How to replace missing SHX files. Please help!

[Anonymous]

I get a "One or more SHX files are missing" message when I open cad files from a client. I've seen a few posts about this, but I'm still lost. I can't figure out how to replace missing shape/text files. Please help 😞

[dbutts7 · Accepted solution]

So, usually this occurs when you don't have the AutoCAD font path correctly defined in your system. the first thing to check in all versions of AutoCAD is the path - I don't have LT, but it will be similar.

From the command line, type OPTIONS, or OP, and press enter. You can also access options by clicking the Right Mouse button over the command line, and then selecting Options.

Once the dialog is open, select the Files tab.

On this tab, scroll down until you see the support Files search path.

You need to make sure you have a path similar to this:

C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2015\fonts

If you don't, then locate and add this folder by selecting the Add button on the right side of the dialog.

Select apply to save the changes, or OK to exit the dialog.

If you do have this path, but still get this error, it means the font being used in the drawing is not located in one of the support file paths. Check with the person who sent you the file, and make sure they include any special fonts that have an SHX file extension. Make sure you copy the font files to the file location you looked at earlier.

Also, check this folder and make sure it isn't empty, using Windows File Explorer. If it is, I would simply reinstall the program from the Control Panel > Programs and Features tools. You can reinstall the software pretty easily from there.

If this doesn't fix the problem, see if you can find out the name of the font file (.SHX) and the name of the style that's looking for the font. It should appear in the error message when you open the file.

thanks - David B.

[Anonymous]

The C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2015\fonts was there.

If I had the client "eTransmit" the file to me would all of the missing texts/shapes be included?

[Anonymous]

Also, does an AutoCAD helpline exist that could walk me through this if I can't figure it out?

Thank you again.

[dbutts7]

Only if they included fonts as part of the etransmit setup tools. the would have to select them when creating the zip file or set of files:

[dbutts7]

You could probably follow the text styles help area, but this happens pretty frequently when the person transmitting the files doesn't know how to edit the transmittal setups. Talk to the client and ask them if they modified the set to include fonts, and if they didn't, then just ask them to email them to you. The files will be pretty small, and all you have to do is copy them to the fonts file location. then. they'll be there for any further submittals from the client - and you won't get the error again.

thanks - db

[pendean]

The file creator needs to activelt and deliberately send you their SHX fonts: a user is not limited to what Autodesk provides for free: if they were you would have everything you need at the moment.

Read this for one option:
http://ltunlimited.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/04/ignore-missing-shx-files.html
and this for better option once you get the SHX files from your file creator:
http://www.cad-notes.com/add-more-fonts-for-autocad/

FYI: If you paid for a subscription, you can log into that site, click on the CONTACT US button, and seek Autodeesk assistance. If you did not, the web is your answer if you cannot find help in these forums. Read this for support options: http://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Contact...