AutoCAD 2018 Crash Tracker

[jwinklerSB4SV]

I have decided to start this post to keep track of AutoCAD crashes.

My company has purchased a brand new machine, specifically designed and enhanced for Autodesk 2018 products.  We have purchased the Architectural Engineering Package, including AutoCAD 2018.   We researched and found out about the service packs/updates and installed.  We have installed the latest version of Windows 10, automatically updated.  We are paying a 3rd party company handling our virus protection and they are very experienced with Autodesk products. I continue to experience AutoCAD crashes on a daily basis.

I spend at least 1hr per day researching solutions on the AutoCAD forum.  I have followed the forum tips where users are given a list of hundreds of settings to shut off to make AutoCAD stop crashing.  Most of the tips are system variables which the average user would know nothing about.  In most cases, users are told that there are changes that need to be made on THEIR systems - as if it was the user's fault.  Recommendations like shutting of the file tab previews, shutting off the graphics card enhancements, shutting off various in-system apps, shutting off internet help.  If these fancy features make a brand new top-of the line workstation crash, why are we paying for them?

I have worked with AutoCAD since before Microsoft Windows was available, and I have experienced crashing, and performance slow-downs more frequently with each new version.  Not to mention, time is lost learning the new interface for every version.  But enough about that.....

I have a good opportunity, because I am starting here with a clean slate.  We easily meet AutoDesks' recommendations for system requirements and this machine has never been used for anything else.  Windows 10 is automatically updated - including our new state of the art graphics card.  If AutoCAD crashes  ---- it is probably not because of anything on this end.

I want to get to the bottom of it.  I have some general theories.

1.  AutoCAD 2018 has not been adequately tested with Windows 10.

2.  AutoCAD is communicating via the internet to a spotty website or information source.

3.  Windows Update activity is causing unexpected problems with AutoCAD.

I will attempt to update this post with every crash - starting with Today's unexplained crash.  Please do not bother to send me recommendations about settings to change etc.  I have read them all and applied more than enough.

2018 02-02 Unexplained Crash when switching from model space to paper space (All my thumbnails previews are shut off, and layout tabs are shut off.)  No other applications open except Windows Explorer and Internet Explorer.  3 AutoCAD dwgs open, 2 layout tabs each.

[jwinklerSB4SV]

I have decided to start this post to keep track of AutoCAD crashes.

My company has purchased a brand new machine, specifically designed and enhanced for Autodesk 2018 products.  We have purchased the Architectural Engineering Package, including AutoCAD 2018.   We researched and found out about the service packs/updates and installed.  We have installed the latest version of Windows 10, automatically updated.  We are paying a 3rd party company handling our virus protection and they are very experienced with Autodesk products. I continue to experience AutoCAD crashes on a daily basis.

I spend at least 1hr per day researching solutions on the AutoCAD forum.  I have followed the forum tips where users are given a list of hundreds of settings to shut off to make AutoCAD stop crashing.  Most of the tips are system variables which the average user would know nothing about.  In most cases, users are told that there are changes that need to be made on THEIR systems - as if it was the user's fault.  Recommendations like shutting of the file tab previews, shutting off the graphics card enhancements, shutting off various in-system apps, shutting off internet help.  If these fancy features make a brand new top-of the line workstation crash, why are we paying for them?

I have worked with AutoCAD since before Microsoft Windows was available, and I have experienced crashing, and performance slow-downs more frequently with each new version.  Not to mention, time is lost learning the new interface for every version.  But enough about that.....

I have a good opportunity, because I am starting here with a clean slate.  We easily meet AutoDesks' recommendations for system requirements and this machine has never been used for anything else.  Windows 10 is automatically updated - including our new state of the art graphics card.  If AutoCAD crashes  ---- it is probably not because of anything on this end.

I want to get to the bottom of it.  I have some general theories.

1.  AutoCAD 2018 has not been adequately tested with Windows 10.

2.  AutoCAD is communicating via the internet to a spotty website or information source.

3.  Windows Update activity is causing unexpected problems with AutoCAD.

I will attempt to update this post with every crash - starting with Today's unexplained crash.  Please do not bother to send me recommendations about settings to change etc.  I have read them all and applied more than enough.

