AutoCAD freezes while viewing/manipulating Pointclouds

[Anonymous]

I have read other threads where other users are having a similar issue. I have tried several of the suggestions without success. I have been having problems in 2017 and 2018. I think I even had issues in 2016. My issue is that my program completely freezes and won't recover while manipulating point clouds. It's to the point where the program is practically unusable for me as I am using pointclouds daily. I've tried completely uninstalling and re-installing, creating a new autodesk account, updating graphics drivers, starting from scratch locally, copying and pasting into new drawings, etc... I have the most up to date program, just updated today even. I keep hoping one of the updates will fix this. My best work around is to make the pointcloud part of a block that has an embedded layer that isn't a pointcloud. I can turn off the visibility of the pointcloud and manipulate the block, then turn on the pointcloud to view the movement/manipulation I have done. It works OK, but I when I start orbiting around or zooming in or out with a pointcloud on, which I really need to be able to do, the program completely locks. I've gotten great at saving my work every step of the way. It's really not an ideal way to work with the program. Any additional suggestions/help would be appreciated. 

[Anonymous]

In adding to this, I do not appear to have a problem with a single point cloud. It's when I have multiple point clouds in a drawing. My main workflow is to create blocks of multiple point clouds on different embedded layers and make several instances of those blocks. For example, I may have one point cloud that is cropped and in a block that also includes a second instance of that same point cloud in the same block, that is cropped differently. That way, when I make more instances of the block, I can toggle visibility of those various versions of cropped clouds. I usually have two blocks with 2-3 instances of point clouds per block. This is where I'm having the issue. My machine is not anywhere close to maxing out on anything (cpu, processes, etc...) I have a very good graphics card (NVIDIA Quadro k4000), but it does appear to be a graphics issue. I have no problems with the drawing when the point clouds are not visible. But even trying to do layer control when they are, locks up the program completely.

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

I see that you are visiting as a new member. Welcome to the Autodesk Community! 

 I am sorry that you are having this issue with point clouds. I don't work with them frequently but I have not seen this issue in my AutoCAD 2017 or 2018. Can you prepare a NFO file for me?

Also, if you could zip up some files that display this problem I would like to see it on my system which sounds like it is less powerful than yours.

[Anonymous]

Thanks John, I have actually been a member for quite some time now. I created a new account as part of clean start that was recommended in a different thread. So this is my new account. I am sending those over now as a private message.

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

I have your files and with everything thawed and on I am able to orbit and pan and zoom without issue. So, I thought., why not create a new drawing file and attach the point clouds to see if i can get anything different.  All the point clouds error when I try to attach them as INVALID. Perhaps this is a version issue ( I am working in AutoCAD 2017) but I couldn't get them to work. I am going to try 2018 as well.

Your NFO looks good but you might try a Diagnostic Startup to isolate AutoCAD and see if the bad behavior continues.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[Anonymous]

Did you turn on the visibility of the embedded pointclouds? Zoom in and out, freeze and unfreeze layers? I don't have an issue when they aren't visible. Only when they are. I will try the diagnostic startup, Thanks!

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous

Strange, when I open my Point Cloud Manager I don't see any listed so that is why I am moving around so easily. They do show that they are attached in the XR Manager however. (That is where I initially checked.

Let me know it the Diagnostic Startup helps.

[Anonymous]

Whoops, I accidentally only sent the .rcp files, not the .rcs support files. Sorry. I have uploaded them to the same link I sent you privately. I tried the diagnostic startup and that did not help. Is there a way to save out the diagnostics? I clicked the send to Autodesk, which I'm sure goes somewhere to some system that may or may not help fix this problem in future updates...

We can utilize CAD1 support, so it's an option for us to get them involved. But if you are able to try the file and have any suggestions, let me know!

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

Ok  - this looks more like normal now that I have all the files.  I am able to turn everything on and it behaves like it should in 2017 product.

In the selective startup that you did, did you turn off everything at start up?  Is this misbehaving only on the one computer? Is it all files or just this set?

[Anonymous]

It happens on several different machines in my office. I don't think anything else was running?!? I was not connected to my network when I did the diagnostics. It's not an isolated event. We have had this issue with a number of files. The fact that it is working for you it is very significant. It is clearly something going on on our end.

[Anonymous]

We are thinking this must be a hardware compatibility issue. Most of us at our office are running Dell Precisions with NVIDIA Quadro K4000 graphics cards. Do you mind telling me what machine and graphics card you are using that is not having this issue?

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

I am running a Precision M4800 with a Quadro K2100M

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

I suggest that you create a new local administrative user on your computer. Disconnect from your network, logon as the new user. Please tell me if AutoCAD still has this issue. Make sure that you also turn off any add-ins and security software.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[Anonymous]

Is there a demo license I can find to do this? I am currently running an AutoCAD server license. I can borrow the license to work offline on my machine. However, the borrowed license is attached to the specific user and the specific computer. Creating and logging in with a new local administrative account nullifies the borrowed license. My user account is an administrator on my desktop. I will try it with that account so that I can actually use and test the AutoCAD file. Otherwise, I will need to find a license to use temporarily. 

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

Yes, try the other account and see if that works. Otherwise, we need to consider a Trial license perhaps to see if that will work.

[Anonymous]

I have exactly the same problem...on acad 17 and 19...some simple point clouds, and autocad bricks itself.
Honestly, its garbage. I cannot move a point cloud 30mm...and it kills my computer.

20 + times a day !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

[Anonymous]

Go back to 2016. It handles point clouds much better.