Plotting to PDF acad.pat?

I have just started using v2012 from a 2008 version and whilst i had no problem converting to pdf before I now cannot do so. The command acad.pat cannot find file appears when i load up Autocad and since i don't understand the consequences of this I just cancel the window but when I try to PDF a DWG the same command appears so I guess it is quite an important file that is perhaps missing. Do I need to reload the software or how do I resolve this. Many thanks.

Acad.pat is the file that contains all the default AutoCAD hatch patterns.

That's good to know but it would be good to know how to resolve it. Any help appreciated.

Type

(findfile "acad.pat")

on the command line and hit ENTER.

What is returned?

If you do find acad.pat on your hard drive then it could just be a matter of resetting the path to the file via Options > Files and Folders.

If you don't you may have to run the REPAIR option.

When I type findfile"acad.pat" it returns unknown command "PAT"". or something like that. I have found that when i started up Autocad this time there was a text dialogue box asking me to specify fontalt so I just selected arial and the cannot find file acad.pat did not follow. Not sure if this was significant but in any case I still can't PDF my DWG. Perhaps this is unrelated to the acad.pat file though ? Keep the suggestions/advice coming guys. Cheers.

You can plot to the PDF file format or you can use the Export to PDF feature. Which one are you trying to do?

I think I have been trying to export to PDF as when i tried to plot to PDF, as i had been used to doing on my old version, there appeared to be no option for PDF to DWG so I assumed (perhaps wrongly) that export to PDF was the way to go? I will try again and report back unless you advise in the meantime. Thanks.

I understand that export to PDF has been added directly to newer versions of Autocad (post 2009) whereas on my older version I had to plot to PDF. Correct?? However when I do this currenty using the export to PDF option the window following the "plot and publish job complete" window says

Job: - Error(s) Did Not Plot and at the bottom says device not found.

Sounds like you need to run a repair on AutoCAD, if that doesn't work you may need to completely uninstall and reinstall AutoCAD.

Are you working on a network? Do you have an IT department? Make sure any anti-virus software is disabled when installing AutoCAD.

Not working on a network, no (internal) IT dept and no autocad savvy colleagues hence why I am here eliciting the help of you guys. I will try the repair re-install and if all fails seek the advice of an expert. Cheers.