AutoCAD 2023 - Command string not working on all computers ^C^C_start

[jdrury1]

We created a tool pallet that enables you to open our criteria for drawings.  The Command string works on some computers but not all.  Any suggestions?  AutoCAD 2023.

^C^C_start "explorer" "C:/MARTA-Tools/Toolpalette/Documents/CFD.pdf";

[ The subject line of this post has been edited for clarity by @handjonathan Original: Command string not working on all computers ^C^C_start ]

[pendean]

what does "not working" for some computers mean exactly please? Elaborate please, for example your file pathing is very specific for one single computer and one folder on a C-drive, so access to many others computers would be a challenge.

[jdrury1]

The file paths are the same on both computers as are the file names.  When we click on the icon in the tool pallet, the PDF does not open.  The command line states unknown command "PDF"" 

[paullimapa]

On the computers that don’t work do they have an app that is associated to open a pdf file?

[cadffm]

I have to guess, but:

>>"The command line states unknown command "PDF"" "

Are you sure that's all?

Run the macro and press [F2], read all line starting from "Command: _start" to the end..

>>"AutoCAD 2023."

For me it sounds the workstation in question don't use AutoCAD 2023.

Are you sure it is not AutoCAD LT?

[jdrury1]

I'm not sure what you mean by app. Do you mean Adobe or Bluebeam? If so, yes to both.  Adobe is set at the default.

[jdrury1]

It is 100% 2023, it was installed a month ago. 

Here is the log.

Command: "C:/MARTA-Tools/Toolpalette/Documents/CFD.pdf"

Unknown command "PDF"".  Press F1 for help.

Command:

Command:

Command: _start Unknown command "START".  Press F1 for help.

Command: "explorer" Unknown command ""EXPLORER"".  Press F1 for help.

Command: "C:/MARTA-Tools/Toolpalette/Documents/CFD.pdf"

Unknown command "PDF"".  Press F1 for help.

Command:

Command:

Command: _start Unknown command "START".  Press F1 for help.

Command: "explorer" Unknown command ""EXPLORER"".  Press F1 for help.

Command: "C:/MARTA-Tools/Toolpalette/Documents/CFD.pdf"

Unknown command "PDF"".  Press F1 for help.

[paullimapa]

Is it possible hat not all computers have the same folder location or file name where the pdf is stored

"C:/MARTA-Tools/Toolpalette/Documents/CFD.pdf"

[cadffm]

@paullimapa  the command START is unknown, so it has nothing to do with the path.

@jdrury1 2023 or 2015, the question is: AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT

[jdrury1]

AutoCAD not LT

[paullimapa]

Could Start have been undefined?

try typing it at command prompt 

precede command with a period:

_.Start

[pendean]

---

@jdrury1 wrote:

Command:

Command: _start Unknown command "START".  Press F1 for help.

---

That error message means that command is disabled: it means nothing else. You need to find out why.

Walk over to one of those PCs, start AutoCAD, at the commandline type .START (there is a period in the name) then hit <enter>. What happens? Also check ABOUT command for AutoCAD vs LT vs OEM version running on that workstation, and if any addons may be locking out .START command.

TIA

[jdrury1]

It does not allow _start.  It automatically changes to _Startup

[paullimapa]

since you're using AutoCAD on all stations try this lisp code:

^C^C(startapp "explorer" "C:/MARTA-Tools/Toolpalette/Documents/CFD.pdf")

[jdrury1]

.start automatically changes to startup.

[paullimapa]

try this at command prompt:

REDEFINE

START

then enter START again

[jdrury1]

Yeah, it is apparent it does not like start. 

It automatically changed startapp to startup when we ran your lisp.

C^C(startapp "explorer" "C:/MARTA-Tools/Toolpalette/Documents/CFD.pdf")

[jdrury1]

try this at command prompt:

REDEFINE

START

then enter START again  

We get unknow command name

[paullimapa]

wow...are you sure you're running AutoCAD?

[jdrury1]

lol, yes.  I'm not a guru but I'm sure it's AutoCAD.   Same copy is on my machine, and it works great.