AutoCAD opens new every time.

[Taylor Gibson]

If I open another dwg from Windows Explorer, AutoCAD opens up new every time, even though it is already open. How can I stop this happening? If I've used Explorer to search for a dwg I then have to retrace my steps using open, otherwise I end up with lots of AutoCADs open. I've looked in options but I can't see anything in there to prevent this happening. Thanks.

[MSasu]

First, please ensure that both TASKBAR and SDI system variables are set to 0. If this doesn't help, then please do a search on the Forum since this issue was discussed previously.

[Taylor Gibson]

Thanks, I've found the solution in the similar threads section. It's the "opens with" AutoCAD DWG Launcher in Explorer which is the answer. I'll try search first next time.

[Taylor Gibson]

Hmmm! Well I tried it once & it worked. I've just demonstrated it to one of my colleages & it's opened AutoCAD new again. Back to the drawing board, so to speak.

[ReMark]

From Windows Explorer>Tools>Folder Options>File Types>DWG>Advanced>Open>Edit

Action:
open


Application to be used to perform action:
"C:\Program Files\AutoCAD 2010\acad.exe" "%1"


Use DDE Checked

DDE Message:
[open("%1")]


Application:
AutoCAD.r19.DDE


DDE Application Not Running:
blank

[RobDraw]

I've always found that method of opening drawings buggy especially on machines with more than one version AutoCAD. You think you get it set the way you want and it eventually changes. You can copy the folder path from the Windows Exporer address bar and paste it into the open dialog box in AutoCAD and hit open to get you to the folder where the drawing resides.

[Taylor Gibson]

Yes! That seems to worked. Thank you very much ReMark, & everyone else who've helped.

[ReMark]

It's an old-but-goodie that many of us tend to forget.

You're entirely welcomed.