How can I Un-Host families from linked models?

[dhelling]

I want to un-host all my electrical families from the linked models so I don't have to track down rogue devices being thrown around.  I think doing this may be very helpful for projects going into construction since I am not as active in the model as I would be during design.   I have thought about this a fair amount, but I haven't tried much as it could be time consuming and I don't want to do something I regret.  I don't want to loose V/G link settings or loose family associations with tags, circuiting, and etc..  Has anyone tried this or have any good ideas to do this?  

Obviously this would mean elements would be "orphaned" or "<not associated>".  I don't recall issues leaving them in these un-hosted states, but I have seen many posts debating this for possible performance issues due to so many un-hosted elements.  I have seen projects with over a thousand elements "orphaned" and no real performance issues were obvious.  So since I haven't experienced major issues in the past 10 years and I haven't heard anyone else experiencing significant issues, I assume its no big deal.  Although please share any issues you have had with this as well.

[RobDraw]

My mother taught me that not responding when spoken to is rude.

Why are you deflecting?

[dhelling]

Do you read and/or comment on other forums sites?

[RobDraw]

Why are you derailing your own thread?

[dhelling]

You say I am deflecting/derailing but you cannot answer questions such as what is the difference between "orphaned" and "<not associated>"? 

Please answer it.

[s.borello]

I am trying to figure out why you want to do this... doesn't make sense to me... am I missing something?  

[dhelling]

I don't know if I can explain it any better than what I have already.  I appreciate your attempt to understand and help solve, but I don't have any more faith in this platform providing a good solution to my problem.  For the sake of saving me time, I will continue searching for a solution on my own unless someone already understands what I have previously wrote and provides options for me to try.

Thanks and have a good day!

[RobDraw]

---

@dhelling wrote:

I don't have any more faith in this platform providing a good solution to my problem. 

---

That's because it's not recommended and possibly detrimental to your model. I wouldn't feel right posting a way to easily do this in case some other noob comes along and thinks it's a good idea. I'm sure others feel the same way. Having numerous unhosted elements is something that should be prevented, not done purposely. I and others have wasted many hours rehosting elements when they become unhosted in bulk. Why would we tell you how to do it?

Anyone thinking about doing this should look at why objects are moving and how you can have control over this and keep your devices where you want them. Then look at ways to prevent it from ever happening again. Hint: Use non-hosted families or host the ones you have to something other than the link.

[dhelling]

Again, I have heard your opinions too many times.  You do not understand the issue and thus cannot solve it.  I have tried working with you, but you rather argue why than help figure out how.  I believe you are better suited trying to solve other issues.  I wish you the best.  

[RobDraw]

---

@dhelling wrote:

Again, I have heard your opinions too many times.  You do not understand the issue and thus cannot solve it.  I have tried working with you, but you rather argue why than help figure out how.  I believe you are better suited trying to solve other issues.  I wish you the best.  

---

When you figure out how to do it, come back here and read my posts again and try to say that again.

[iainsavage]

I’ve never tried this but can you not just create an empty dummy model and then in Manage Links use the Reload from… option and set the path to the dummy link?

All elements should then lose their associations because there are no hosting elements available.

What I don’t know though is whether they will regain their hosts when you then “Reload from” again to restore the correct link.

I’m only offering this in answer to the post title but I’m not saying that its a good idea to do this.

[dhelling]

Thanks for the replying with something to try.  I think we may have tried this prior and if I remember correctly it works well for the un-hosting the model elements.  I may have to try it again to confirm, but I think we would also loose the host of tags that are hosted to elements within the linked model, such as room tags, door tags, spot elevations, dimensions, and etc..  I have a busy couple of work weeks ahead of me, but hopefully I can test this theory and reply soon!  Again, your suggestion is very much appreciated!  

[iainsavage]

Yes you'll lose dimensions and spot heights etc - Revit will only give you the option to delete them I think, not to orphan them.

If it is only the electrical families which you want to un-host wiithout affecting anything else then I'm not sure if there would be any way to do this.