Renaming a block that contains the # character

[thalon]

I have a pile of block names that contain the # character

ie. 02.00 Flange - 150# - Face

 

I would like to rename these, but the RENAME dialog box give me an error of "Invalid old name specified" when I try. If I rename through the command line I don't have any problems. I really don't want to have to do all of typing to use the rename trouh the command line, not to mention I'm not sure how to get a list of all of the block names in a file.

 

If someone know how to work around the # character issue with the dialog box, that would be great, or even better might be how do I get a list of block names contained in a drawing?

 

Your help is greatly appriciated.

[thalon]

I was able to get a list of bolcks by...

"-insert" "?" ""

this brings up a text window that scrolls through all of the block names.

 

I then copied this list into excel and manipulated it to create a lisp code line to rename all the blocks I wanted to.

 

I ran the lisp commands and it worked.

 

So the lesson is...

It's undocumented, but if you don't want the average user changing the names of you blocks that put the # character in the name.

 

BTW I'm using autocad 2005 (but I've had the same "problem" with 2002)

 

If anyone knows another way to accomplish this, please feel free to share. My method was quick considering I renamed 92 blocks. I'm knida glad I had to do it this was, I think it saved me a lot of time, and It will definetly save me time in the future If I have to remane these blocks again

 

Thanks.

[thalon]

I have anwsered my own question...

 

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/item?id=2880891&linkID=2475323&siteID=123112

 

in brief...

if you use a special character in the block name and want to rename it, in the old name text box place a ` (backward single quote non-shifted squiggle key beside the number 1 on the top row of the keyboard) in front of the special character.

 

I haven't tested this yet... I will tommorow.

[mjwilliams]

This also works for any block with the @ symbol in the name. Thanks for the awesome post.

 

I have anwsered my own question...

 

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/item?id=2880891&linkID=2475323&siteID=123112

 

in brief...

if you use a special character in the block name and want to rename it, in the old name text box place a ` (backward single quote non-shifted squiggle key beside the number 1 on the top row of the keyboard) in front of the special character.

 

I haven't tested this yet... I will tommorow.