topic Re: File Locking issues-AutoCAD Architecture in Installation & Licensing Forum

File Locking issues-AutoCAD Architecture

cmckillipHFDWW — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 14:55:12 GMT

I have been pushing CAD now for 37 years, so this one is kind of stumping me. We have a Architectural Office of 10 CAD users, We work thru several projects on a weekly basis. We recently updated our NAS - WD PR4100 12TB to a DELL Server. This was done to update our current equipment. Our "NEW TO US" IT department wanted us to utilize sharepoint as the cloud service - We needed VPN Access along with ech user to have a user. Do to reading several issues with Sharepoint the IT Department sold us a Server to be installed.

ISSUE: I can open a DWG File, I can edit - I can open multiple x-refs inside the file. IF another user opens the file it isnt "Read Only" anymore. User #2 can edit and save the file - thus locks the file I am editing as read only.

This is random at times. I use sheetset to manage our files, I also use Windows Explorer as most others use.

I am loosing data - IT is trying now to sell us software that we have to check out drawings due to WEBDAV

FROM IT:

Your NAS uses apps designed specifically for it like WebDAV and CIFS interfaces. It also manages Oplocks itself outside of the boundaries of SMB which is what Windows uses.

I’m looking at solutions now that may be added to the server to enable WebDAV features such as locking/checking in and out files as well as seamless sharing.

One of the more promising interfaces I’ve come across is FileRun… it might help to get your thoughts on it from the Live Demo and tell me if it’s a path you’d like me to follow.

Re: File Locking issues-AutoCAD Architecture

pendean — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 18:48:09 GMT

NAS? Those are not WindowsOS Servers, aka a traditional server, NAS lack of file locking are a known issue, read all about them here:
https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Autodesk-support-for-Network-Attached-Storage-NAS-and-Storage-Area-Networks-SAN.html

and the highlighted section that your IT says is not an option
https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Support-for-non-Microsoft-networks.html#:~:text=Autodesk%20products%20are%20designed%20to%20conform%20to%20Microsoft%20Network%20API%20standards.%20All%20other%20networks%20that%20are%20not%20Microsoft%20networks%20are%20considered%20third%2Dparty%20network%20connectivity%20products.

Re: File Locking issues-AutoCAD Architecture

Darin.Green — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 18:53:14 GMT

Hi @cmckillipHFDWW

Your IT team needs to understand how AutoCAD drawings are saved before investigating other solutions.

AutoCAD file save process (autodesk.com)

In the past, users have seen these same issues while working on documents that have file replication software or file scanning application. When files are scanned/check/copied, the lock files are orphaned or deleted and it allow others to take over editing... Which you're seeing now.

Solution, I recommend using Autodesk Vault which is designed for this very reason. It's a check-in/check-out data management solution but gives you more control of versioning, lifecycles, categorizations, etc. Another option if Autodesk BIM or Construction Cloud which are web-based data/project management.

Re: File Locking issues-AutoCAD Architecture

cmckillipHFDWW — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 19:15:11 GMT

Re read - I re-placed the NAS with a Dell Rack Server!

Thanks for not helping at all.

Re: File Locking issues-AutoCAD Architecture

Darin.Green — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 19:23:30 GMT

@cmckillipHFDWW

Did you review Autodesk Vault? Because you have AutoCAD, you automatically get access to Vault Basic at no extra cost to you. Basic would be all you need for check-in/out drawings. The Professional version gives you much more. Check it out: Vault Features | 2025 Features | Autodesk

Re: File Locking issues-AutoCAD Architecture

Simon_Weel — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 07:33:04 GMT

What OS is this new Dell server running?

And what is Sharepoint used for?