remove data link from drawing??

[guyver1]

i use data extraction to create a private drainage table, something happended when i updated the xref that stoppped the table from updating when i changed some things around. but thats unimportant.

I created a new revised xref and then created a new data extraction table.

problem is the new xref has the new data link showing up in xref manager along with 3 copies of the original data link!!!

how the hell do i remove the 3 original data links, xref manager tells me i cannot detach,unload or bind them so how on earth do you remove data links, data extraction data from drawings coz its doing my head in.

these are dxe files.

cheers

[Mlabell]

Is there any way that you can post a drawing so we can take a look, I have had similar issues but a reboot has taken care it. Also maybe purge abd audit both the xref file, and the drawing file itself.

[pierredib]

i use data extraction to create a private drainage table, something happended when i updated the xref that stoppped the table from updating when i changed some things around. but thats unimportant.

I created a new revised xref and then created a new data extraction table.

problem is the new xref has the new data link showing up in xref manager along with 3 copies of the original data link!!!

how the hell do i remove the 3 original data links, xref manager tells me i cannot detach,unload or bind them so how on earth do you remove data links, data extraction data from drawings coz its doing my head in.

these are dxe files.

cheers
TOOLS-DATA link-data link manager
right click and delete the data links you don't want

[Rerehou]

I thought I would try data links on a Drawing with lots of spatial data
What a nightmare
Does anyone use this?
and my PC (which has enough Power) almost stops
now that I have given up, I cant get rid of them.
I find this very painful
How do you get rid of DataLinks from AutoCAD 2008?
Tools-Datalinks-Datalinks Manager wont let me remove it
and I also cant delete the table from AutoCAD as it Locks the table out

[kathy71046]

the dxe links aren't shown on the manager to delete...

[irneb]

This is disastrous, I tried even a WBLOCK. It still brings those DATALINKS with, even if they're not referenced. Even if you select just a few entities, as soon as any of those entities are tables associated with a datalink ... absolutely ALL data links are brought with to the newly created DWG file.

At first I simply saved as to DXF so I could open & check using a text editor. But that's an extremely difficult way of getting rid of these things.

So after some deep searching in HELP and inspecting raw data in the VLIDE. I noticed there's not just the ghost DATALINKS which propagate everywhere. I started writing a Lisp routine to list just the "Dictionaries" where the DATALINKS are stored. It's not yet complete as it only displays these - and actually editing / deleting may cause "some" grief. But I'm posting this "viewer" so you can see the extent of ghost data in any drawing.

For example in mine I Purged all, including -Purge Regapps. Running the routine (type DICTEDIT at the command line after you've loaded the LSP file) it shows about 7 AEC dictionaries with their respective items ranging from 0 to 50. That's appart from 15 DataLink items - even though only one is used.

If you want to test this download both these files to one of your support paths. Load the LSP file, and type the new command: DICTEDIT. It doesn't do anything (yet), it simply displays the data. The Edit / Delete buttons don't work.

[irneb]

Ok, I've implemented the DATALINK Delete. Had to provide a way of also deleting any tables using the selected DATALINK. Otherwise, AutoCAD crashes if you then select the table.

Run the DICTEDIT command, select the ACAD_DATALINK dictionary in the left list. Select the DATALINK item in the List of Items (right-bottom). Click the Delete Item button. It will ask you a "Are you sure" question - just so you don't accidentally erase something you didn't want. If the link is used in a table - it will again ask if you also want to delete the table(s). If you answer No to any of the 2 questions nothing will be done.

I've also "wrapped" the entire command in an undo group, so if you decide it's a stuff-up you can simply undo to restore the data links and / or tables as before.

[dennis.gard]

This worked great!!! Thanks! Was very impressed with your code.

[kathy71046]

Not sure which bit holds the dxe info, but once I finish this drawing off, and copy it, I will play around with this.

Awesome Work :beer::beer::beer:

[jwilliams.189912]

Big thanks irneb. That lsp was exactly what I've been looking for. I found I had to run your lsp, save, close, & reopen the dwg. The datalink is now gone. You rock.

[irneb]

You're all welcome ... I'm still working on making it possible to modify the Data Link (especially those Excel ones). I'm trying this because I'm fed-up waiting for the edit mode to open in that Data Link Manager when I want to e.g. "remove formatting" from the Excel link. Try do that with 20+ links on your DWG. Unfortunately this seems to be s bit less easy.:lol:

[jmcbride.161140]

Awsome job! Very cool! This will be very helpful.

