Is it possible to "lock" a DWG file???

[StykFacE]

i'm wanting to store some table data in a DWG file so we can copy/paste. we do that a lot here.... for spec sheets and whatnot. but it's a universal file on a network, and i don't want anyone tampering with it.... is there a way i can lock the data, but still copy/paste? it's just a HUGE table with specs in alphabetical order that we use to get info from. I hope it's possible.... Thanks in advance.

- Tannar

[Cad64]

To keep someone from accidentally changing anything in the drawing, you could make the file read only. Open up windows explorer and browse to the drawing. Right click it and select Properties. Then put a check in the little box that says Read Only.

I don't know of any way to keep someone from deliberately messing with it.

[Rainy-Day]

Why not make the file itself read-only?

[profcad]

Why not place the data file in a read only folder on the network?

[StykFacE]

Why not place the data file in a read only folder on the network?

Hmm, if it's that easy, then that's what i'll do. i just didn't want someone to disable the 'Read-Only' part of the file.... i guess if i control the folder, keep it read only then it'll work. it's a small office network anyways, haha.

Thanks everyone for the tips, didn't know if there was an option in AutoCAD for things like this.... 8)

[profcad]

Make sure the others don't have the rights to change your security settings on that folder.

For example, some small offices will give everyone administrator's rights.

[StykFacE]

well i'm the one who made the network, consists of about 6 people. i'll tell them all not to jack with it... lol :lol:

the other CAD guy knows better anyways....

[Ako]

Another option if it just a data table, is to put it into excel. You can do exactly what you want in excel by password protecting the sheet so no one can alter it but they will still be able to copy out of it.

Dave

[Galingula]

Rename the file "Big Gay Man Sex"

[Galingula]

Actually, what I do....

I keep all my standards on my "C" drive in a well protected folder. Every morning I reload my USB drive with all my internet favorites and CAD standards files.

Thru the day people need things, and have problems. So I have the favorites on the jump drive, plus the standard drawing files. I try to distribute rather than make available

[Galingula]

Make sure the others don't have the rights to change your security settings on that folder.

For example, some small offices will give everyone administrator's rights.

I do that as IT/CAD Manager in a seven person office. That's also why I use the jump drive for the important files

[Galingula]

Also, change the *.dwg extension to *%$1, or some such noe existant file type

[StykFacE]

lol

i dont want to hide the file, it's just for our own sake, so we don't accidentally mess things up ourselves.... it sucks when you step away from your desk for a minute, and forget you have that file open and it saves.... UGH i hate that, dealing with backups on your server or thumbdrive... that's all i wanna do. the Read Only thing will work perfectly ;-)

[good_m]

there's another option where you can "lock" the drawing file and you can only look at it but you can't edit it unless you have a password for it. It's an add on to AutoCAD called Somaxx Protection Manager.
Mike

[StykFacE]

mike!!! haha, where have ya been at man!!! we've missed you..... lol :lol:

thanks for the tip, i think the Read-Only is working just fine for us. Thanks tho man.

[good_m]

Kinda fell off the face of the earth for awhile there I know....wedding to plan, tonnes of work for my own small business, full time job and a website....wow...I never realized there was so much going on until I typed it all out!!! haha

[StykFacE]

haha, you are a busy man.... well remember to stop in and say hi every now and again..... 8)

[good_m]

trying to squeeze in a little time for the boards! I'll be around every once in awhile.
Mike
P.S. missed you guys too! :P

[Ako]

Welcome back Mike.