Visibility of sketches

[aj2004]

Hi,

I'm using SolidWorks 2003 for the first time (in a long, long time). When I make a sketch some lines and parts of arcs and circles are not visible. How do I make all sketch lines and arcs visible? I'm sure it's just a setting of some sort.
Thank you in advance for your help.

aj

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Have had similar problem in the past. Updating the graphic/video card driver fixed the problem.

Make sure the card you are using is SW compatible.

http://www.solidworks.com/pages/services/VideoCardTesting.html

from (the City of) Barrie, Ontario.

Everyone has a photographic memory. Some just don't have film.

 

[DHALE1]

To check and see if it is the video card, or for a temporary solution. Make sure you have nothing open. Then you can go into "tools" pull-down menu and choose options. Under the system options tab find performance. At the bottom of the performance tab you will find a checkbox for "use software openGL". Make sure to put a check in that box. Your lines and arcs should appear. If they do, then follow Corblimeylimey's advice.

 

[aj2004]

Thanks for the suggestions but SolidWorks does not allow me to choose "use software OpenGL", the box is greyed out. Do I have to install OpenGL first? I was under the impression that OpenGL came standard with Windows 2000, which is what I'm running.

Thanks in advance for your help.

aj

 

[DHALE1]

Is the box already checked and greyed out? Otherwise, make sure that you do not have any SolidWorks documents open. With no documents open select the tools pull-down menu and options. By checking this box, it uses the software to render the graphics instead of your graphics card. Since, your graphics card might not be compatible, this will allow you to keep working. I have had to do this to lap tops, because the cards that come standard are usually not compatible or good enough to run SolidWorks. I also have had to do this to a few desktops in the office, until we were able to fix their graphics cards.

 

[SBaugh]

If you don't have any files open, just the SW Application and the box is still greyed out. Then that means your video card doesn't support OpenGL. Most likly your problem is your video card if this is the case.

Another test is to RMB your Desktop and go to Properties\Settings\Advanced (button)\Troubleshoot (Tab) - Pull the slider bar from Full to None. This turns the Hardware acceleration down. Turning this down is equivalent to restarting in VGA mode. If your sketches come back by doing this, then your problem is your video card.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.3dvisiontech.com

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

faq731-376

 

[aj2004]

It was the video card. I just had to close all documents and use the OpenGL option.
Thank you all for your help!!