We have all experienced that file (and it is always when the almost impossible deadline is approaching) causing no end of issues for a user. The software crashes, it freezes or processes slowly. Autodesk have complimentary tools to deal with file issues and this document will outline some quick and effective tools you, as a user, can use to resolve many of these issues.

Slow performance in your CAD system is often caused by file, hardware or system problems and can result in:

• Commands that are slow to respond.
• Mouse movements that are slow / jerky.
• Drawings that open slowly.
• Unexpected program pauses / freezes.
• Display/Regen problems.
• Drawing elements going missing or shown incorrectly.

Issues may be noted in a particular file, or across multiple/all files.

• If you are finding issues with a particular file, please refer to the Troubleshooting File Issues section of this blog for troubleshooting.
• If you are having issues with the performance of multiple files or general CAD application reliability please refer the Troubleshooting Hardware / System Issues section of this blog for troubleshooting.  

 Troubleshooting Hardware/Systems Issues:

1. Firstly, verify that the minimum hardware installed on your pc meet the requirements of the CAD product/s installed on your pc.  Please refer to the following links to determine your system requirements:
   • System requirements for Autodesk Civil 3D 2024.
   • System requirements for AutoCAD 2024
2. Check and install available Windows updates.
3. Check the video card manufacturer’s site for any update drivers for your graphics card and install/update if required.
4. Check for any updates to your installed CAD platform:
   • AutoCAD / Civil 3D – check the Autodesk Desktop app or Autodesk Access

Troubleshooting File Isssues:

Use the following utilities to remove unused geometry and correct drawing database errors:

• AUDIT – Evaluates the integrity of a drawing and corrects some errors.
• RECOVER – Repairs and then opens a damaged drawing file.
• PURGE – Removes unused items, such as block definitions and layers, from the drawing.
• -PURGE > RegApps  – Removes Unused Registered Applications from the drawing (available from the command line only).

 Running an AUDIT:

1. Open the drawing file.
2. Audit and fix any errors:

• Type AUDIT on the command line.
• YES to fix any errors, then press Enter.

Using Drawing RECOVER:

1. Close the drawing file.
2. Recover and fix any errors:

• Type Recover on the command line.
• In the Select File dialog, select the problematic file.
• Once error-checking is complete the drawing will open.

Note: When working with a drawing file with referenced files, use the RECOVERALL command to error check the attached references. 

Using PURGE

1. Remove unused named objects from the drawing:

• Type PURGE on the command line.
• Enable all checkboxes checked on.
• Click Purge All

1. Purge Registered Applications (from the command line):

• Type –PURGE
• R for Regapps (registered applications), then press Enter.
• * (the asterisk equates to All), then press Enter.
• NO asked to verify each name to be purged, then Enter.
• Save the drawing.

Addressing issues with the Drawing Database

1. Open the drawing file.
2. Wblock the entire drawing (Export the entire drawing to file):

• Type WBLOCK on the command line.
• Click on Entire Drawing.
• Set the Insert Units if necessary (the default set in the drawing will be the default)
• Set the Destination File (this is the name of the file to be created – ensure this file name is different to your current drawing name).
• Click on OK to create the new file.

This method will recreate all the model data in a new drawing file.

Conclusion:

It is recommended that Windows and video drivers are checked for updates on a regular basis and installed when available.

When running Autodesk products ensure that any updates referring to licensing in the Autodesk Desktop App or Autodesk Access are installed.