Can't See a Dang Thing (unless I add a text box)

[David Neale]

Day One with Vectorworks 2009.

I can see all my pallettes but I cannot see the reference grid (Yes I did click "display grid") nor any 2D or 3D objects I create.....UNLESS I add a text box. Yes, I know this sounds totally random but when I create a text box, suddenly I can see all lines and shapes previously drawn as well as the reference grid. This happens both with new files and when I open old ones. I've been running Vectorworks 12 for years but never had this problem. I am running Windows XP on a Compaq with a Pentium 4. Any thoughts?

[Jim Smith]

Little more info would help. Does this happen in a Design Layer, Annotation ? What view have you chosen Top Plan? Front? What are your grids set to? What about Class or Layer visibility?

[David Neale]

Thanks for the reply Jim. It happens with every file I open or create. I have tried all views and all workspaces. Changing the scale or grid size has no effect, nor does zooming in or out. I have turned on and off Class/ Layer visibility to no avail. But when I create a text box, the grid and all objects in the file become perfectly visible! It's pretty crazy. I tried installing the same software (the same disc I used on my desk top) on my lap top. The problem does not occur there. I am wondering if this could be a video card issue. Again though, with the same video card I had no problems with VW12. Curiouser and curiouser...

[Ray Libby]

Vectorworks 2009 needs a lot more horsepower than VW12, especially the video card.

It would help to know more specs on your computer. Please create a signature with your version of Vectorworks including service packs and computer specs including OS, video card, video drivers. Click on the My Stuff link at the top, Edit Profile. With a signature the info will be attached to every post making it easier/possible to help.

[David Neale]

Does this help?

[David Neale]

Am I alone in having this problem? I'm currently running VW12.0 on the same machine and having no similar issues. I'd really like to start using VW2009. Help!!! Again, no problems on my laptop. Can anyone point me in a direction towards finding the root of the problem? I am out of ideas. (and hair to pull!)

[mike m oz]

David your computer specs look to be inadequate. Particularly so with the amount of RAM and the graphics card that you have.

The recommended requirements are listed here:

http://kbase.vectorworks.net/questions/344/Vectorworks+2009+System+Requirements

[David Neale]

Thanks. I'll do some shopping and beef it up a little and then post the results.