I recently ran into a situation using the purge command. On a weekly basis to maintain file size, I typically will re-write my shared file (central file) barring anyone is in the project, run an audit, and purge the file. When I purge, I generally will click the "check all" button. I will purge until I see the number of elements check is 0 (zero). This usually takes 2-3 times.
My understanding that if an element/component is loaded but not used, then it will be purged. During this process of purging, some Building Sections and related Wall Sections somehow got purged from the project. Initially we thought that a team member was deleting views by mishap. I took the latest local file which was from the night before since I did all this the following morning, therefore not loosing any work or wanting to roll back to an earlier version not knowing when those views were missing from the central file. I began testing to see if it was an audit issue, not thinking that it would be an issue with the purge command. Once the purge command was initiated, and having my building sections expanded to see all building section views, I saw them disappear. I called my Autodesk Product reseller, stumped them with this issue. I tried this on another workstation thinking perhaps it was my workstation - not even, same thing happened on another workstation.
This is a concern with me as well as my firm and think it should be a concern with Autodesk in resolving this issue. To maintain file size on very large projects such as the one I am currently working on a purge is necessary from time to time.
Any relevant feedback is greatly appreciated. I can be contacted at the following below.
J. Kim Candelario, Method Studio
801-532-4422
kim@method-studio.com
j. kim candelario
method-studio, inc.
