Windows 2000 and Windows XP

Right-click on the desktop and click Properties on the shortcut menu.
In the System Properties dialog box, Advanced tab, click Advanced.
In the New dialog box, click the Troubleshooting tab.
Move the slider all the way to the left to disable video acceleration.

The number of levels of acceleration will depend on the operating system and driver. Refer to the information in the dialog box for a description of what each level does.
If disabling the video acceleration seems to take care of your problem, then you will probably want to get an updated driver for your video card to actually fix the problem. Until then, you can start moving the accelerator one stage at a time to the right until the problem reappears.

Cursor leaves trail of dots

Issue

The cursor leaves a trail of dots when you move the cursor across the screen.

Solution

To remove the dots, use the REGENALL command. However, this does not resolve the problem.
Use one of the following methods to resolve the problem:
Method #1

Reduce the level of hardware acceleration at the operating system. See related solutions under "See also" for information about adjusting hardware acceleration at the operating system level.

Method #2
Switch to software acceleration in AutoCAD.

On the Tools menu, click Options.
In the Options dialog box, click the System tab.
Under Current 3D Graphics Display, click Properties.
Under Acceleration, click the Software button.

Script errors in AutoCAD®-based software

Issue

You encountered scripting errors in your AutoCAD®-based software when you tried to:

authorize the product
access the online Help
access the Getting Started Guide

Solution

These errors indicate a problem or security restriction in Internet Explorer. This AutoCAD®-based software functionality is built upon Microsoft Internet Explorer technology.
To resolve these errors, try the suggestions listed below.

In Microsoft® Internet Explorer, set the security level settings to the default level for all zones.
Apply all service packs, critical updates, and security updates available for Internet Explorer.
In Internet Explorer, empty the Temporary Internet Files folder.
Clean out your temporary folders for your user account and the operating system. (To access the Temp folder, enter %temp% in the Address box in Windows Explorer)
Apply the latest service packs for your operating system:

Windows XP Service Pack 2
Windows 2000 Service Pack 4

If you are experiencing problems Registering or Activating your software, try the function in Windows Diagnostic Mode.
Download and apply the following update for Java from Sun: Java Update.
If you are using an AutoCAD 2006 or an older product with Internet Explorer 7 or newer, you may need to downgrade Internet Explorer to version 6.1 SP1 for compatibility. AutoCAD 2006 and older products were not tested in combination with Internet Explorer 7.

Mouse movement causes network activity

Issue

When moving the cursor across the screen, the computer operates very slowly. You also notice that there is a high level of network traffic.

Solution

Setting the system variable SORTENTS to 0 should help resolve this issue.
Note: This variable is set on a per drawing basis. It will need to be set and saved for each drawing that exhibits the problem.

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Using reference planes for more than project construction lines

You want to know if there are other uses for reference planes beside project construction lines.

Solution

Reference planes have several uses:

They can be used as datums for attaching the tops and bottoms of walls, roofs, floors, slabs and other model elements.
They can be used in the selection of work planes and they are also useful in extrusions.
Reference Planes are an integral part of family creation.

Creating a sloped building pad

You want to know how to create a sloped building pad on a site in Revit®.
Solution

In Revit®, the building pad cannot be sloped. However, you can achieve a similar effect by using a floor slab and assigning the slope you want to it. Before you create the floor slab, you have to create a building pad on the site to establish the excavation for the building location.

Prepare the site by creating a building pad that has a thin structure. You can refer to the Help documentation for more information about how to create a building pad. To make a thin building pad

   1. Right-click on the building pad. Click Properties.
   2. In the Element Properties dialog box, click Edit/New.
   3. In the Type Properties dialog box, click Edit to modify the structure of the pad.
   4. Under Thickness, enter a small value, such as 0.01.

You can now create a sloped pad by creating a floor and using the sloping functionality that exists within the Floor tool. See the Help documentation for creating a sloped floor.

Spot elevation placement

You want to control the placement of your spot elevation, either on the top of the slab or the bottom of the slab.

Solution

Spot elevations will be placed on slabs in different locations depending on your view setting.
In wireframe view, the slab cannot be seen. As a result, spot elevations snap to the bottom elevation of the slab where the topography has been cut out.
If you change the view to hidden line view, the topography below the slab cannot be seen. Only the top of the slab can be seen, so the spot elevation snaps to that.

"Slab Shape Edit failed. The Floor or Roof is too thin..." error occurs when adjusting slab node

When attempting to adjust a slab node with the slab shape edit tools, you received the following error message:

Slab Shape Edit failed. The Floor or Roof is too thin for its given type.
Solution

This error will occur if the slab element structure is set to Variable thickness. This causes the bottom of the slab to remain flat and only the top of the slab will be modified with the shape edit tools. You can bring the node elevations up as much as you want, but when dropping them you are limited to the depth of the slab. Since setting the slab to variable means the floor base does not move, if you try to move a node below the thickness of the structure, there will be a point of zero thickness where it crosses. The error occurs when you try to push the top below the bottom.

