XREF and the Support File Search Path (does it search subdirectories?)

[majesus]

Sometimes I have to open & print layout dwgs from our client’s network, so what we usual do is download the entire project's directory onto our computer via FTP and then print them off using the "publish" command. No problems there.
However, sometimes these drawings have xrefs from many disciplines in different directories (\elect, \civil, \mech, \mining... etc.) Unfortunately, the client uses full path xrefs and not relative path, which is a PITA, so when I open them, the original drawings have xrefs with invalid directory locations. Now since I have the entire project’s directory on my HD, I want to tell Autocad to automatically search that directory for the missing xref. So I went to Options, Support File Search Path, and pointed Autocad to the project’s working directory. However, Autocad will only search the main directory for the xrefs and not the project's subdirectories. I tested it, and the xrefs don't load up (Autocad command windows says can't find xrefs.) However is go into option, support file search path and BORWSE the exact subdirectory location of the xref, it works. But, I have to do that for the many different disciplines.
So how do get Autocad to search the subdirectories?
I appreciate the help. Thanks

 

[ctopher]

Why not just recreate the xref and browse to the proper directory? That's if you have access to their server. Next time someone send you a dwg with xref's, have them use eTransmit.

Chris
SolidWorks 07 4.0/PDMWorks 07
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 04-21-07)

 

[majesus]

While I do appriciate you taking the time to offer suggestions, I did mention that I download them from their server via FTP and someone isn't sending them to me. Otherwise, I would get them to etransmit, exactly as I I do when I send my dwg out.

Also, I do not want to recreate the xref and browse to their proper directory. That's cumbersome. I was looking for a method that has a more automatic way. Say I have 15 xrefs in 5 different directories due to the different disciplines (Mech\, mining\, civil\, layout\, enviro\) I must direct autocad to each specific directory where the xrefs are located. Instead I wish I could just tell autocad to search the main directory and all its subdirectories. That would make things significantly easier.

 

[ctopher]

Try typing "\\your subdirectory\your sub-subdirectory". Skipping your drive letter and main directory. Somehow I have seen this work before.
But, if you are receiving thri FTP, the xrefs will be on the sender's server. You will need access to their server anyway you look at it to xref their dwg.

Chris
SolidWorks 07 4.0/PDMWorks 07
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 04-21-07)

 

[chicopee]

Just a hunch try to add this old DOS command c:\*.* in the support file search path.