2018 02-02 Unexplained Crash when switching from model space to paper space (All my thumbnails previews are shut off, and layout tabs are shut off.)  No other applications open except Windows Explorer and Internet Explorer.  3 AutoCAD dwgs open, 2 layout tabs each.

[jwinklerSB4SV]

It's the usual problem.  AutoCAD is overwhelmed when I try to go from the "Model" tab to a paperspace tab - It seems to fail during regeneration of the Thumbnail preview for the Paperspace tab.  I work mostly in Modelspace, and then switch to a tab when it's time to print.  I have attached the log file.

[jwinklerSB4SV]

It's the usual problem.  AutoCAD is overwhelmed when I try to go from the "Model" tab to a paperspace tab - It seems to fail during regeneration of the Thumbnail preview for the Paperspace tab.  I work mostly in Modelspace, and then switch to a tab when it's time to print.  I have attached the log file.

[john.vellek]

HI @jwinklerSB4SV,

The log shows your commands but it does not identify the problem.  Did you check the drawing for errors?

[john.vellek]

HI @jwinklerSB4SV,

The log shows your commands but it does not identify the problem.  Did you check the drawing for errors?

[jose]

I did a software Repair through Windows Control Panel and the speed on
AutoCAD Architecture 2018 improved, before it was extremely slow.
The program still crashes when I'm working on paperspace and I grab a
dimension from a grip point. Also, ACA and MEP 2018 performance
gets very slow after working inside the block editor. I have to close the
program and restart it in order to get back to regular speed.
I didn't experience any of these issues in the 2017 version, hopefully it
gets resolved ASAP. It seems Autodesk is now focusing in their 2019 products
and may leave all the required fixes just hanging there.

[jose]

I did a software Repair through Windows Control Panel and the speed on
AutoCAD Architecture 2018 improved, before it was extremely slow.
The program still crashes when I'm working on paperspace and I grab a
dimension from a grip point. Also, ACA and MEP 2018 performance
gets very slow after working inside the block editor. I have to close the
program and restart it in order to get back to regular speed.
I didn't experience any of these issues in the 2017 version, hopefully it
gets resolved ASAP. It seems Autodesk is now focusing in their 2019 products
and may leave all the required fixes just hanging there.

[jwinklerSB4SV]

2018-04-13  AutoCAD continues to crash on me every day I use it.  It's always during a switch between modelspace and paperspace.  I have installed all updates.  AutoCAD is guaranteed to crash on the first try if I have left the drawing open overnite.  I have now resigned to just hitting save every time before using the PSPACE or MSPACE command, then I use Ctrl-Alt-Delete and End Task every time it crashes.

[jwinklerSB4SV]

2018-04-13  AutoCAD continues to crash on me every day I use it.  It's always during a switch between modelspace and paperspace.  I have installed all updates.  AutoCAD is guaranteed to crash on the first try if I have left the drawing open overnite.  I have now resigned to just hitting save every time before using the PSPACE or MSPACE command, then I use Ctrl-Alt-Delete and End Task every time it crashes.

[john.vellek]

Hi @jwinklerSB4SV,

I am sorry to see that you are still having problems running AutoCAD 2018 in Windows 10.

Please let me know your current WINVER and your current graphics driver.

Most often crashes when switching tabs is because of a corrupt layout.  I suspect that you need to check your drawing and the template that was used to create it.

Is there a reason you leave files open overnight? Are the files located locally or on a network? Please try working locally to see if this improves the behavior. What kind of network are you using?

I no longer have your NFO. Please remind me which security software is in use.  Can you temporarily disable it to see if that alters the behavior?

I really would like to get to the root of what might be causing this behavior as most customers never experience this issue.  When your application crashes do you have the opportunity to submit a crash report? If so, please give me the report number so I can take a look at it for you.

[john.vellek]

Hi @jwinklerSB4SV,

I am sorry to see that you are still having problems running AutoCAD 2018 in Windows 10.

Please let me know your current WINVER and your current graphics driver.