There are a few options to resolve the error:

    * Limit your negative offsets to the thickness of the variable layer.
    * Make the variable layer thick enough to accommodate your negative offset.
    * Clear the Variable check box in the floor type. Doing so will allow you to go as far as you want. However, the bottom of the roof will no longer be flat.

Floor or slab visible regardless of view depth

You set the view range so that it cuts above a floor or slab in a plan view, but the floor or slab was still visible.
Solution

A floor or slab will be visible in a plan view if it is partially above the view depth, or if it is within 4 feet (approximately 1.21 meters) of the bottom clip.

To prevent the floor or slab from being visible in plan view, you need to adjust the bottom clip so that it is more than 4 feet above the floor or slab and set the view depth so that it does not include any part of the floor or slab. Follow these steps:

   1. In plan view, click View menu > View Properties.
   2. Click the Edit button for the View Range parameter.
   3. Enter a value for both the Bottom Offset, under Primary Range, and the Level Offset, under View Depth, that is more than 4 feet from the floor or slab.

Autocad 2010: AcPEXCtl.arx file causes product to not startup on Windows 7

You are trying to start Autocad Architecture 2010 and there is an error with the following file:

AcPEXCtl.arx

If you remove the file, Autocad Architechture 2010 will start but the properties dialog box/pallet will not populate.
Solution

You will need to set the compatiblity mode for ACA to Windows XP as a local administrator account (not the domain administrator).

When you run it as a domain user, Autocad will automatically attempt to set its own compatibility mode, however, in Windows 7, the security will prevent the domain user from doing this. If you login as the local administrator on the computer and then load the software, it will have permission to make the first run permissions and security changes required for normal operation.

Once you have run it once as local adminstrator, just log out and log back in using your normal user account.

Typically, if you have setup a single user on Windows 7, ACA will start for the first time, crash and it will setup the proper compatiblity mode when you run it the second time.
Solution for Domain Users

For sites that have a large number of Autocad Architecture licenses:

1. Login to a client machine with a standard user account.

2. Create a text file, paste the following text, and then save.

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\Layers]
"C:\\Program Files\\AutoCAD Architecture 2010\\acad.exe"="DISABLEUSERCALLBACKEXCEPTION"

Note: If AutoCAD Architecture is not installed to the default location (C:\Program Files\AutoCAD Architecture 2010), please change the path accordingly.

3. Change the file's extension from .txt to .reg.

4. Double click the file and then choose Yes so that the setting could be imported to registry.

5. Run AutoCAD Architecture with the same user account.

Convert linework and walls to slab will cause blank slab style in properties

If you use SLABCONVERT and create a slab from a polyline or wall (SlabConvert/ Slab tool right-click > Apply tool properties to > Linework and Walls) the information about the slab style will be blank in the Properties:Solution

One workaround is creating a space using the line work, and then create a slab using the space.
Additional workaround is when applying standard style to the polyline, right click on another slab style rather than standard in tool palette, and apply to the created slab, it succeeds. Then change the slab style to Standard.

ENU Nordic Build Materials are installed in wrong path

Issue

Nordic Build installs some texture files at:
C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\ACA 2011\enu\Textures
As AutoCAD Architecture 2011 is using Autodesk shared materials, this path is no longer valid.

Solution

The files need to be manually copied to:
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\Materials2011\assetlibrary_base.fbm\1\Mats

Autocad Application has stopped working

Solution

You will need to set the compatiblity mode for ACA to Windows XP as a local administrator account (not the domain administrator).
When you run it as a domain user, Autocad will automatically attempt to set its own compatibility mode, however Windows 7 security prevents the domain user from doing this. If you login as the local administrator on that machine and then load the software it will have permission to make the first run permissions and security changes required for normal operation.
Once you have run it once as local adminstrator, just log out and back in using your normal user account.

Autodesk Design Review 2011 Readme cannot be viewed at the end of the Client installation

You created a non silent deployment including Design Review 2011 for AutoCAD or any vertical product.
At the end of the Client installation the Readme.txt is not displayed and an error message displayed:

Cannot find
.\\AdminImage\x64\en-us\support\adr\README.txt
Make sure the path or Internet address is correct.
Solution

The file README.htm is stored in the deployment at:
.\\AdminImage\x64\en-us\support\adr\program files\Autodesk\Autodesk Design Review

Please copy the file manually to:
.\\AdminImage\x64\en-us\support\adr

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Color shift issue when plotting to HP Designjet plotter

Issue

When you plot to your HP800 Designjet plotter (or other models of HP Designjet plotters) you notice that some colors do not print as expected.
For example, objects that should be plotted in blue print almost violet

Solution

You need to adapt your plotter paper settings.
Change the load paper settings from "plain paper" or "coated paper" to Enhanced Colors > coated paper CE.

