Help with Unknown Autocad 2000 file import

[Greg P.]

Hello Vectorworks users,

I need some help importing AutoCAD 2000 files into Vectorworks Spotlight 9.5.2.

First I am a lighting consultant and designer that started my "drafting" (I use the term drafting very loosely) career on Minicad 6 upgrading to the current VW Spotlight 9.5.2.

Having said that, the reason I am a Vectorworks fan is that it runs well on my Mac and Spotlight is very easy for me to design without having to be a draftsman.

Unfortunately as my business has evolved it has pulled me into designing for new buildings and more into the world of architects and engineers.

Normally I get DWG files emailed to me and I open them with no problems, today I got sent a file with a bunch of AutoCAD "junk" that I have never seen before.

The files are as follows:

acad.fmp

AIA(256) Scale 96.ctb

architxt.shx

ARIALBD.TTF

ltypeshp.shx

romans.shx

Sections Master.dwg

Sections Master.txt

simplex.shx

txt.shx

The text file gave the following instructions:

=================================

Transmittal Report Created by AutoCAD eTransmit 01:35PM Monday, November 04, 2002

Drawing

This is a transmittal based on Plans Master.dwg

Notes Floor Plan Master

Files

Root Drawing

G:\2001205-00\A\7-CD\Plans Master.dwg

AutoCAD Font Map References

C:\Program Files\Autodesk Architectural Desktop 3\support\acad.fmp

AutoCAD Compiled Shape References

C:\Program Files\Autodesk Architectural Desktop 3\support\simplex.shx

C:\Program Files\Autodesk Architectural Desktop 3\fonts\txt.shx

I:\hand.shx

C:\Program Files\Autodesk Architectural Desktop 3\support\ltypeshp.shx

I:\x-hand1h.shx

I:\architxt.shx

C:\Program Files\Autodesk Architectural Desktop 3\fonts\romans.shx

TrueType Font file References

C:\WINNT\FONTS\FUTURAL.TTF

AutoCAD Color-dependent Plot Style Table File References

C:\Program Files\Autodesk Architectural Desktop 3\Plot Styles\A_Martha's Laserjet.ctb

AutoCAD Plotter Configuration File References

C:\Program Files\Autodesk Architectural Desktop 3\plotters\Martha_s LaserJet.pc3

The following files could not be located:

L:\LIDE\AERIAL\aerial_1.tif

Conversion

All drawing files were converted to AutoCAD 2000/LT2000 format.

Notes for distribution

.SHX fonts

Please copy these fonts to the AutoCAD Fonts directory and check with the font manufacturer about distribution rights. Fonts supplied with AutoCAD are freely distributable.

.TTF fonts

TTF fonts must be registered with the Operating System. To register, copy these files to the system fonts folder or use the fonts application in the Control Panel. Check with the font manufacturer about distribution rights. Fonts supplied with AutoCAD are freely distributable.

.PC3 printer configuration files

Please copy these files to the AutoCAD Printer Configuration Search Path directory

..CTB/.STB plot style tables

Please copy these files to the AutoCAD Plot Style Table Search Path directory.

The AutoCAD variable FONTALT was set to

C:\Program Files\Autodesk Architectural Desktop 3\support\simplex.shx

Please make sure that the FONTALT variable is set to this file or an equivalent before opening any drawings. All text styles with missing fonts are automatically set to this font.

==================================

When I try to import the DWG file Vectorworks gives me a "Critical openDWG error. You will be given an opportunity to save each open file which has been modified." After going through the save dialog VW shuts down.

Questions:

1. What did I get sent?

2. Is this an X-ref type of file?

3. Can I open it with Vectorworks and if so how?

4. Would an upgrade to VW 10 help me?

5. If I need to get a new file sent how do I communicate what I need done in AutoCAD to the originator of the file so that I can read it.

I?m sorry this post is so long but I know very little about AutoCAD and I am looking for some guidance.

Thank you very much!

Sincerely,

Greg Persinger

System Info

B&W G3

192M RAM

OS9.2.2

[Guest]

SHX and TTF are fonts. The SHX is exclusive to AutoCad and cannot be used for VW. When you import the AC file, you'll be asked to map those fonts to one of your system fonts.

The TTF file is a True Type font which you can install on your computer. Simply save this file to your fonts folder. Since it's a PC font though, there's a chance you won't be able to use it.

The DWG file is the actual AC file. AC files can come in two formats - DWG and DXF. One is the acutal AC file, the other is a text file basically.

The CTB file is not something you can use either.

Basically, ignore everything except the DXG or DWG file since that's all you'll import.

[Greg P.]

Katie,

Thanks for your reply. I kind of assumed I should ignore all but the DWG file but why am I getting the error message?

Any thoughts?

-Greg

[Guest]

Greg, I missed that part of the post.

I don't know why you are getting that message. There could be an unlimited number of reasons.

Email the DWG file to me at tech@nemetschek.net and put it to my attention. I'll take a look at it in VW import and in AutoCad to see if I can find the problem.