Cannot properly see my mechanical engineering drawings after upgrading from Autocad 2018 to 2024

[panagis]

I have been using Autocad for ages (version 2018 for the past 5 year). I have recently upgraded to 2024 and when I load a simple mechanical drawing done in the past, using Autocad 2018, instead of the full drawing I see only big dots and the dimensions set by me, measuting their distances. Could you please help me, because I do not want to go back to version 2018. I attach a snapshot of how the drawing looks like in 2024 and how it supposed to look like (version 2018 and free onine viewers).

Thanks,
Panagis Vovos
University of Patras

[Valentin_CAD]

@panagis ,

Consider the suggestion from this link:

• Unable to see objects when opening or viewing a drawing in AutoCAD and DWG TrueView
• To Configure AutoCAD for use with Dual Graphics Cards

[pendean]

@panagis You installed the incorrect 2024 version

MECH2024 is free to all subscribers to install to use and the variant you need to be using most likely. Grab it from your Autodesk Account Page here like we all can do https://manage.autodesk.com/products/AMECH_PP?version=2024&platform=WIN64&language=EINT 

[panagis]

Dear pendean,

Thank you for your comment. However, I have never used Autocad Mech in my life and the drawing I have attached was made with Autocad (not mech). It may be the case, though, that if you work with Autocad Mech this version incompatibility (or whatever is the case) is not there and you are right about the suggested solution. Let me check the alternative suggestion from Valentin-WSP and I will update the post if I get it right.

Thanks again,

Panagis

[panagis]

Dear Valentin-WSP,

As with pandean's suggestion, let me clarify that I have never used Autocad Mech in my life and that the file I got the screenshot from was made with simple Autocad.

Just to make sure, I have installed Autocad 2018 again and got a screen shot from the original file. I attach it here. As you can see, Autocad 2018 sees that file just fine. Same type (Autocad) but version 2024 cannot. None of the products is Mech.

Any ideas?

Thanks again,

Panagis

[Valentin_CAD]

@panagis ,

Please verify your system meets the requirements: System requirements for AutoCAD

My guess is you may need to use a previous DirectX version - see this link:

• How to use a previous DirectX version in AutoCAD Products

To make AutoCAD 2022 and newer use a previous version of DirectX, set GFXDX12 = 0, then restart AutoCAD.

 

[pendean]

Can you share your actual DWG file here? We all have AutoCAD 2024 too, it might help us help you better understand your terminology.

and if I may ask, why not use the actual “mechanical” software if you wish to call your drawing content as “mechanical”? Otherwise you are just drafting linework much like hand drafting on paper, yes? Aka no interactive intelligence to those objects.

[panagis]

Excellent idea @pendean! I attach the original file here.

I hope this helps to see what is wrong with it or the new version,

Panagis

[panagis]

@Valentin_CAD ,

Thanks for the detailed answer. It would make sense if the reason I moved to Autocad 2024 was not that I have moved my work to a brand new laptop with Windows 11. What I means is that it cannot be the case that I do not meet the recommeneded requirements. However, I would me more than happy to examine that, but I do not understand the suggested process. I read the post and it says to set GFXDX12 = 0 and restart Autocad.

I believe that is a command, right? I type it in the Autocad command line and I get "unknown command".

Then I tried to run dxdiag in my operating system (Windows 11) command prompt and got that I run a digitally signed DirectX version 12. So I do run this version.

I believe @Valentin_CAD now you have a bit more information, so maybe your guidance would be more effective.

Thanks again,

Panagis

[Valentin_CAD]

@panagis ,

If your computer meets the requirements and already have DirectX12, you may just need to apply the suggestions from these links:

• "Unknown command" when entering commands in AutoCAD

• How to repair or reinstall an AutoCAD installation

• How to perform a Clean Uninstall of Autodesk products on Windows

• Get help from Autodesk Support

[panagis]

Dear @Valentin_CAD ,

I tried clean-installing Autocad again, but I get exactly the same behavior from Autocad: missing lines and big dots. Did you try opening my dwg file in your system? 

In any case, could you please guide me how exactly to implement the command in Autocad, so that DirectX is not an issue?

Thanks,

Panagis

[Valentin_CAD]

@panagis 

I currently do not have 2024.

However, when saving the file as 2013 dwg (attached), I got the following.

• How to download object enablers for AutoCAD
• Proxy Information window is displayed upon opening drawings in AutoCAD

Also, try opening a 2018 DXF version. (attached)

[panagis]

Dear @Valentin_CAD,

It makes perfect sense that when trying to save a file to an earlier version than 2018 it may miss some components. With my little knowledge, the turning point has been version 2018 and new versions (at least as far as 2021) do save at that version (2018). Therefore, your error message makes sense for version 2013.

Thanks anyway,

Panagis

[panagis]

Dear @Valentin_CAD ,

I tried all the links you suggested and it did not really help, as I meet all the requirements, tried reinstalling etc. and nothing happens. The last option (get support) is unavailable to me, as I have an academic license as a tutor.

So it looks like I am at ground zero...

But thank you for your help anyway,

Panagis

[pendean]

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@panagis wrote:

...as I have an academic license as a tutor....

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EDU Support Access is here, look for the new automated pop-up with common questions
https://www.autodesk.com/education/support?startHelpBranch=AVA-edu-flow&mode=open&_ga=2.35539169.196... 
and here https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/installation-licensing/education-license-renewal-lacks-renew-option-o... 

[panagis]

@pendean ,

Thank you once more for your reply. However the first option just circulates in and out of a robot-based assistant that provides no actual help. It would only help if I had to buy or renew any license and still this would happen after a lot of going around and around. By the way, I navigated myself a bit around.this AI world, but couldn't get through to actual help. 

However, did you manage to open my file in your AutoCAD 202x property?

[pendean]

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@panagis wrote:
... However, did you manage to open my file in your AutoCAD 202x property?

---

Indeed, and I cannot add any more guidance than what was already provided by @Valentin_CAD in several posts. There is no display issue here with your DWG file in R2023 nor R2024 with our without LWDISPLAY on

You need an IT fix/drivers/display/new computer perhaps.

[panagis]

I did manage to get through after all, @pendean . The reply from the actual assistant was

"I understand, Panagis, but the Autodesk Education Support team is centered on assisting with error messages and any other issues that would prevent users from being able to access their accounts or software".

[panagis]

Thanks @pendean .I guess it all sums up that I have to stop this post and move to some open source (but working) alternative, as I can get no help anyway with AutoCAD.

[pendean]

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@panagis wrote:

Thanks @pendean .I guess it all sums up that I have to stop this post and move to some open source (but working) alternative, as I can get no help anyway with AutoCAD.

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https://all3dp.com/2/best-autocad-alternatives/ 

https://beebom.com/free-cad-software/ 

https://www.google.com/search?q=alternates+to+autocad