Note : Accessing your plotter Settings might be slightly different for the different models of HP Designjet, please refer to your plotter Manual for more details.

Remove all Autodesk software products from a system to ensure a clean install

Issue

You have experienced installation problems with Autodesk® software products after a failed installation or uninstallation of other Autodesk products. In these cases, it is strongly recommended that you completely remove all Autodesk products from the system and then attempt to reinstall them on the cleaned system.

Solution

This solution explains how to uninstall your Autodesk® software products and remove any remnants of these products from the system. The end result is a clean system on which you can install your new Autodesk product.
Important!

Back up any existing customized Autodesk files before you implement the following procedures.
Different versions of Windows may label options differently. The following procedures include the descriptions for the Windows XP, Windows Vista™, and Windows 7 operating systems. Follow the correct instructions for your operating system.

Uninstall all Autodesk products:

Open the Control Panel (from the Start menu in Windows).
In Control Panel, open Add/Remove Programs (Windows 2000/XP) or Programs and Features (Windows Vista/Windows 7).
Select the Autodesk product to be uninstalled and click Change/Remove (Windows XP), or Uninstall/Change (Windows Vista/ Windows 7).
At this point another dialog box may be displayed. Select the appropriate option depending on the Autodesk product version:

AutoCAD® 2008 and newer versions: Click Uninstall when the Installation Wizard – Maintenance Mode dialog box is displayed
AutoCAD 2007 and older versions: Click Yes to start the uninstall
Note: If you are prompted to remove shared files, click Yes to All, and then click Yes when prompted for confirmation to proceed.

After the uninstall procedure has completed, click OK.
Select the next Autodesk product to be uninstalled and repeat steps 3 - 6.
Repeat the above processes until all Autodesk products (and material libraries) have been uninstalled from the system.

Note: The uninstall procedure for some Autodesk products may require you to restart the computer when the uninstall has completed. If this is the case, restart the computer as instructed and then return to the Add/Remove Programs or Programs and Features dialog box to continue removing any remaining Autodesk products.
After the last Autodesk product has been uninstalled, restart the computer.

Remove any remaining Autodesk files:

In Windows Explorer, delete the installation folder for each Autodesk product that was uninstalled in the previous procedure (for example, C:\Program Files\AutoCAD 2008).
Delete the C:\Program Files\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\ folder.
Note: If your operating system is configured to store the Program Files folder on a drive other than C:, the path will be on that drive.
Delete the following user profile folders:

Windows XP

C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\ Application Data\Autodesk
C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\Local Settings\Application Data\Autodesk
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk

Windows Vista/Windows 7

C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk
C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Autodesk
C:\ProgramData\Autodesk

Remove any remaining entries for Autodesk products from the Windows registry:
Warning! Problems caused by improperly editing the Windows registry could render your computer operating system unusable. Microsoft provides a wealth of critical information that you need to know about the registry in the Microsoft Knowledge Base at http://support.microsoft.com/support.
Use the Microsoft® Registry Editor only at your own risk and only after backing up the registry.
Back up the registry by following the Microsoft Knowledge Base article "How to back up and restore the registry in Windows" at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322756. Additional information about the registry is also contained in the Help topics in the Microsoft Registry Editor.

Log on to the workstation as a member of the local Administrators group.
On Windows XP, click Start > Run. On Windows Vista or Windows 7, type [Windows key] + R.
In the Run dialog box, enter REGEDIT in the Open box and click OK.
In the Registry Editor, locate the following subkeys and delete them:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Autodesk
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Autodesk

Close the Registry Editor.
Restart the computer.

Each of the previously-installed Autodesk products has now been removed from the system.
Before reinstalling any Autodesk programs

In Windows Explorer, delete the contents of your Windows Temp folder, but do not delete the Windows Temp folder itself. You can locate the Temp folder by entering %TEMP% in the Address bar of Windows Explorer.
Use the End Task feature to end any anti-virus programs.