[red2002yzfr1]

When I use the provided lsp and DCL, after I select the link and click delete item, it ask me if I am sure, I click yes, the dialog box "close" button disapears and AutoCAD 2009 locks up, stop responding.

Any ideas?

[irneb]

No sorry, I haven't tested it in 2009 (only 2008 ). Is this link used in a table inside the drawing? Or is all references to this link already deleted (i.e. table deleted)? What type of datalink is this (link to tags in DWGs or Excel)?

We're in the process of upgrading, but I'm yet to receive my 2009. When I get it, I'll check this problem & debug.

[red2002yzfr1]

The table is still in the drawing.

The link is to an excel file.

My remedy was to use "Spurge" by Manusoft (http://www.manusoft.com/Index.stm). It found the datalink and I was able to do a "Hard" Purge.

[dewilson]

Thank you for this Tool!!!!!!

[scohen3377]

Irneb,

This is a fantastic LISP routine! Thank you for offering this to the community.

-Seth

[irneb]

You're welcome ... we all help each other here, so it's par for the course I suppose :lol:.

BTW, welcome to AUGI and congrats on your first post ... nice one, not the usual first!

[red2002yzfr1]

Not a problem, glad to help!

[kantherb]

Thanks matey full credits to you. Cant believe Autodesk has not thought of this lol

[alanp]

The table is still in the drawing.

The link is to an excel file.

My remedy was to use "Spurge" by Manusoft (http://www.manusoft.com/Index.stm). It found the datalink and I was able to do a "Hard" Purge.

I was unable to find the link using Spurge OR make use of the lisp routine. When I try DictEdit I receive an error message. I just want these things gone!

[irneb]

Congrats on your 1st post, could you give some more info on what error you get? Also what version of AC are you using? Alternatively, could you post the offending DWG?

[agnethaxoxo]

any luck using this LISP routine in 2009? wanted to ask before trying it out! =)

[GUOYZ6688]

any luck using this LISP routine in 2009? wanted to ask before trying it out! =)

YES! I just tried and it worked great!

[andrea.forza]

Hello

Fantastic LISP! Thank you from Italy

For delete file .dxe in the CAD 2009 play routin-> save -> close file -> open file

Bye

[dragan.pajevic]

After applying lisp the following message were shown:
error: bad argument type: consp nil
but dxe was erased.

[seneb]

Bummer. I tried this in 2010 and got this: "; error: quit / exit abort"

Still searching for a way to remove the links...

[Mlabell]

Have you installed the VBA plugin for 2010? The lisp file is calling functions that are vb based. The lisp works like a charm on my 2010 install but I have the VBA plugin installed.
If that doesnt work which it should do you have the .dcl and .lsp file in your support path?
Link (http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=12715668&linkID=9240618)to plugin
Hope this helps!:beer:

[seneb]

I figured it out for 2010. Select the table, then activate one cell, just so the cell has the bold outline on it. Right click on the cell and select "Data Link" then "Detatch Data Link" and "Yes" when prompted. You'll then need to open the Data Link Manager (DATALINK), right click on the link(s) and select Delete. Just be sure all link references have been detatched before opening DATALINK.

The key is having a cell selected instead of the entire table.

[Capt. Computer Crasher]

I figured it out for 2010. Select the table, then activate one cell, just so the cell has the bold outline on it. Right click on the cell and select "Data Link" then "Detatch Data Link" and "Yes" when prompted. You'll then need to open the Data Link Manager (DATALINK), right click on the link(s) and select Delete. Just be sure all link references have been detatched before opening DATALINK.

The key is having a cell selected instead of the entire table.

you do the same thing in 2008 & 2009. you must detach link before deleting it. If you don't the link will stay around

[seneb]

It seems odd that so many people are having trouble with this.

[Capt. Computer Crasher]

It seems odd that so many people are having trouble with this.


you have to follow as certain process to delete the link. Not many know the correct way to do it. if not done right an error occurs and kind of binds the data link to the drawing. The DATALINK started with 2008. They may have worked out the process better for 2010.

[irneb]

You're all welcome, never thought this would get so much attention. It wasn't even started for this reason :|
After applying lisp the following message were shown:
error: bad argument type: consp nil
but dxe was erased.Welcome to AUGI & congrats on your first post. Sorry for only coming back about this now :Oops:. Could you possibly copy the text screen dump into a post (or is that it)? Also, what version / vertical are you using?

It's a bit difficult "debugging" remotely :lol:

[info.219871]

Bummer. I tried this in 2010 and got this: "; error: quit / exit abort"

Still searching for a way to remove the links...