Most often crashes when switching tabs is because of a corrupt layout.  I suspect that you need to check your drawing and the template that was used to create it.

Is there a reason you leave files open overnight? Are the files located locally or on a network? Please try working locally to see if this improves the behavior. What kind of network are you using?

I no longer have your NFO. Please remind me which security software is in use.  Can you temporarily disable it to see if that alters the behavior?

I really would like to get to the root of what might be causing this behavior as most customers never experience this issue.  When your application crashes do you have the opportunity to submit a crash report? If so, please give me the report number so I can take a look at it for you.

[jwinklerSB4SV · Accepted solution]

Never fails to crash on first MSPACE or PSPACE command if I have left AutoCAD open overnight.  Since it is so predictable, I have just decided to close and re-open AutoCAD on a daily basis.  Seems like AutoCAD is doing something during idle time that overwhelms the CPU or graphic card after a period of time.  Don't have time to investigate this any more.

[jwinklerSB4SV · Accepted solution]

Never fails to crash on first MSPACE or PSPACE command if I have left AutoCAD open overnight.  Since it is so predictable, I have just decided to close and re-open AutoCAD on a daily basis.  Seems like AutoCAD is doing something during idle time that overwhelms the CPU or graphic card after a period of time.  Don't have time to investigate this any more.

[jwinklerSB4SV]

All of these processes lead to AutoCAD's web browser  "Acwebrowser.exe."  I don't think I need AutoCAD to connect to the internet.  I am trying to do 2D line drawings for electrical plans.

I have disabled online help files, disabled Communication Center notificiations.  Why does AutoCAD have 6 processes connected to the internet.  I have searched the forums and found lots of similar complaints, but NEVER an explanation of what these are doing or how to shut them off.

I am still crashing daily if I leave my computer on overnight, and I strongly suspect it has to do with an interruption in one of AutoCAD's useless, but forced, internet connections (maybe my network security does not allow overnight internet connection?).  Others in my company have mentioned the same, but are too busy to complain or seek help.

Here is the log file message I see daily (if I look):

8/29/2018 9:03:25 AM: Configuration Read from: C:\Users\---------\AppData\Local\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2018\R22.0\enu\Support\infocenter.xml
8/29/2018 9:03:28 AM: ICommunicationCenterConnector.SubAwareServiceUrl does not contain valid URL.
 Attempting to load from registry
8/29/2018 9:03:28 AM: Polling:2 threads started
8/29/2018 9:03:28 AM: SubStatus: Polling...
8/29/2018 9:05:00 AM: SubStatus: Server Response not defined
8/29/2018 9:05:00 AM: Polling: All threads finished

[jwinklerSB4SV]

All of these processes lead to AutoCAD's web browser  "Acwebrowser.exe."  I don't think I need AutoCAD to connect to the internet.  I am trying to do 2D line drawings for electrical plans.

I have disabled online help files, disabled Communication Center notificiations.  Why does AutoCAD have 6 processes connected to the internet.  I have searched the forums and found lots of similar complaints, but NEVER an explanation of what these are doing or how to shut them off.

I am still crashing daily if I leave my computer on overnight, and I strongly suspect it has to do with an interruption in one of AutoCAD's useless, but forced, internet connections (maybe my network security does not allow overnight internet connection?).  Others in my company have mentioned the same, but are too busy to complain or seek help.

Here is the log file message I see daily (if I look):

8/29/2018 9:03:25 AM: Configuration Read from: C:\Users\---------\AppData\Local\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2018\R22.0\enu\Support\infocenter.xml
8/29/2018 9:03:28 AM: ICommunicationCenterConnector.SubAwareServiceUrl does not contain valid URL.
 Attempting to load from registry
8/29/2018 9:03:28 AM: Polling:2 threads started
8/29/2018 9:03:28 AM: SubStatus: Polling...
8/29/2018 9:05:00 AM: SubStatus: Server Response not defined
8/29/2018 9:05:00 AM: Polling: All threads finished

[Alfred.NESWADBA]

Hi,

>> Seems like AutoCAD is doing something during idle time

I guess more your system's devices go into sleep mode during longer inactivity and do not reopen/reinitialize when needed in full power.