Note: Disabling anti-virus programs from the system tray may not be sufficient. Virus checking programs may block certain activities that are seen as suspicious (for example, accessing the registry, adding/removing/updating DLL files, and so on), even though these activities are common when installing or removing programs.
Several anti-virus programs can be disabled by right-clicking the taskbar icon and selecting Disable from the shortcut menu. For more information about disabling your anti-virus software, refer to the vendor of that software.
Important! It is important that you not only disable the anti-virus software but also use the End Task feature to end the anti-virus software.
To verify that an anti-virus program is not still running in the background as a TSR (Terminate and Stay Resident Program):
Windows XP and Windows Vista/Windows 7

Press [Ctrl] + [Alt] + [Delete].
Click Task Manager.
On the Processes tab of the Task Manager, select the process for the anti-virus program and then click End Process.

You are now ready to install your new Autodesk products on the clean system.

Support for AutoCAD and AutoCAD LTon Apple computers

Issue

You want to know if AutoCAD® and AutoCAD LT® are supported on Apple computers.

Solution

Autodesk offers a Mac-specific version of AutoCAD® but not AutoCAD LT®. More information on AutoCAD 2011 for Mac can be found at AutoCAD for Mac.
AutoCAD 2010 (and later) is supported on the Mac via Parallels Desktop for Mac 6 and Apple Boot Camp. More information can be found at the following link:
Apple® Boot Camp Support for AutoCAD® 2010
Although earlier versions of AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT appear to function correctly on a Windows operating system running on an Apple computer using Apple Boot Camp, this environment has not been fully tested for those releases and is not officially supported by Autodesk.

Windows Vista support for AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT

Issue

You want to know if AutoCAD® or AutoCAD LT® is supported on Windows Vista™.

Solution

AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT (2008-2011)
A complete list of supported operating systems for AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT (2008-2011) can be found at the following solution:
Operating System Compatibility for AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT
AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT (2007)
Service Pack 2 for AutoCAD 2007 and AutoCAD LT 2007 adds support for Windows Vista 32-bit versions for these releases. To download Service Pack 2, use one of the following links depending on your product:
AutoCAD 2007
AutoCAD LT 2007
AutoCAD 2007 Service Pack 2 for Autodesk AutoCAD Revit Series—Structure 3
AutoCAD 2007 Service Pack 2 for Autodesk AutoCAD Revit Series—Structure 4
AutoCAD 2007 Service Pack 2 for Autodesk AutoCAD Revit Series—Building 9.0
AutoCAD 2007 Service Pack 2 for Autodesk AutoCAD Revit Series—Building 9.1

Windows 7 Support for AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT

Issue

You want to know if you can run AutoCAD® or AutoCAD LT® on Microsoft Windows® 7.

Solution

The 2010 and later versions of AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT (32-bit and 64-bit) are compatible with Microsoft Windows 7 and are fully supported by Autodesk.
Autodesk does not officially support 2009 and older versions of AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT on Windows 7. If you choose to run older versions of AutoCAD on the Windows 7 operating system, you may opt to use Windows compatibility mode.
There are some known minor limitations of AutoCAD 2010 and AutoCAD LT 2010 on Windows 7.

If you use third-party add-ons to AutoCAD, check with their software manufacturers to discover whether they are compliant with Windows 7. You may also ask manufacturers of your printer/plotter, mouse, or digitizer whether you need to update your drivers for these devices.
If you migrate to Windows 7, Autodesk recommends that you reinstall your AutoCAD software. This will not cause any licensing problems, but will help ensure that your AutoCAD software runs properly. Moving to Windows 7 will not jeopardize your AutoCAD customizations. When you reinstall AutoCAD, simply move your customizations over to the new installation.
Note: For AutoCAD-based vertical products, please refer to the knowledge base for details on support and known issues with Windows 7.

AutoCAD LT Program crashes when the File menu is accessed

Issue

When you attempted to access items on the File menu, the following error message was displayed and the program stopped responding:

FATAL ERROR: Unhandled e06d7363h Exception at 7c812a5bh
The error may look similar to the following image:

Solution

This error will occur if an incorrect version of a Microsoft DLL file MFC80U.DLL exists on the computer. To resolve this error, use one of the following methods:
Method 1 - Find and replace the incorrect version of the DLL file:

Search all local drives for the file MFC80U.DLL.
Check the version of each such file found by right-clicking the file and clicking Properties
If any of the files have a version number of 8.00.50727.363, do the following:

Click Start menu (Windows) > Run.
In the Run dialog box, copy and paste the following command into the Open box:

MsiExec.exe /X{A49F249F-0C91-497F-86DF-B2585E8E76B7}
Click OK.

Start AutoCAD.

If you receive an error message during startup, you will need to reinstall the correct version of this DLL file directly from Microsoft. Visit the following link and follow the instructions to install the correct version of the MFC80U.DLL file:

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Creating a pipe network from a polyline or alignment

Issue

You want to know how to create a pipe network from a polyline or alignment.