The routine does work in 2010. As stated make make sure that the file with the lsp file are included in your support folders under "options".
Great routine. Use data extraction all the time, and have had this problem for ages.
Thanks a lot.

[quijanomito]

that's cool! thaks for the code!

Guillermo

[vmichl]

There is alse the DXEdel utility - see:
http://www.cadforum.cz/cadforum_en/how-to-remove-unwanted-references-to-dxe-files-tip6708

Vladimir Michl, http://www.xanadu.cz

[aguslens]

Does anyone know a way to 'DETACH' (not remove) EXCEL links from multiple tables at the same time? I have drawings with over 30 tables and it takes forever to click on each table to detach links one by one. Thanks!

[congskie]

the routine works at last!
i've tried it for 4 or 5 times but got error quit / abort message.
this was because i forgot to include the lsp file on my search path.
im using AutoCad 2009...
thanks for the code irneb!

[Lan]

Thanks for the link Vladimir. Of all the solutions offered this is the only one that worked for our office. Using Autocad Architecture 2010, version 2. That damn thing was like a virus. It even got into some xref'd background drawings.


There is alse the DXEdel utility - see:
http://www.cadforum.cz/cadforum_en/how-to-remove-unwanted-references-to-dxe-files-tip6708

Vladimir Michl, http://www.xanadu.cz

Thanks again,

[kschwindt]

Thanks sooooo much! I have been searching for something like this for quite a while now

[mazmier]

I am very anxious to try out your routine, but I don't see ACAD DATALINK in your left hand column list. Can you help?

Thanks.

[mazmier]

Ooops...how stupid. I had the wrong drawing open, there were no datalinks in it....sometimes I just shame myself a little too much...

[achesterfield102649]

Ok, I've implemented the DATALINK Delete. Had to provide a way of also deleting any tables using the selected DATALINK. Otherwise, AutoCAD crashes if you then select the table.

Run the DICTEDIT command, select the ACAD_DATALINK dictionary in the left list. Select the DATALINK item in the List of Items (right-bottom). Click the Delete Item button. It will ask you a "Are you sure" question - just so you don't accidentally erase something you didn't want. If the link is used in a table - it will again ask if you also want to delete the table(s). If you answer No to any of the 2 questions nothing will be done.

I've also "wrapped" the entire command in an undo group, so if you decide it's a stuff-up you can simply undo to restore the data links and / or tables as before.

This works fantastic! Worth a million buck! Well done! Don't forget to save, close and reopen the file.

[ben.heaton]

Hi all I'm pritty new to this Lsp business. I figure you type "Appload" to add the lsp, but when I type DICTEDIT noting happens (just loaded 2010 toaday). Prob won't help. What do I need to do please?

[irneb]

Hi all I'm pritty new to this Lsp business. I figure you type "Appload" to add the lsp, but when I type DICTEDIT noting happens (just loaded 2010 toaday). Prob won't help. What do I need to do please?Are you sure you followed the procedure described here (http://www.cadtutor.net/forum/showthread.php?1390-How-to-use-the-LISP-routines-in-this-archive)? Note there's "better" / more "automatic" ways to load the file, but that's a bit more involved. To me the easiest way would be to drag-n-drop the LSP file onto ACad. Note none of these methods would load the file for use in anything else than the current DWG, to have it available for all drawings you must use one of the more automatic methods.

Also you need to have the DCL file (at least) inside one of the Options / Files / Support Paths - folders. Otherwise the dialog can't be displayed.

[ednann3]

re: Dictedit thankyou for your help ...much appreciated

[Guy F Lapouble]

Dictedit thankyou for your help! fantastic!
thankyou
Guy

[haoqjgcxola]

Thanks irneb

You are a life saver. Thanks a million times..

[jbouza]

Ok, I've implemented the DATALINK Delete. Had to provide a way of also deleting any tables using the selected DATALINK. Otherwise, AutoCAD crashes if you then select the table.

Run the DICTEDIT command, select the ACAD_DATALINK dictionary in the left list. Select the DATALINK item in the List of Items (right-bottom). Click the Delete Item button. It will ask you a "Are you sure" question - just so you don't accidentally erase something you didn't want. If the link is used in a table - it will again ask if you also want to delete the table(s). If you answer No to any of the 2 questions nothing will be done.

I've also "wrapped" the entire command in an undo group, so if you decide it's a stuff-up you can simply undo to restore the data links and / or tables as before.

