Archiving drawings - freezing a drawing?

[Sarah H]

When I change a drawing I save the previous in a 'superceded' folder, but often I go back to these files to check something or copy some information, or plot it again. I'm aware that it would be too easy to 'save changes' on a superceded file.

Is there a way to lock or freeze the entire file so you can view, plot, copy things from it but cannot save any changes to it?

[ReMark]

AutoCAD viewing programs for DWG and DWF files are available from AutoDe$k and third-party providers. You can view, zoom, rotate, print, measure and even redline, all without overwriting the original file.

[Dipali]

I always move them into archive folder with the date in folder name and i keep there folder's property as read only. so that when you open it, it opens read only & you can save as but not save to it.

[ReMark]

See AutoDe$k's DWG Trueview or similar programs such as Myriad and CADwizz.

[Sarah H]

I always move them into archive folder with the date in folder name and i keep there folder's property as read only. so that when you open it, it opens read only & you can save as but not save to it.

Thanks, that sounds like the best solution. I knew I was looking at it from a CAD perspective rather than a file management problem!

[Skeeps]

Aww Clever, What a great tip!!!