Windows explorer - Drag & Drop not working

[Hochanz]

preface:

new install of Autocad 2012 and 2014 here at the office.

problem:

I cannot drag and drop from windows explorer into autocad (2012 or 2014).

here is the list of files so far that will not work...

LSP, DWG, SCR, TXT, JPG

I get the black circle with a line through it.

Drag and drop works fine in TEXTPAD, Microsoft office products and between folder.

help !!

[rkmcswain]

When you drag a DWG from Explorer, where are you dropping it?
Dropping it on the title bar is different that dropping it in the editor window.

Having said that, I have seen on occasion where drag+drop does what you say. The next restart or next day (didn't really pay attention) - it starts working again.

[GTVic]

If you run AutoCAD "as administrator" or in a compatibility mode that requires UAC elevation then drag and drop will not work as Explorer is running under different permissions.

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/patricka/archive/2010/01/28/q-why-doesn-t-drag-and-drop-work-when-my-applica...

[pendean]

Windows 8/8.1?
Are you in a restricted WInodws User account? Is UAC on in Windows?

[Hochanz]

Windows 7

i don't know if there are restrictions. Everything else works fine.

I have an admin permission level, as I am the Autocad Admin

[Hochanz]

Neither.

Autocad is being run as follows (custom config):

Desktop icon.

Launch works like this

ICON -> VBS -> BAT -> ACAD.LSP -> START …exe /nolog /p …arg

---

I will try compatibility mode. what should i set it to?

[Hochanz]

i simply cannot drop it anywhere.

i've dragged it around Autocad everywhere.

This is the same for all other file types i have tried to drag into autocad.

file associations have not been changed.

Double clicking on the drawing file in windows explorer does launch the last run Autocad.

this works.

I also know that the following setting exist for 2014 (but remember, it does not work in 2012 either):

SECURELOAD 0

TRUSTEDPATHS = NONE

[GTVic]

I was saying that compatibility mode could be the problem. So I don't recommend trying that.

Try running AutoCAD using the standard shortcut first and see if that solves the problem.

Also you can locate acad.exe, view the properties for that file in the compatibility tab and report what the settings are.

[pendean]

This has a few solutions that work for your problem with other programs: http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/15038-i-can-t-drag-drop.html

[Hochanz]

the acad.exe file (2012 and 2014) show the same settings as your screen capture.

no compatibility changes.

[GTVic]

Since you appear to be using START.EXE in your custom shortcut, I suggest again that you start AutoCAD normally to see if the problem still occurs. Double-click acad.exe to start AutoCAD and then see if drag and drop works.

[Hochanz]

ran autocad from

acad.exe

no fix - still not working.

starting to wonder if its a custom acad.lsp or acad2014.lsp

nothing stands out in either that might create the issue.

[Hochanz]

GTVic

thats not a START.EXE

its START ...EXE

I did not post the entire contents of my startup routine.

just a bare bones flowchart.

it works fine and Autocad loads up with the proper profile required for each instance or project.

[GTVic]

Steve, could you provide information on the Operating System. 32-bit or 64-bit versions of AutoCAD, etc.

If someone else logs into the same computer do they have the same problem, preferrably without customizing the AutoCAD profile, startup, etc.

Or, I would try running from acad.exe, create a new profile in the OPTIONS dialog, reset the profile, shut down AutoCAD, make sure no customized acad.lsp, acaddoc.lsp, etc. are being used, start from acad.exe again and test to make sure it is not the profile customization or modified startup file that is casuing the problem.

[Hochanz]

Latest update:     still not working...

Windows 7 - 64bit

I have tried this on several units, it all acts the same. (good question) - this is why i believe its a windows permissions issue.

ran a test with a base setup - no profile (straight off the    acad.exe   file) - no luck

no customization. i do not believe this is an autocad issue.

[GTVic]

Do you see the message below when you start AutoCAD, or a request to enter a password? That indicates AutoCAD is running with elevated permissions and UAC is turned on.

Also, what is the setting for Control Panel > System and Security > Change User Account Control Settings. There are four possible levels in that dialog.

If you are admin on your machine you could try creating a local user account with default privileges, or get your systems admin to do this as a test. That could confirm it is a permissions issue. But there is no setting to disable drag and drop. I think the only issue can be that acad.exe and explorer.exe are running under different privileges. Try a free Windows Explorer replacement to see if Explorer is the issue. http://www.zabkat.com/x2down.htm

[Hochanz]

GTVic

UAC settings are set to Never notify (bottom).

I do not see that message when i start autocad.

I agree (from what i found online) that different permission levels for software and windows folders could be the culprit here.

i will speak to our IT ADMIN about testing another local user account option.

in the mean time, i will try the downloadable explorer as a test.

i read something about this online in another forum.

[Hochanz]

GTVic

the downloaded test explorer and... it WORKED.

I am able to do the following:

1. drag dwg files into autocad

2. drag lisp routines into autocad ( and they work )

3. drag txt files into autocad

Does this mean we have an issue with 

FOLDER PERMISSIONS    vs.    AUTOCAD PERMISSIONS

[GTVic]

I would set this to "always notify" for a test, then restart the computer and start AutoCAD and see if you get any new dialogs popping up. AutoCAD could be running at a different permission level and you would not notice because it is set to "never notify".

What is UAC and why you should never turn it off

[GTVic]

There is also a setting that is not supposed to affect this but could be for some odd reason.

Right-click Start Menu, select Properties, select Start Menu tab, select Customize ...

Look for the Enable context menus and dragging and dropping

- If this is OFF then turn it ON

- If this is ON then turn it OFF, close all dialogs, then go back in and turn it back ON