I have the SHX files, I just can't locate them

[beckyl]

I have the SHX files, I just can't locate them:

A few months ago I restored/copied my AutoCAD files to my new computer.  Something has happened where my new computer cannot locate a couple SHX files while opening an existing DWG file.  However I can open the original DWG file on the original computer without any missing SHX issues.  I would like to find and copy the SHX files to the new computer but cannot locate them on the original computer (not found in the usual font folder).

Is it possible to use the original DWG file on the original computer to locate the associated SHX files?

For example, you can find associated XREF locations by opening the DWG, typing XREF, and looking at the saved path. Is there some way similar to find SHX paths/locations?

Thank you,

Becky

[john.vellek]

Hi @beckyl

If the SHX files were in the current folder they could be used in the drawing. Otherwise, they typically reside in the default location:

C::\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD 20xx\Fonts.

Have you tried to search your old computer for the files  using a *.shx?  What specific fonts are you looking for? Perhaps I have them or another Community member.

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

[beckyl]

jba Linetypes.shx

jba AutoCAD.shx

I'll be very surprised if anyone here/reading this has these files, but thank you for asking.

[john.vellek]

Hi @beckyl,

Yes, I am afraid those are unique and foreign to me.  Did you try a file search on your computer to see where the old ones might be? Have you ever used eTransmit to send files to others? Perhaps you will find them in the Zip files in your email.

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

[pendean]

Is there a reason you are unable to search for the fonts on your old computer through Windows File Explorer, then move them to your new computer on a thumbdrive?

Here is a good basic search method overview to use that works https://www.gcflearnfree.org/windowsbasics/finding-files-on-your-computer/1/

[beckyl]

Thank you for the suggestions.  Here's my latest update.

The files were provided to me through multiple links.  I have tried downloading them directly to the new computer however the links are expired.

I have tried searching for the SHX files on the old computer but nothing comes back with those file names.

I have tried copying all the original files to an external hard drive and opening them up on the new computer.  When I open the files, the applicable text is missing but there is no missing SHX notification box that pops up.  This makes me think that it is a path issue...that somewhere along the lines the path was disturbed in the new computer version of AutoCAD or a file was renamed (though I have not directly renamed any SHX files).

I'm not sure what to try next.

[pendean]

All SHX font files from your old PC need to be placed in this folder on your new PC

C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD xxxx\Fonts

xxxx stand for the 4-digits that are your AutoCAD version.

[murray-clack · Accepted solution]

Here's a trick:

On your original computer - while in AutoCAD - enter the following code on your command line:

(findfile "jba Linetypes.shx")

This will tell you where the files are, and what folder you should put them in on your new computer

If THAT trick doesn't work, then use the ETRANSMIT command on your old computer from within the drawing file which will gather the fonts (et.al.) and put them in a ZIP file with your drawing file.  You can then extract the SHX files, copy them to your network or thumb drive and and copy them to your new PC

[beckyl]

Hello.

I did copy all the SHX files I could find on my old PC and save them in the fonts folder on the new PC, exited AutoCAD and restarted, but I've had no luck.

I know that the old PC is recognizing a good SHX file.  If I just figure out which file that is, maybe I will have more luck.

If on the old PC, I select the text I know uses a good SHX file, is there anyway to determine which SHX file it is using?

Or is there anyway to tell what SHX file(s) any given DWG file is referencing?

Thank you for any input anyone can provide!

[beckyl]

Murray-Clack

I think you may have me on the right track!

(findfile "jba Linetypes.shx") was return with "(findfile LISP command is not available."

I'm not sure what that means but I moved on to etransmit, and got this.

"The following files were excluded from the transmittal:
acadlt.fmp
Fonts\simplex.shx
Fonts\arial.ttf

The following files could not be located:
jba.(shx,ttf)

Notes for distribution:
The AutoCAD LT variable FONTALT was set to:
C:\Users\Becky\appdata\roaming\autodesk\autocad lt 2013 - english\r18\enu\support\simplex.shx
Please make sure that the FONTALT variable is set to this file or an equivalent before opening any drawings. All text styles with missing fonts are automatically set to this font."

I have located those files, copied them to both the support folder and Fonts folder.

When I specify Simplex.SHX as the missing file from the fonts folder, nothing special happens and I am still missing text.

When I specify Simplex.SHX as the missing file from the support folder, this message comes back "A substitute shape pathname that is not in the AutoCAD LT search path cannot exceed 63 characters."

Is there something I should be doing with FONTALT?

[john.vellek · Accepted solution]

Hi @beckyl,

So you found the correct fonts? That's great.  If you open your drawing and type ST for Text Style, you will see the styles defined in your drawing and also the fonts that are assigned to the style.  If there is a little yellow warning next to the font name then the font is missing or damaged.

Can you share the font and the drawing?  I would like to verify for you that you have the correct one. If it still isn't working after that I can set up a remote session with you if you like.

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

[beckyl]

John,

I didn't find the actual "jba" missing SHX files.  What I did find, was that the old PC was referencing "simplex.shx" as a replacement (FONTALT ??).

The simplex.shx is just fine by me as long as the text shows up.

John, you pointed me to the text style command.  Sure enough there were yellow warning sings telling me the jba fonts were missing.  From there I selected the simplex.shx font which was being using on the old PC, applied changes, and have been able to move on with my life.

Murray Clark found the answer to my question.

John Vellek found the solution to my actual problem.

Win for both of you!

John, if you still want me to share the files I can do so, but I don't know that it will be helpful since I am using an alternate SHX file.

Thank you all!

[john.vellek]

Hi Becky,

I don't need the files. I suggest rather than using FONTALT to fix the problem that you actually modify the styles that were using the old fonts that went missing.

Just pick the style and select a different font and you should be good to go.

[beckyl]

John,

Under the FONTALT command I entered "simplex.shx" and life is good.

I can now ignore the missing jba SHX files and text still shows up.

I suspect FONTALT may be the realistic solution for many people experiencing the missing SHX problem.

[murray-clack]

Hi Becky,  Thanks for the kudos 🙂

To answer why the "findfile" trick didn't work for you is that I noticed from the error message you are using AutoCAD LT.  The "findfile" trick is  LISP programming code, but AutoCAD LT does NOT support LISP