Start command syntax problem

[The Alpine Cow]

Hi

Two problems:

1.
Trying to create a button using the start command but running into trouble with the syntax. I have added a file search path in a CAD folder (for instance c:\...\CAD), but want AutoCAD to open a file in a folder within the CAD folder (for instance c:\...\CAD\manuals\CAD-manual.docx), without using the full file address. This because i may want to move the CAD-folder in the future, and want to avoid having to change all my customized button macros. I have tried start manuals\CAD-manual.docx and all kinds of variants with \ and / and " and "" and so on, but cant make it work...AutoCAD cant find my file.

Using full address opens the file, but cant make it work without full address. Now im out of ideas. Can anyone help me?


2.
Im having trouble opening files that are in folders with two or more names (for instance c:\...\CAD\CADmanuals\). I found a turtorial on the web that encouraged me to try start "c:\...\CAD\CAD manuals\file.docx", but the file wont open. What happens if i use " is that the command prompt window opens, and nothing happens. Without the ", AutoCAD tries to open c:\...\CAD\CAD and that doesnt work.

Avoiding two name folders and using full address opens the file, but i cant make it work with two name folder. Again im out of ideas. Can anyone help me?

Regards
A macro newbie

[SLW210]

Are the folders in your support file searth path?

[JGA]

If your customised CAD files, menus etc. are on the network, how about a menu item to open a script file that is on the support path? You can edit the script without touching your menu structure.

[The Alpine Cow]

Are the folders in your support file searth path?

The CAD folder is, but not its subfolders...

[The Alpine Cow]

If your customised CAD files, menus etc. are on the network, how about a menu item to open a script file that is on the support path? You can edit the script without touching your menu structure.

Yes, that would be possible, and its not a bad idea, but i thought this was only a matter of understanding the syntax and would be a very easy problem to solve...? Using scripts is not an easy option for me, as i'm not very good at scripting either. I could of course just add a lot of different file search paths...but was hoping to avoid it.

[SLW210]

You need to add all the subfolders to the paths.

[JGA]

I have one network folder for my menu system; the macros then point to sub-folders - i.e.
^C^C-insert *Template/AC_default_2008 0,0 1 0 _script Scripts/startLT2008.scr

This is just a sample. The support path points to T:\AutoCAD\, with T:\AutoCAD\Template\ & T:\AutoCAD\Scripts\ as sub-folders.

I find scripts handy once the macro has been created, as I don't have to edit the menu & come out again, I just need to tweak the script (you can also drag 'n drop it in from Windows Explorer).

We use AutoCAD LT 2012, so can't make use of LISP. To start a non-AutoCAD file from a macro, I'd use
^C^C^P_ai_editcustfile ./CAD/CAD manuals/file.docx;^P

Hope it helps.

[The Alpine Cow]

Aha, the editcustfile command opens my files, so that solves my problem! But I understand now that i probably have to dig deeper into scripting:)

Thanx to both of you for replying!