Solution

The most requested functionality for 2007 was creating a pipe network from a polyline or alignment. To fulfill this request, the Create from Object command was added to the Pipes menu. This command prompts the user to select a polyline or alignment and a pipe network is created from the segments and PIs along that object.

On the Pipes menu, click Create from Object.
Select the Object.
At the command prompt, choose the Flow Direction [OK/Reverse].
In the Create Pipe Network from Object dialog box, enter the Network name and Network description.
Complete your selection of the remaining options.
Click OK.

The new pipe network is displayed in the drawing and the pipe network name is displayed in the Pipe Networks collection on the Prospector tab.
Note: You should be careful when converting an alignment to a pipe network. If the Erase Existing Entities option is selected, the alignment will be deleted and other references may be broken. This can lead to other issues if the alignment is part of a shortcut or project file and it is referenced in other drawing files.

Cannot create pipe network on autocad

Issue

While trying to create a new pipe network, you received the following error message:
Required Pipe Network catalog(s) not set
US Imperial Pipe Catalog
US Imperial Structure Catalog

Solution

Autodesk® Civil 3D® uses the US Imperial Pipe Catalog and US Imperial Structure Catalog, by default.
To resolve this error

On the Pipes menu, click Pipes > Set Pipe Network Catalog.
In the Pipe Network Catalog Settings dialog box, select US Imperial Pipes and US Imperial Structures for the Pipe Catalog and Structure Catalog fields, respectively.

Note: If you are working with metric drawings, remember to change the Pipe Catalogs to metric, as well.

Problems configuring the Autodesk Network License Manager (FLEXnet)

Issue

When you tried to configure the Autodesk Network License Manager (FLEXnet), you either experienced problems or received errors.

Solution

For specific system requirements and step-by-step installation and configuration instructions, you should refer to the Network Licensing Guide (acad_nlg.pdf) and Network Administrator's Guide (acad_nag.pdf) located on the software installation disk or online help. Reading these documents is a prerequisite for successful license manager configuration and administration.

Autodesk Network Installation Wizard Patch

adskNIW2004fix.exe (194 KB)

With the Autodesk Network Installation Wizard patch, you can use the Network Installation wizard to apply a service pack to an existing AutoCAD 2004-based product administrative image.
Note: To use the Network Installation wizard to create a deployment that installs an AutoCAD 2004-based product with a service pack to a workstation, you must do the following:
Apply this patch to the AutoCAD 2004-based Network Installation wizard, then see the instructions in the Readme_adeskniw2004fix.htm.
Use the updated Network Installation wizard to create or modify an administrative image that includes an AutoCAD 2004-based product with a service pack.
If you do not apply this patch before you apply a service pack to an administrative image it will result in a deployment that will not properly install an AutoCAD 2004-based product.

Autodesk IPv4 Network License Manager for Windows

The Autodesk Network License Manager for IPv4 networks using Microsoft® Windows® Server 2008, Windows Vista® 32-bit and Windows Vista® 64-bit, Windows 7 32-bit and Windows 7 64-bit.

	windows32_licenseserver_11.7.msi (msi - 3900Kb)
	windows64_licenseserver_11.7.msi (msi - 3988Kb)

Subscription Advantage Pack for Civil 3D 2011 Installation

System Requirements

This Subscription Advantage Pack can be installed on the US English-language version of AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011 that has AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011 Update 1 installed.

Installation

You must have AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011 Update 1 installed prior to installing the Subscription Advantage Pack. If you attempt to install the Subscription Advantage Pack on an instance of AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011 that has not yet had Update 1 applied, you will receive an error message.

You cannot run an automatic uninstall to remove the Subscription Advantage Pack. To restore your version of AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011 to its original state, uninstall AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011 and reinstall it.
It is recommended that you back up all custom CUIx, MNR, and MNL files before you install the Subscription Advantage Pack. These files are located in:
Microsoft® Windows® XP:
Documents and Settings\<user name>\Application Data\Autodesk\C3D 2011\enu\Support folder

Microsoft Windows Vista and 7:
<username>\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\C3D 2011\enu\Support folder

During the installation of this Subscription Advantage Pack, you may be prompted for the original installation media or network image.

Secondary users may need to manually load the subscription CUIx file. Please see the Feature Limitations and Notes section in the Readme.
Applying this Subscription Advantage Pack to a Stand-Alone Installation
Follow these instructions to install this Subscription Advantage Pack on a single computer.

To update a stand-alone installation, download the Subscription Advantage Pack and save it to any folder.
Find the folder where you saved the Subscription Advantage Pack
Double-click C3D_2011_Sub.exe.

The Subscription Advantage Pack cannot be applied to a Network Administrative Image.

Resolving user specific issues by resetting AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011

Issue

You have a situation where a single user is experiencing an issue with a particular command or setting. When another user logs onto the same machine, they do not experience the same issue.

