Errors from Mixing Data References and External References

[tspoon005]

Before I describe my problem, here is the background.  

1. A "MODEL" drawing exists that contains only the surface model.  
2. The surface model is data referenced into a "LABEL" drawing that contains the surface style (contours), contour labels, and spot elevations.  
3. This "LABEL" drawing is xref-ed into a "SHEET" drawing that contains the title block and some other xrefs containing the proposed layout, ex cond, etc..

When I open the "LABELS" drawing, the data reference works.  My problem is that when I open the "SHEET" drawing, the contour labels and spot elevations cannot find the referenced surface and just contain a string of 20 or so characters.

I already have a workaround.  If I open the "SHEET" drawing, then open the "LABELS" drawing and save it, I can reload the "LABELS" drawing within the "SHEET" drawing and the problem is solved.

HOWEVER, I have a bunch of sheets that I want to publish, and publish does not work when you have to open the file and re-reference everything.  Is there anyway to get this reference working correctly so that I do not have to open multiple drawings to get my data correct?

FYI, I have already tried resetting my data shortcuts project folder, validating data shortcuts, etc. in the "LABELS" and "SHEET" drawings.

Any insights are appreciated.

Thanks,

Tom

Civil 3D 2012, SP 2.1

[Jay_B]

Could be a number of things but if you have Pipe Network source drawings attached to the drawings that aren't syncing properly look at this This thread.

[tspoon005]

Any recommendations on how I can isolate the problem?