AutoCAD 2022 Unable to Open Multiple Files in Single Instance

[joelmNKB6B]

I am unable to open multiple .dwg files in a single AutoCAD instance. I'm using Windows 10. I've followed all instructions in the following article, except for the section "edit the windows registry":

https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Double-clicking-a-...

Is there anything I should try before going down this route? I would prefer not to if I can help it.

Thanks in advance for any help!

[paullimapa]

If setting SDI to 0 still doesn’t let you open multiple drawings then you may want to try a reset

https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/How-to-reset-AutoC....

[pendean]

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@joelmNKB6B wrote:

I am unable to open multiple .dwg files in a single AutoCAD instance. I'm using Windows 10....

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If I may ask, AutoCAD 2022 is not new (neither is WIn10): did this used to work for you nd now it just suddenly stopped?

Or did you just get a new PC or this is a first-time install, or you added a 3rd party tool or are using an OEM version of AutoCAD2022?

Or...?

[joelmNKB6B]

I was trying to solve another problem (long pauses when inserting a block from a network drive) and this popped up. the only things I did before this popped up was:

Taskbar: 0 (was already at 0)

SDI: 0 (was already at 0)

Changed .dwg file association from DWGlaunder to AutoCAD.exe then back to DWGlauncher. 

not sure how this broke AutoCAD

Thanks!

[pendean]

Restart your PC please.

[joelmNKB6B]

I have already restarted it multiple times, but will try it again - would an upgrade to AutoCAD 2023 be any help?

[paullimapa]

So what happens in Autocad now when you have a drawing thats been changed in the current window and you enter the _.OPEN command?

Are you prompted to save the current drawing before the Select File window opens?

[pendean · Accepted solution]

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@joelmNKB6B wrote:

...except for the section "edit the windows registry":

https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Double-clicking-a-...

...I was trying to solve another problem (long pauses when inserting a block from a network drive) and this popped up... 

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TASKBAR =1 change anything?

At this stage you probably should be working with your IT person. Ask them to do the registry edit.

A Reset of 2022 would be something worth trying.

A removal and reinstall of 2022 then updating it may be something else to try.

[joelmNKB6B]

I did an upgrade to 2024 and it fixed the problem, thanks everyone for your help!