How to find inserted block in a drawing that brings in unwanted xrefs

[johnw]

Is there a way to find out which block in my drawing is bringing in a bunch of unwanted xrefs? Our drawing templates do not contain these unwanted xrefs, but when a set of drawings are completed, these xrefs are now showing in the drawing. That tells me someone is inserting a block that contains these unwanted xrefs. The xrefs are unreferenced so nothing is showing up inside the drawing...but the xrefs are listed as unreferenced. Our drawings contain 100's of blocks and if there was a way to 'detect' the culprit that would be awesome.

Any ideas / methods would be appreciated.

Thank you.

[GeeHaa]

Can you post one of the drawings?

[johnw]

I actually cannot due to agreement I have with our builder. I cannot share their files with anyone. I wish I could though.

[pendean]

Block that has XREFs is not something we do here: Can you share your DWG file here?

[cadffm]

Hi,

talking about dwg-XREFs? in 2020 or newer? For few Xrefs? Easy! Command PURGE

Switch to the not purgable tab and select your Xref (you will find the referencename in BLOCK section)

and Acad show you where are the references

https://help.autodesk.com/view/ACD/2020/ENU/?guid=GUID-C6B62BBD-C363-4DC7-AF43-036A7B287473

EDIT:

Oups >>" The xrefs are unreferenced "

In this case it is impossible to check where they came into your drawing!

[paullimapa]

"unreferenced" xrefs typically occurs when the top level xref has been erased but not detached and all the nested xrefs  will now show up on the External References palette as "unreferenced" Unreferenced xrefs are automatically purged after you saved & reopened the dwg. Perhaps they're showing up as "unresolved" on the External References palette which is typically what occurs when you Insert a block with xrefs inside. 

Could you do a screen capture of the reference palette showing the status column?

[Washingtonn]

If you have the unreferenced Xref path, create a referenced XREf drawing with the same name and path and with new content - large and bold and colorful.  The "new" Xref should be visible inside the block and you should be able to select the block by selecting the "new" content. 

[paullimapa]

Found this code on-line which automatically removes all "unreferenced" xrefs.

See if it works for you.

Save attached Xref&ImdDet.lsp

To load: drag&drop file onto AutoCAD graphics screen or at command prompt enter: (load"Xref&ImdDet")

Then type command: XREFDET