DXF files open twice from cold.

[SharkDesign]

If AutoCAD is not running, when I double click a dxf file it opens AutoCAD.

The problem is, it opens the DXF twice, so I get the message asking if I want ot open read only. If you click yes you have two copies of the same dxf open.

If AutoCAD is already running and I double click a DXF to open, it only opens one copy.

However, if AutoCAD is not open and I double click a dwg, AutoCAD opens and only one copy of the DWG is opened.

I'm assuming this is a bug.

[imadHabash]

Hi,

what about service pack?

[SharkDesign]

Sorry forgot to mention I'm on 2017 Build N.52.0.7

Thanks for that message, I hadn't noticed there was an update because that ridiculous Autodesk update tool had signed out.

Why on Earth Autodesk thinks it's a good idea to make me sign in for updates I have no idea. Completely pointless.

I will try the update.

[SharkDesign]

Issue is still there after installing updates.

[imadHabash]

i'm afraid that you have to launch AutoCAD so that it is running prior to double clicking dxf files.

[SharkDesign]

You do, but I still think its a bug, it's not expected behaviour.

[pendean]

Windows OS is?
I cannot repeat here at all. It's not a bug, we'd all be doing it, it's limited to your setup. Let's dig a little deeper together.

Your mouse button is triple clicking perhaps: as a test, with autocad2017 closed, select the dxf with one click so it is highlighted, take you hand off the mouse, ensure nothing is starting up, then tap the keyboard <enter> button once with your other hand (the one that does not use the mouse). Does the DXF file open twice? If yes, right-click on the file and tell us what application is assigned to the DXF file format on your PC.

[SharkDesign]

Windows 7.

Enter key still opens two copies

[john.vellek]

Hi @SharkDesign,

I am on Win 7-74 and 2017 and can also duplicate this issue. Although, when I create the DXF as Binary and 2010 format it does not. I will keep playing to see if I can determine what is going on.

[EDIT] I have tried going through different file versions and that does not impact the issue on my workstation. If the DXF is created as binary instead of ASCII then the problem does not appear.

I will log this as a bug with the development team. Thanks to all for your contributions.

[john.vellek · Accepted solution]

Hi @SharkDesign,

With some help I finally found that this is a documented bug and the development team is aware that the issue still exists.

Thank you for your contribution.

[rjstrock]

It's not limited to his setup. I have this issue as well. Not triple-click either. It's just a bug.

[SharkDesign]

I fixed the issue by going back to AutoCAD 2000.

lol

[Anonymous]

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@SharkDesign wrote:

I fixed the issue by going back to AutoCAD 2000.

lol

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LOL now I understand why they got rid of the perpetual licenses. I was thinking it was just greed. XD

[Anonymous]

It's been almost 3 years since this post and I just downloaded Autocad2019, guess what, still not fixed. 

Still, every time i double click an autocad dwg file, 2 copies open, and the second one pops up an "already open, would you like a read-only copy open?"

Glad you documented the issue, how about fixing it. 

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

Yes, this still happens in current product. As much as I wish that I had more control over development, I just like you have to work through channels.

You are welcome to contact the product team directly. If you have additional comments specific to the software or its functionality for future consideration, please use the Product Feedback page. How to provide feedback on Autodesk products goes into more detail.

Another great option is to participate in the AutoCAD Customer Council. This is an opportunity for our customers to partner with the AutoCAD development team to improve future releases of AutoCAD by giving continuous feedback on ideas, designs, and early builds.
In order to get involved email [email protected] or [email protected]

[kleinwolfgang · Accepted solution]

Hi,

from the german CAD.de Forum i've got the advice to define the "AutoCAD Launcher" explicit to the .dxf file extension.

Choose  C:\Program Files\Common Files\Autodesk Shared\AcShellEx\AcLauncher.exe  as permanent assignment.

We are working with AutoCAD Mechanical 2018 and this solution works fine!
You don't have to go back to the roots of Version 2000.

Wolfgang

[fpluce3]

Is this still a problem\bug, I am having this problem in AutoCAD Mechanical 2022

[rjstrock]

I still have the issue, and I'm running AutoCAD LT 2022 now. It seems to happen every time I try to open a cad attachment in an email, but I also was experiencing it when opening a file from a flash drive. I've just learned to live with it.

[bgeorgeBWGYF]

Can confirm that this happens with AutoCad 2023 as well. If I select "No" to the open as read only, then I only get one file opened. not both.

[rjstrock]

This has been my experience with 2023 as well, but it only seems to happen when opening an email attachment.