Solution

One of the easiest and quickest ways to resolve the issue for this particular user is to reset the AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011 settings for that user. To do this, follow these steps:

Important: Make sure you back up any customized Civil 3D 2011 files before you implement the following procedure.

Log on to the computer as that user.
On the Start menu (Windows), click Run.
In the Run dialog box, enter regedit.
In the Registry Editor, browse to the following key and delete it:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Autodesk\AutoCAD\R18.1\ACAD-9000:409
Close the Registry Editor.
Using Windows Explorer, browse to and delete the following user's application folders:

For Windows Vista and Windows 7

C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\C3D 2011 C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Autodesk\C3D 2011
For Windows XP

C:\Documents and Settings\<user name>\Application Data\Autodesk\C3D 2011
C:\Documents and Settings\<user name>\Local Settings\Application Data\Autodesk\C3D 2011
Start AutoCAD Civil 3D. This will initiate the secondary installer, re-creating the deleted files and folders.

Resolving installation issues with a clean install of AutoCAD Civil 3D

Issue

There are instances when you may experience problems or issues with the original installation of AutoCAD® Civil 3D® 2011. In these cases, it is strongly recommended that you completely remove AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011 from the system and then perform a new installation on the system.

Solution

To uninstall AutoCAD® Civil 3D® 2011 and remove any remnants of this product from the system, follow these steps:

Important! Back up any existing custom Civil 3D 2011 files before you implement the following procedures.

To uninstall AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011

Click Start menu (Windows) > Settings > Control Panel.
In Control Panel, open Add or Remove Programs (Windows XP), or Programs and Features (Windows Vista & Windows 7).
NOTE: These programs will need to be removed in this specific order. In the Add or Remove Programs (Programs and Features) dialog box, first find and select:
Autodesk Material Library 2011 Base Image Library then click Remove/Uninstall.
Autodesk Material Library 2011 and click Remove/Uninstall.
AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011 and click Add/Remove (on Windows XP, click Remove).
Click Yes when prompted to confirm that you want to completely remove the application and all of its components.
If you are prompted to remove shared files, click No to All, and then click Yes when prompted for confirmation to proceed.
After the uninstall procedure has completed, click OK.
Restart the computer.

To remove any remaining AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011 files

1. Using Windows Explorer, delete the following Civil 3D 2011 installation folder:

Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 (32-bit)

C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011

Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 (64-bit)

C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011

Note: If your operating system is configured to store the Program Files folder on a drive other than the C drive, adjust the file path accordingly.

2. Delete the following folders:

Windows XP

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\C3D 2011

C:\Documents and Settings\<user>\Application Data\Autodesk\C3D 2011

C:\Documents and Settings\<user>\Local Settings\Application Data\Autodesk\C3D 2011

Windows Vista & Windows 7
C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk\C3D 2011

C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Autodesk\C3D 2011

C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011

Note: You need to delete these folders for each Windows user account.

To remove any Civil 3D 2011 entries that remain in the Windows registry

Warning! Problems caused by improperly editing the Windows registry could render your computer operating system unusable. Microsoft provides a wealth of critical information that you need to know about the registry in the Microsoft Knowledge Base at http://support.microsoft.com/support.

Use the Microsoft® Registry Editor only at your own risk and only after backing up the registry as well as the system.dat and user.dat files as outlined for your operating system in the Microsoft Knowledge Base and in the related solution. Additional information about the registry is also contained in the Help topics in the Microsoft Registry Editor.

Log on to the computer as a member of the Local Administrators group.
Click Start menu (Windows) > Run.
In the Run dialog box, enter regedit and click OK.
In the Registry Editor, locate the following subkeys and delete them:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Autodesk\AutoCAD\R18.1\ACAD-9000:409
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Autodesk\AutoCAD\R18.1\ACAD-9000:409

Close the Registry Editor.
Restart the computer.

AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011 has now been completely removed from your computer.

Before reinstalling AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011

1. In Windows Explorer, delete the contents of your Windows Temp folder. You can locate the Temp folder by entering %TEMP% in the Address bar of Windows Explorer.
2. Use the End Task feature to end any anti-virus programs.

Several anti-virus programs can be disabled by right-clicking the taskbar icon and selecting Disable from the shortcut menu. For more information about disabling your anti-virus software, refer to the vendor of that software.

Important! It is important that you not only disable the anti-virus software but also use the End Task feature to end the anti-virus software.

To verify that an anti-virus program is not running in the background as a TSR (Terminate and Stay Resident Program)

Press CTRL+ALT+DELETE.

Click Task Manager.

In Task Manager, click the Processes tab.

Select the process for the anti-virus program, and then click End Process.