Excellent routine! Iv'e been scratchin my head for a year trying to get rid of those buggers

[hoaithang]

Ok, I've implemented the DATALINK Delete. Had to provide a way of also deleting any tables using the selected DATALINK. Otherwise, AutoCAD crashes if you then select the table.

Run the DICTEDIT command, select the ACAD_DATALINK dictionary in the left list. Select the DATALINK item in the List of Items (right-bottom). Click the Delete Item button. It will ask you a "Are you sure" question - just so you don't accidentally erase something you didn't want. If the link is used in a table - it will again ask if you also want to delete the table(s). If you answer No to any of the 2 questions nothing will be done.

I've also "wrapped" the entire command in an undo group, so if you decide it's a stuff-up you can simply undo to restore the data links and / or tables as before.


Thank you very much for your lisp

[rholguin]

All you have to do is rename the Table style so that it does not match the name of the Link data file. and make sure that the table style is not current. then you will be able to delete the Data Link.

[irneb]

All you have to do is rename the Table style so that it does not match the name of the Link data file. and make sure that the table style is not current. then you will be able to delete the Data Link.Nope the table style's name never was the same as the Data Link file - this is data links from Excel.

As in Select a range of cells in Excel, press Ctrl+C to copy, swap to ACad, paste as link using ACad objects. Then later delete and possibly redo, you end up with links for each time you did this. No Data Link file generated, but they're shown in the Data Link Manager, which in turn doesn't allow you to delete them (even though you've deleted the table).

[antao_francisco]

I did exactly what you instructed and managed to delete the data link. But as soon as I do it the drawing freezes and I have to abort.

[phil.brown]

Have you installed the VBA plugin for 2010? The lisp file is calling functions that are vb based. The lisp works like a charm on my 2010 install but I have the VBA plugin installed.
If that doesnt work which it should do you have the .dcl and .lsp file in your support path?
Link (http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=12715668&linkID=9240618)to plugin
Hope this helps!:beer:

Just wanted to say cheers. This post helped me the most as I had to have the .dcl & .lsp in the support directory of my 2010 install. Thanks again folks, works a treat. (Was pulling what hair I have left out until just now.)

[parripaolo83676608]

Mi unisco ai tanti ringraziamenti verso il creatore del LISP!
domani a lavoro faccio contente un pò di persone.:lol::p:lol:

[KJBIKE7]

Thank you :) I have been fighting these datalinks for awhile now. this LISP works GREAT !!!

[leedan34977626]

Ok, I've implemented the DATALINK Delete. Had to provide a way of also deleting any tables using the selected DATALINK. Otherwise, AutoCAD crashes if you then select the table.

Run the DICTEDIT command, select the ACAD_DATALINK dictionary in the left list. Select the DATALINK item in the List of Items (right-bottom). Click the Delete Item button. It will ask you a "Are you sure" question - just so you don't accidentally erase something you didn't want. If the link is used in a table - it will again ask if you also want to delete the table(s). If you answer No to any of the 2 questions nothing will be done.

I've also "wrapped" the entire command in an undo group, so if you decide it's a stuff-up you can simply undo to restore the data links and / or tables as before.

Hi, would it possible if you can post a step by step tutorial on how to run this tool. I fail to understand how these two files you posted resolve this issue
thank you

[irneb]

Try the video capture here

[arch_kashif]

I had this problem of removing linked data table from excel in to Autocad, and the data tables did not appear in the Datalink manager window, the reason for that is that the tables entities are deleted from the drawing it self so it does not list those linked tables in the datalink manager, if the data tables entities are still in the drawing it does display them and from there any link can be removed.

[gregory.mox467190]

Irene,

I'm trying to use your DictEdit lisp routine to delete the data extraction link out but once I click yes that I'm sure to delete the link AutoCad gives me this error "; error: bad argument type: consp nil". Can you help me figure out what's wrong and why this isn't working?

Thx,

[irneb]

Could you try my updated version. I've uploaded it to the Caddons sourceforge project (http://sourceforge.net/projects/caddons/). It's available under the source version numbering (SVN) system, listing any new revisions (so you can view / download the newest when there's a future update).

http://caddons.svn.sourceforge.net/viewvc/caddons/General/DictEdit.lsp?view=log

I've added error logging to this, so it saves a log file if an error occurred. See the command-line for the path to this file. Then you can attach it to a message ... it should help me to debug - hopefully :roll:

Also it now includes the dialog inside the LSP file ... so you no longer need 2 files saved into a support folder. Just load the LSP. Note changes in comment block at the top of this file.

[bnicks87]

Just wanted to say this lisp worked perfectly (I didn't try the latest one). Thanks a million!

