Block to Xref Command Issue

[Anonymous]

I'm going through a video tutorial of AutoCAD 2018 (I'm on the Student Version) about the BLOCKTOXREF command, with files provided as exercises.

1. Open the file with an attached XREF.

2. Bind (even tried Insert) the Xref to the drawing.

3. Use the BLOCKTOXREF command with the file that was initially Xref'd.

Every time I try to do step 3, open a file, I get the following Fatal Access Error prompt: "File could not be opened or created. You may not have permission to write to that file or directory." However it works in the tutorial, and no one else is using the same files on the computer.

Found a one-time work around though to this issue, but it's not very convenient.

1. Open file A, that is xref'd, first.

2. Open file B, that has file A attached as an xref.

3. Bind the xref to B.

4. Close A.

5. Use BLOCKTOXREF with file A as instructed and works properly.

I say this is "One-time" because if you undo Step 5 or further, the command doesn't work and that error prompt comes back. I would have to go back to step 1, closing any files prior. The files are not Read-only in their properties either.

Is there something about the command I'm missing or was changed after the tutorial was made? I also don't know if the tutorial is using a previous version of AutoCAD or the 2018 version.

[natasha.l]

Hello @Anonymous , 

The error "Fatal Access Error prompt: File could not be opened or created. You may not have permission to write to that file or directory", usually means that you do not have (read/write) Windows Administrator access to the file you are trying to open. Take a look at how to resolve this issue. 

Please "Accept Solution" if a reply or replies have helped resolve the issue or answered your question, to help others in the community.

[Anonymous]

None of those methods worked:

1. Permissions are set to Full Control

2. Has nothing do with the file location, as I'm able to access other files relatively in the same folder location, and able to read/write freely.

3. The file is where it should be.

4. Not a shortcut.

5. Unblocked both files, and still getting the fatal error.

6. The AV has not given any warning signs to any of the files I downloaded when learning to use this software.

I appreciate the help though.

Another workaround I found is to make a copy of file A, in the same location as the original, and use that copy with the command, and that works fine. Guessing the software thinks it's still using the initial File A while it's no longer being used as an Xref, and refuses to open it in thinking it's already open or something.

Except, after all that, not only do I still get that fatal error again on the original file after binding the copy, but also on the copy file after picking it once. Somewhere the software still thinks these two drawings are still open or being used after binding.

[natasha.l]

Hello @Anonymous, 

I usually use the Attach Xref & use the editor to make changes to the attached xref. Have you tried that instead? 

[Anonymous]

While that way does work, it does so without having to use the command I'm trying to work properly for me. While it's a solution, it's not THE solution as to why this command is acting odd.

However... it's bring up another work around at least, that's the good thing coming out of this thread.

First bind, then attempt to reattach the initial xref and get told the following when completing the command: "** Error: "[Drawing]" is already a standard block in the current drawing. *Invalid*". Next BlockToXref command the binded Xref, which becomes successful back to it's original Xref.

However when doing it again without the attach attempt, get that fatal error. Also no change if I attach something different and BlockToXref what is already binded; still fatal error.

At this point I might just rely on the workarounds whenever I need to use the command, until I can figure out why it's struggling to work properly.

Appreciate the help!

[cfetterDHXJ8]

After trying to utilize the BLOCKTOXREF command I have came to the conclusion that this command can be avoided in some cases because of how long it takes for command to complete. Instead of using the BLOCKTOXREF command just delete this block reference you are trying to bring back to xref.  Purge all then reinsert the updated xref to the drawing.  This method was much faster and easier than using the BLOCKTOXREF command.

[jrreid]

IF WHEN IN DOUBT ....

Always run a Recover on files, Purge on files and close AutoCAD and Restart. This fixes many issues.

Do a RECOVER on all of your drawings.

After recover run PURGE several times.

If one of your XREFs made a Block name when Bound or inserted with the same name, 

it will appear as if you are unable to XREF DETACH due to this being now a block name.

By Purging this could fix your Fatal Errors as well. AutoCAD is getting crossed up and not knowing what to do.

Hope this helps.

JRR.