Now, you can reinstall AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011 on the computer.

Missing tool palettes in autocad

Issue

You installed Civil 3D 2010 from a deployment created using DVDs. However, when you start the product, you noticed that the Tool Palettes Civil 3D subassemblies were missing.
When Civil 3D 2010 is installed as standalone, everything works as expected.

Solution

One way to resolve this issue is to copy the content of all the DVDs to new directory and create a new deployment by running setup.exe in the new directory on the hard drive. This will ensure that the deployment contains all files copied and the installation will be quicker.
If you prefer to not create a new deployment, you can manually copy the missing files and modify the deployment:

Copy the entire <Drive letter> i.e. D:\x86\C3D\CONTENT directory from DVD 2 into the ….AdminImage\x86\C3D directory to overwrite the existing Content folder.
Modify the deployment and proceed through the configuration steps to update your deployment.
Repair your installation of Civil 3D 2010, using Add or Remove Programs in the Control Panel (Windows). Select the Reinstall option.
Start Civil 3D 2010 and confirm that tool palettes have subassemblies.

Install AutoCAD Raster Design on a 64-bit operating system

You installed a 32-bit version of AutoCAD® 2009 or 2010 or other AutoCAD vertical product, such as AutoCAD® Map 3D 2009, AutoCAD® Civil 3D® 2009, or AutoCAD® Civil 3D® 2010, on your 64-bit operating system. However, when you tried to install AutoCAD Raster Design 2009 or 2010 and link it with these products, you received the following error message:
No supported desktops for AutoCAD Raster Design 2009 were found...
Please Exit and Install a supported desktop before proceeding.

This error message indicates that the installer was not able to find a 64-bit application.
To correct this issue, you need to redirect the installer to look for 32-bit applications on the 64-bit operating system. Follow these steps:

Copy the entire contents of the installation disk to a folder on the hard drive.
In the root of this folder, locate the Setup.ini file and open it with Microsoft® Notepad.
Under [SETUP], modify the line below as follows:

Old line: x64_IMAGE_PATH=x64
New line: x64_IMAGE_PATH=x86
Save and close the Setup.ini file.
In the root of this folder, run the Setup.exe file.

Note: The following is a known feature limitation of AutoCAD® Map 3D 2009 on 64-bit operating systems:

The Map Image Insert command (MAPIINSERT) does not work.

Mr Sid and ECW image format not recognized

Issue

When you open a drawing that contains Mr Sid or ECW images, you find only the image frame is displayed.
In addition, when you try to insert a Mr Sid or ECW image into a drawing using the_MAPIINSERT or _IMAGEATTACH commands, neither Mr Sid nor ECW is listed as a valid raster image format.

Solution

To be able to view and insert Mr Sid or ECW raster images in AutoCAD® Civil 3D® or AutoCAD® Map 3D with the _MAPIINSERT or the AutoCAD _IMAGEATTACH command, you need to download and install the AutoCAD Raster Design xxxx Object Enabler (where xxxx is the version of your product).

Importing ESRI shape file into Civil 3D shows zero elevations

Issue:

When user imported ESRI shape file into Civil 3D, the file inserts fine and all objects have X and Y values, but the elevations are all zero.

Solution:

You cannot import Z values contained in an ESRI shape file directly. However, you can create a DWG file from the ESRI shape file that does contain the correct Z values. Follow these steps for workaround:

Open a new work session in AutoCAD Civil 3D using the Tool-based Geospatial workspace.
In command line type MAPIMPORT.
In the Import Location dialog box, select ESRI Shape from the Import Type drop-down menu and browse to the folder where the shape file you want to import is located. Click OK. Note: If you want to import portion of the data, or know the area you want to cover, set Spatial Filter to current display or Define Window, otherwise choose None
In the Import window, click in the Data field […].
In the Attribute Data dialog box, select Create Object Data and click on Select Fields
In the Object Data Mapping, select the fields that you want written to the object data table (i.e. Elevation).
Click OK to close all dialog boxes and import the file.
After the shape file has been imported, save and close the drawing.
Open a new work session.
To attach the drawing you just saved, from Home ribbon of Geospatial Workspace click Attach and then browse to the drawing you want to attach.

Note: Make sure you have set up a drive alias to access the drive where the drawing is saved.

To define a new query:

On the Home ribbon, click on Define Query button.
In the Define Query dialog box, click Location.
In the Location Condition dialog box, select All, and then click OK.
In the Define Query dialog box, click the Alter Properties button.
In the Set Property Alterations dialog box, click Elevation and then click the Expression button.
In the Select Data dialog box, verify that the Object Data option is selected, and then select the object data field that you want to use as your elevation data. Click OK.
In the Set Property Alterations dialog box, click Add, and then click OK.
In the Define Query dialog box, verify that the Draw option is selected, and then click Execute Query.
Zoom>extent
You can verify the elevation values by looking at an object's properties..
Save the drawing.

