Failed attempt to open an AutoCAD 2011.dwg in AutoCAD 2017

[Anonymous]

Whilst trying to open an AutoCAD 2011.dwg in AutoCAD 2017, I receive the error message above "Please open a new..or restore the old, by re-opening the drawing." Has anyone come across this before, any ideas how I should proceed? Thank you.

[john.vellek]

HI @Anonymous,

The AutoCAD 2011 drawing appears to be from AutoCAD Electrical. Is that the same as what you are working in now?

Is it possible to attach the file for me to look at for you?

[Anonymous]

I'm attempting to work on it. My office has no longer has AutoCAD 2011,
we're trying to open this file in '17. Yes, that is the name of this
file.There is a whole folder full of files that receive this same error
message. It looks like it directly relates to The Electrical Project
Database being disabled.

I appreciate your reply. Thank you for any ideas you may be able to suggest.

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous

I would like to see one of the files if you could attach it to a post. That would give me a better idea of what steps to suggest.

For example:

try RECOVERALL from inside AutoCAD 2017

try DWGCONVERT from inside AutoCAD 2017 or use TrueView

Download a trial version of AutoCAD Electrical to see if the files can be opened.

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

[john.vellek]

HI @Anonymous,

If you have all the reference files attached to the file you sent me, I suggest that you open the file in AutoCAD Electrical. You can then enter AEREBUILDDB to rebuild the database that is missing.

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

[Anonymous]

Thank you!

I'm downloading AutoCAD Electrical now.

I appreciate your breaking it down for me!

[ara_neresesian]

hi

you can try these two way also

1-start new drawing and insert your dwg  file

2-attach it is xref and bind it

for me some times was useful

[john.vellek]

HI @Anonymous,

I am checking back to see if my post or others helped you with your problem. Please add a post with how you decide to proceed and your results so other Community members may benefit.

Please hit the Accept as Solution button if a post or posts solves your issue or answers your question.

[Anonymous]

Sounds great. I'm waiting to hear back from someone in our electrical dept.
too make sure what I'm doing is correct for our task. If so, then I'll post
our process.

Thank you for your email.

Sincerely,
Christopher