Can't check in Navisworks file after checking out and editing file

[gert-leonvanlier]

I have issues with Navisworks file with Vault.

I have a Navisworks file (NWD) checked in. I then have to create a new version from my Inventor model or edit something in the file. I  then check out the Navis file and save the newly created version under the same document name/edit the file. After that, the Check In button in Navisworks turns grey and I can't check the file in anymore. The vault browser gives also no option the check in. Trying to check in directly from the Vault client gives an error that the file can only be checked in from the appropriate appliation. I can  only check in when I click the Refresh button on the Vault tab, but that loads the last version from the Vault and checks that version in again. So my changes are not vaulted.

The only thing I always do when I check in a new Navis file (first time check in) is edit some user defined properties in the Vault client. It looks like after that I can't edit the file anymore.

Is this issue known or are we doing something wrong?

Using Inventor, Navisworks and Vault client 2019. Vault server recently updated to 2021, but this issue was also present with server 2019.

[AndyG_ADSK]

This sounds like a known issue with Navisworks, certain versions of Windows and/or files saved away from the primary drive (C:\).

Vault uses the file creation time as a component part of the identity of a file.  What Navisworks does when it saves a file is: it writes a new file out with a different file name and if that was successful then it copies that new file over the actual file you were working on.  This is a common pattern and Windows understands what's going and uses a process called "file system tunneling" to ensure that the saved file has the same creation time as the original file.  However, this process only works under certain circumstances, for example on the primary drive and not on secondary drives.

If your 'vault workspace' is not on your primary drive (D:\, E:\ etc.), then "file system tunneling" will not preserve the file creation times and that will cause Vault to think that the file which was checked out has been replaced with a different file and it won't offer the option to check it in.  If this is the case for you, it's possible that the problem will not appear if you are using the primary drive as your Vault workspace.

Another, less perfect workaround is to open your Vault client and 

go Tools -> Administration -> Vault Settings and from there uncheck "Disable Check In of Design Files".  I have little Vault expertise but I think this will allow you to check files in from outside Navisworks.  Please be aware that the reason for checking files in with Navisworks is that it tells Vault about associated files, which you won't be able to do from the Vault client.  As long as you haven't added or removed files from your NWF then it will probably be fine, but I can't 100% guarantee it since I don't know Vault that well.

[gert-leonvanlier]

Are working directory is on C. So that isn't the issue then?

Usually when I create a Navisworks file from an Inventor model I check out the file in Vault, so it's not read only anymore and then save the generated Navisworks file under the same file name in the working directory. So overwrite the existing file. After that, it's not possible anymore to check in.

I find it strange that an Autodesk product with Vault add-in is not able to cope with this.

[Silvia.van.Emmerik]

Thanks Andy, hope you can help with some more info.

I did some testing together with Gert-Léon, and I don't have this problem on my computer. I'm Vault administrator and I can't use the workaround with the setting for checking in design-files because it influences all other CAD-files.

Did all the checks, we have the same configuration:

• Vault Client 2019.3.4, Navisworks 2019.5
• Logged in with the same Vault user
• exported my Navisworks options xml to Gert-Léon

These are the actions:

• Open and Check out ndw from Vault (on C:\ drive)
• Make a change in Navisworks
• Save nwd
• Check in Vault (<- this step fails)

So it looks like it's a problem with the file, as you mentioned. Is there another solution, and do you know if this problem is solved in the next version of Vault\Navisworks Manage?

[AndyG_ADSK]

Silvia, I think you're saying that you don't have the same problem as Gert-Léon?  If you're using the same file and don't have the problem then the file is not the cause of it.

I'm looking at some issues with the Navisworks Vault add-in at the moment.  If you or Gert-Léon could provide me with the files in question, I can try to reproduce the issue.  Another thing you can do which may help is share screenshots of the properties of the files in the Vault Client.

[Silvia.van.Emmerik]

Yes, I meant the problem is in the saving not in the file itself. The file is nothing special, I'll attach it here.

We tested the same files, did the same actions. On one computer Vault check-in works, on the other it fails: the file can be saved locally but the Checkin button is greyed-out.

[gert-leonvanlier]

I made a screencast of my actions.

[gert-leonvanlier]

See the screencast: https://knowledge.autodesk.com/community/screencast/3320c3c0-74a8-4222-bca8-6332a886744c