>> I have just decided to close and re-open AutoCAD on a daily basis

I do that every 2 to 3 hours, simply because of Windows memory (dis-)management.

The applications restarted are much more responsive then!

- alfred -

[Alfred.NESWADBA]

Hi,

>> Seems like AutoCAD is doing something during idle time

I guess more your system's devices go into sleep mode during longer inactivity and do not reopen/reinitialize when needed in full power.

>> I have just decided to close and re-open AutoCAD on a daily basis

I do that every 2 to 3 hours, simply because of Windows memory (dis-)management.

The applications restarted are much more responsive then!

- alfred -

[ken.mooney.donaldsmachine]

I am about to uninstall and reinstall Advance Steel for the second time this month. It works fine one day and crashes constantly the next. Good luck finding anyone at Autodesk who has any idea how to trouble shoot; they have all been replaced by finger pointers and blame deflectors. I have now tried every solution I could find in the forums and not one has had any effect on the problem. The one tech who did know about Advance Steel even asked me to send him my model for analysis. When it came back as being flawless he could only suggest that it may be "hardware incompatibility". He suggested upgrading my equipment,  which I have done at a cost of over 3000 dollars. Yet the problem persists! I have been faithfully filling out "error reports" , you know, the ones that promise that Autdesk will get back to you as soon as a solution becomes available. Funny thing is, nobody ever got back to me.

I finally sought out my own solution: Tekla! As soon as I finish this one project I'm working on I AM OUTTA HERE!!!!

[ken.mooney.donaldsmachine]

I am about to uninstall and reinstall Advance Steel for the second time this month. It works fine one day and crashes constantly the next. Good luck finding anyone at Autodesk who has any idea how to trouble shoot; they have all been replaced by finger pointers and blame deflectors. I have now tried every solution I could find in the forums and not one has had any effect on the problem. The one tech who did know about Advance Steel even asked me to send him my model for analysis. When it came back as being flawless he could only suggest that it may be "hardware incompatibility". He suggested upgrading my equipment,  which I have done at a cost of over 3000 dollars. Yet the problem persists! I have been faithfully filling out "error reports" , you know, the ones that promise that Autdesk will get back to you as soon as a solution becomes available. Funny thing is, nobody ever got back to me.

I finally sought out my own solution: Tekla! As soon as I finish this one project I'm working on I AM OUTTA HERE!!!!

[jwinklerSB4SV]

it's now Late 2019.  AutoCAD 2018 is still freezing if left on overnight, and I cannot save work.  It's super annoying, because I must start each day by remembering, searching and finding several project files that I was working on the night before, taking 10 or 15 minutes.  It is a pain to spend 10 mins closing files at night and 15 minutes opening the same files every morning.   Its like having to clean up all your tools everyday when the job is not finished.  I know It's recommended, but it breaks focus and wastes time/mental energy.  Still no obvious solutions to this problem on the internet.

[jwinklerSB4SV]

it's now Late 2019.  AutoCAD 2018 is still freezing if left on overnight, and I cannot save work.  It's super annoying, because I must start each day by remembering, searching and finding several project files that I was working on the night before, taking 10 or 15 minutes.  It is a pain to spend 10 mins closing files at night and 15 minutes opening the same files every morning.   Its like having to clean up all your tools everyday when the job is not finished.  I know It's recommended, but it breaks focus and wastes time/mental energy.  Still no obvious solutions to this problem on the internet.

[jwinklerSB4SV]

After almost 2 years,  I believe I have found a solution to the problem of AutoCAD freezes when switching between paperspace and model space.  If anyone at Autodesk is interested in the solution, feel free to contact me.....

[jwinklerSB4SV]

After almost 2 years,  I believe I have found a solution to the problem of AutoCAD freezes when switching between paperspace and model space.  If anyone at Autodesk is interested in the solution, feel free to contact me.....

[cadffm]

Autodesk - i don't know, but other users here in the user community like to know it.

I feel free to contact you. Done.

[cadffm]

Autodesk - i don't know, but other users here in the user community like to know it.

I feel free to contact you. Done.