Can't delete unused datalinks

[bhron_d]

I can't delete a datalink in the datalink manager that is no longer used in the drawing. I deleted the table, have run a purge, a purge -regapps, and an audit, and still cannot delete the datalink. In fact, when I try, it crashes CAD. I'm running 2008 and yes, I'm pretty new to tables. Any suggestions? Thanks all.

[icbinr]

Have a look through this thread.

http://forums.augi.com/showthread.php?t=78139&highlight=dictedit

There is a lisp routine linked in there that will let you delete the datalinks.

[bhron_d]

Thanks for that tip - I downloaded and ran the LISP, but I got the following message

Command: dictedit
; error: quit / exit abort

Any ideas as to what might be going on?

[Capt. Computer Crasher]

I can't delete a datalink in the datalink manager that is no longer used in the drawing. I deleted the table, have run a purge, a purge -regapps, and an audit, and still cannot delete the datalink. In fact, when I try, it crashes CAD. I'm running 2008 and yes, I'm pretty new to tables. Any suggestions? Thanks all.

This datalink was it linking an Excel File? does the Excel file still exist?You said you have already deleted the table?

try this (delete datalink):
1) Type DATALINK
2) highlight the your datalink you want to remove
3) Right-click and pick delete
4)hit OK

If this should not work then try:

1) recreate the table with the datalink using the table command.
2) highlight and right click a cell on the table
3) Data Links and pick detach data link
4) click yes at the warning
5) erase the table
6) try the delete datalink above again.

For future:

alway detach the data links from the table first before you delete the table then delete the link.

hope this helps

[bhron_d]

Thanks for the suggestions - I had already tried the first method you suggested, and I gave the second one a try but it tells me that I 'can't delete a datalink that is in use'. I don't have any tables in the drawing now, so I don't know why I am getting this error message. From reading other forum posts I get the feeling that datalinks may link to other objects as well - is there a way to find out where the datalink is that is causing CAD to tell me it is in use?

[icbinr]

Thanks for that tip - I downloaded and ran the LISP, but I got the following message

Command: dictedit
; error: quit / exit abort

Any ideas as to what might be going on?

I usually get that message when I delete the last datalink... Appears to be a bug in the program.... but it deletes the datalink for me.

The only time it doesn't delete the datalink for me is if the datalink is actually being referenced from another x-ref. Then you have to find the offending x-ref and delete the datalink there.

I am running 2010 though... So I can't test the program in 2008 for you. I would post a PM to the person that linked the program. I think they wrote it. So they could confirm if it was tested in 2008 or not.