wblock "invalid path" message

[Anonymous]

A co-worker is using 2015. When trying to create a block with the "wblock" command he gets a message saying "invalid path....". Why is he getting this message? I checked the path that is automatically inserted in the path and block name window and it is correct.

I'm still using 2011 and we are not yet familiar with 2015.

Will someone please offer suggestions?

Thanks, Russell

[Alfred.NESWADBA]

Hi,

what happens if you don't keep the predefined path, but change the path to path on your local harddisk?

By any chance ... are you speaking about a path on a cloud service like box or so?

When you start command _ABOUT and show us a screenshot from that dialog we can see which service pack is installed for your AutoCAD 2015.

Also worth to try: what happens when you disable your antivirus software?

HTH, - alfred -

[Anonymous]

I have not tried to use another path but will as soon as the co-worker (we do not work in the same office) becomes available. The computer is a laptop connected "virtually". That does make a likely place for the problem as that would be the "path". Virtual is new to me so I'm going to have to get with the IT guy for help. Does this change the direction of your thoughts?

Russell

[pendean]

The error simply means the program cannot save to that location: so change the location, your IT folks needs to be involved heavily in finding the solution.

[Anonymous]

Thanks. I'm going to work on that today and will post my results. I'm currently going to try changing the path to the desktop.

Russell

[Anonymous]

I'm going to expose more of my lack of knowledge of AutoCAD. I was told that the "invalid path" error is caused by a permission issue. Can anyone point me to written material on this subject or if not too deep, help me on this forum?

Thanks,

Russell

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

An Invalid Path warning means that the path does not exist or that the user does not have permissions to write data in that location.

Do you know the location that was selected when the user tried to write the block out of their drawing?

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

[Anonymous]

Yes, the path is correct and has always been this path; however, this is the first time the user has attempted to WBLOCK. It is the same as my 2011.

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

Can the user write blocks in any other location?  

[Anonymous]

Yes, we tried to write to Desktop and had no problem.

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

That's good news. That tells me the WBLOCK command is still working. So the real question is, where is the other location that can't be written to by AutoCAD. Can your user write other files (different applications) there?

[Anonymous]

I need to give you more info. AutoCAD is used by us as a basis for a program called "SprinkCad". It is a fire protection sprinkler systems design program. We have used this since 1994 with no issue like this. The program tech support says it's a permission issue but could only offer a work-around.

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

Can you share what the workaround is? Maybe I can offer some other ideas based upon what they suggested.

[Anonymous]

WBLOCK to another folder and move the block to the folder it should be in. That just creates another step that I'm trying to avoid. The reason I'm here on the forum is because it's an AutoCAD function.

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

If the WBLOCK works to write files in other locations then that really isn't the issue in my opinion. Is the destination folder on a network or local? What are the current permissions set to?

Windows controls permissions and file locking locally and your Windows server controls your domain user and share permissions. Knowing the destination might help me to make additional suggestions.

Did the SprinkCAd support tech say anything about why he/she thinks this is happening? From what I gather from the SprinkCAD website, the product should be compatible with AutoCAD 2011-2016. I would be surprised it this is working as designed.

[Anonymous]

Again I forgot to mention that the user computer is a branch office and the main office handled the license procedure. The computer is said to be "virtual". I have no idea what that means but all other aspects of the program is on the local computer hard drive. I'm not intentionally stringing you along, I am just AutoCAD dumb!

[Anonymous]

The tech support could only offer the workaround.

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

I know you aren't "stringing me along".

A virtualized workstation huh? I wonder with what method they have created the virtual instance. A virtual machine should behave just alike a physical one UNLESS it is being accessed remotely. Sometimes the remote user has restrictions applied by whatever program is being utilized to get to the instance.

Does SprinkCad allow you in settings or preferences adjust the path where it is looking for user blocks? Perhaps just adjusting the program might work.

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

[Anonymous]

In the "options" under the "file" tab the path is changeable but I'm not knowledgeable enough about the Sprinkcad program to know if by changing it might cause problems in other areas. I would have to get with tech support before I would be comfortable making any changes. I might best start by involving the company IT guy to address the issue. Would you recommend that?

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

The file path stored in AutoCAD doesn't affect to where the user can write blocks. So the change would have to be made in SprinkCad.  AutoCAD will write WBLOCKS anywhere that it is allowed.

I would talk with your IT and see 

1) How is the VM computer being accessed and if there are any restrictions there that might cause the write error.

2) Can SprinkCAD  options/settings/preferences be adjusted so that a folder your user can access be included in it's path to work properly.