AutoCAD Civil 3D

[#1]

Does anyone have experience moving C3D projects to a new server, specifically regarding data shortcuts?

For example, current projects live in: \\server\share\xxx\proj_number\

Soon, that path will be \\A_new_server\\shareB\proj_number\design\

Upon internal inspection, the data shortcuts are storing the full path and a relative path. Based on our initial tests, C3D is resolving the path to the source drawing using the relative path, even though the "full path" stored in the data shortcut is invalid.

I don't think we will need to use the "Data ShortCuts Editor" to fix the paths as long as the relative directory structure remains intact.

If you have done this, comments welcome. Thanks!

[#2]

The relative paths will work fine as long as the old path no longer exists.

Just make sure the old path cannot be resolved or you are opening a BIG can of worms.

Not sure, but I would assume you would get a little perfomance boost if the full paths were fixed since it appears that is where C3D looks to first find the definition file.

[#3]

Yes, the old path all the way back to the server name, will not exist.  IOW, the project(s) will be on "A" one day and "B" the next (at which time "A" will go away).

Thanks!

[#4]

There is option of datashortcut editor under start>>autodesk>>
It is same like x-ref manager in autocad.
This works fine for me, hope we do same for you.

[#5]

Wow glad to see thats working. I put a new server in here around August. I was very afraid to take those bold steps. I mapped the same path to the new server. Left all current and old projects in the old folder structure and began placing new projects in the new folder structure. Old files have no issue finding D'ref or x'refs. It is pretty cool to learn that the drefs resolve. You may still have xref issues if a user did not have relative path selected, no? This was another fear of mine. Users are pretty lax here at times with pathing and overlay vs attachment.  

[#6]

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nilesh33 wrote:
There is option of datashortcut editor under start>>autodesk>>

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As I mentioned, I don't want to have to do that for hundreds of projects.

And as I discovered and Mike R. confirmed, it looks like we won't have to.

[#7]

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johnm wrote:

You may still have xref issues if a user did not have relative path selected, no? This was another fear of mine. Users are pretty lax here at times with pathing and overlay vs attachment.  

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Ha... I've been preaching relative paths for years, knowing that someday it would become very important... 

Well, that day is getting near and everyone is scrambling to get their projects fixed...

Actually, the majority of our referenced files are in the same directory as the parent, so it shouldn't be that bad anyway.