Cannot Find/Delete Xref Datalink Tables

[Anonymous]

Hello all,

I included three tables from different excel spreadsheets in previous revisions of a drawing. When I access the "Reference Manager" and try to delete the datalinks, I get the message that the datalink is being used, and that I need to delete all tables before I can delete the xref. I've searched throughout my modelspace and paperspace drawings to find any versions of the table (turned on all layers). I cannot seem to find any of these tables referenced anywhere.

Does anyone have any recommendations as to how to find and delete these tables from my drawing? Could they be invisible/locked somehow?

[maxim_k · Accepted solution]

Welcome to Autodesk Forums!

Hi,

At first I'd suggest you to try to use Quick Select feature to find data link tables in your drawing: in the Quick Select window open objects drop-down list and look at it. If you will see tables- try to locate them in the drawing.
If there is no data link tables in the drawing other than the first one in the XREF palette, than try to use AUDIT command to find and repair errors.
You can also try to use -WBLOCK command (yes with dash in front of its name) to save all your drawing to the new file on the disk - use * option to accomplish this. With this method all unused data in the drawing will be purged.

Maxim

[Anonymous]

Maxim,

The -WBLOCK (* option) worked for me. I went through the drawing with the qselect window and was able to find a few hidden items, but no "Tables" in my drawing or modelspace anywhere. Also tried AUDIT command with no errors found. I think there must've been a bug with my file or xrefs.

Either way, I was able to eliminate all xref errors by -WBLOCK. I appreciate the help!

[a00812364]

Wanted to throw my two-cents in.

I deleted the sheet that my data links were in, and I was able to remove all my data links except one. 

It gave me the "Data link is in use and cannot be removed" message.

Unfortunately the above steps could not locate my 'ghostly' table for me.

Just by pure luck, I ended up resolving the issue by:

- Tools (tab) > Data Links > Write Data Link

- Cancelled out of that command

- Datalinkmanager (command)

- Right click link, delete

- Deleted!

My guess is that 'write data link' reset the data links and then allowed me to remove it.

Strange work around, hopefully it was a one-time thing.

Thanks!