MapExport to SHP creates an empty file

Issue

When you use the MAPEXPORT command to export to an ESRI Shape file (*.shp), the resulting SHP file is empty.

Solution

The Export dialog box used when exporting to a SHP file is missing the section that allows you to select the Object Type (Point, Line, Polygon, or Text).
Even if you pick objects from the screen or use the Select All option, the objects will be filtered out because the Object Type is not set.

To resolve this problem, download the included MapExport.ini file and copy it to following folder on your hard drive:
(XP)

\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\C3D 2010

(Vista & Windows 7)

\Program Data\Autodesk\C3D 2010

Improve performance using the 3GB switch

You want to know if there is a way to increase the memory usage of Civil 3D® to improve performance when working with large datasets.

Important AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011 users: To enable the 3GB switch on a 32-bit operating system must first replace the existing acad.exe file. Unzip the following acad.zip file and replace the existing acad.exe in the program directory; for example C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011\.
This should be used for AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011 ONLY and for users experiencing memory related issues on a 32-bit operating system. You must then proceed with the instructions outlined below for enabling the 3GB switch in Windows.
By default, the Windows operating system limits the amount of physical memory available to applications to 2 GB. It reserves the remaining memory for the operating system itself. However, if you have more than 3 GB of physical memory, it is possible to increase the amount of memory available to applications, such as Civil 3D®, to 3 GB.
Autodesk has conducted some preliminary testing on this configuration and has found some improvement in performance when working with larger datasets.
To enable the 3GB switch on Windows XP

Right-click My Computer. Click Properties.
In the System Properties dialog box, click the Advanced tab.
On the Advanced tab, under Startup and Recovery, click Settings.
In the Startup and Recovery dialog box, under System startup, click Edit.
The Windows boot.ini file will be opened in Microsoft® Notepad.
Save a backup copy of the boot.ini file on your computer, in case you need to revert back to the original version of the file.
Note: The contents of the Boot.ini file may vary from computer to computer.
Select the following line in the boot.ini file:multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /fastdetect
Copy (Press CTRL+C) this line and paste (Press CTRL+V) it immediately below the original.
Note: Your string may be different from the string shown. Be sure to copy the string from your boot.ini file, not the string shown here.
Modify the copied line to include “ /3GB”, as shown in the following example.
Note: Do not overwrite any existing lines.multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(2)\WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional 3GB" /3GB /fastdetect
Save the boot.ini file and exit Notepad.
Click OK to close each dialog box.
Restart your computer.
During startup, select the 3GB option. If you do not select the 3GB option, the system will default to the 2GB memory setting.

If there are problems during startup, you may need to update some of your drivers.
To enable the 3GB switch on Windows 7 & Vista™

Right-click Command Prompt in the Accessories program group of the Start menu. Click Run as Administrator.
On the command line, enter "bcdedit /set IncreaseUserVa 3072"
Restart the computer.

Disable the autoload of Map 3D files to improve performance

Issue

By default, when Civil 3D starts, it loads all the Map 3D functions. This does result in an increased memory load of appproximately 85 MB on your computer. If you are experiencing performance, stability or Out of Memory issues, and don't often use Map 3D commands, you can disable them autoloading to increase available memory.
Solution

The zip file below is a Windows Script File (.wsf), which will toggle on/off autoloading of Map 3D files on startup of Civil 3D. You can create two desktop icons, one which will toggle off autoloading and another which will toggle back on autoloading.

Note: this file makes a change in the User registry settings, so permissions to edit the User registry settings is required.

To use this function:

1. Save and unzip the file below to a specific location on your computer
2. Right-click on Civil3DMapControl.wsf, and select "Create Shortcut"
3. Right-click on the Shortcut icon created, and select "Properties"
4. On the General tab, in the upper field, enter an appropriate name, like Civil 3D with Map - Disable
5. On the Shortcut tab, make one of the following additions to the end of the Target field (note there should be a space after the "...\Civil3DMapControl.wsf" entry):

If autoloading is disabled, you can always manually load all the Map files during a current session by typing "_MapStartWSpace" on the command line (do not try to run Map commands without doing this first, or Civil 3D will crash). The next time you start Civil 3D, it will still disable autoloading.

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Wednesday, March 9, 2011

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Monday, March 7, 2011

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Saturday, March 5, 2011

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Thursday, March 3, 2011

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When you attempted to access items on the File menu, the following error message was displayed and the program stopped responding:

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Tuesday, March 1, 2011

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System Requirements

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