Unable to open a couple of DWG file in AutoCAD 2005 - DWG file is not valid

[Mark K]

Hi,
I am having a problem with a couple of dwg files not opening with acad 2005.
I took a couple of drawings home from work, but when i tried to open them on my laptop, i got a message saying "Drawing file is not valid", and it wont let me open the file.
The files open fine on my computer at work, so im lost trying to figure out why i cant open them on my laptop.
Has anyone had this before? And could you please tell me how to fix it?

Thanks so much,

Mark

[Brian Myers]

What version of the program do you have at work? If its 2007 then you may be experiencing compatibility issues and you'll need to save the files back to 2005 (actually 2004).

[jaberwok]

In the meantime, this may allow you to get some work done.

[Buffeldrek]

ok saw the DWG gateway demo... the only free convertor for autocad??? what about autodesk trueconvert then

[jaberwok]

ok saw the DWG gateway demo... the only free convertor for autocad??? what about autodesk trueconvert then

never tried it.

[Brian Myers]

True Convert works well too....

[jaberwok]

True Convert works well too....

I don't doubt it.
DWGgateway has been available longer than Trueconvert. Having one, it never occurred to me to get the other. Silly me, perhaps.

[Mark K]

Thanks for your replies

Both versions i'm using are 2005 and i dont change the format down when i save (unless specified by a consultant).
Its getting me all confused because ive worked from my laptop before... and im sure the files are OK because i was working on them only hours before i copied them over

Ohwell, i will try to copy them over again today n see how i go.

Thanks again

Mark

[Buffeldrek]

I don't doubt it.
DWGgateway has been available longer than Trueconvert. Having one, it never occurred to me to get the other. Silly me, perhaps.

Sure thing - if you have something that works and you are happy with it - you stick with it... But than again, if you don't try anything else - one will never know or there is something better... but one can't try everything.... hmmm, I'm making no sense - mondaymorning

[LABELED1US]

Why dont you just locate the BAK file and open it as a DWG, to find the Autosaved File just go to Format> Opptions> Files> Exspand the Autosave file and the location of the BAK files should be there. After finding the file that you are working on rename it to a DWG, It will open at the last Autosave point. That should allow the program to decide what version to use.