[rocamar2]

thank you so much! it worked, crashed a couple of times on MEP 2014 but at the end it worked!!!

[thodorisp435431]

DXE DEL utility that Vladimir posted worked for me!!! I've been trying to solve this about 3 hours now!!! THANKS VLADIMIR!!

[bartezden]

Thanks for this lisp I am struglling with many datalinks within a drawing and this helps no end.
We work on a project basis and have a different spreadsheet per project. Do you know of any way to change the path of datalinks.
For instance I have created a series of datalinks to a spreadsheet and want to use these on another project. When I copy one link to a new drawing it brings in all the other links with it. It would be nice to be able to change the path of these to look at a new spreadsheet instead of having to make a new set for each job.

[irneb]

Well you can edit links, you can even make them into relative paths. Select a cell of the linked table entity, then right click --> Data Links --> Edit Data Link <Link Name>.

94176
94177

[bartezden]

Thanks I've tried that and its Ok but takes a while with 80 odd links on a network drive. If I try to set No path and click the ok button there's no responce and relative path gives an error "Relative path cannot be assigned. I tried dxfout and editing the file with a new path but it wont run. Autocad says its not a valid dxf file. Any other Ideas?

[irneb]

...takes a while with 80 odd links on a network drive...Yep that was the original intent behind my DictEdit routine (also had 10's of links in 100's of drawings which needed updating and found that the built-in editor is just too slow - I got irritated after editing the 2nd link).

Unfortunately I never finished the editing portion, too much work. And now that I'm mainly using Revit I don't have much need for those links anymore. As for the DXF route - that is quite a hassle yes. You need to make sure to export as a full DXF (not a partial) then open the DWF as if it's a drawing. Else you may try to use a partial and then import it using DxfIn, but I think it doesn't work too well. Sorry, I've not found any other way to update many links in a more efficient manner.

[bartezden]

Well thanks again for your help.

[hurtadocr]

Go to:http://www.cadforum.cz/cadforum_en/download.asp?fileID=919 and download the "DXEDEL" file after that go to the file autocad and write "appload" in the command line. look for the file dxedel and load it. After that run the dxedel command and your headache disappear. Good luck.

[jrtweed]

Kudos to irneb of Johannesburg for the slick data link removal lsp. This problem had been showing up in several of our company's drawings over the last few years and we could not get rid of those links until now. Many thanks!

[MarceloRocha777]

Big thanks irneb. That lsp was exactly what I've been looking for. I found I had to run your lsp, save, close, & reopen the dwg. The datalink is now gone. You rock.


You can the app for AutoCAD 2013,2014 and 2015
https://apps.exchange.autodesk.com/ACD/pt/Detail/Index?id=appstore.exchange.autodesk.com%3adwgcleaning_windows32and64%3apt

[carlawilkins5809698051]

Thanks for the fix!!!!!!!! It was and is a lifesaver!!!!! You are truly talented and humble. Thank you for sharing.

[tim_newsome]

Irneb,

How do I run the .dcl and the .lsp files you loaded in this thread?

[jaberwok]

Irneb,

How do I run the .dcl and the .lsp files you loaded in this thread?

Go to - http://caddons.svn.sourceforge.net/viewvc/caddons/General/DictEdit.lsp?revision=67

Copy and paste the entire text into Notepad.
Saveas DictEdit.lsp to a folder on your acad support path but set "Save as type:" to "All files (*.*) and ignore the alert message about Unicode characters - save as ANSI anyway.
Appload the file and run with it.

[irneb]

Irneb,

How do I run the .dcl and the .lsp files you loaded in this thread?Sorry, was way for a bit. As jaberwok's answered is the best way to get the current latest version of that file (it includes the LSP and the DCL in one file).


Go to - http://caddons.svn.sourceforge.net/viewvc/caddons/General/DictEdit.lsp?revision=67

Copy and paste the entire text into Notepad.
Saveas DictEdit.lsp to a folder on your acad support path but set "Save as type:" to "All files (*.*) and ignore the alert message about Unicode characters - save as ANSI anyway.
Appload the file and run with it.

For any possible future changes it might be preferable to use this link instead: http://caddons.svn.sourceforge.net/viewvc/caddons/General/DictEdit.lsp?view=log
It would show all revisions to that particular file, and from that you can choose the latest (or any previous revision). Though (as I've stated in a previous post) I seldom work in ACad any more, so don't have much use for these LSP routines (I'm now much more involved in writing C#/Python/Dynamo stuff for Revit). That's not to say any of them may not be changed in the future, I'm not the only person adding stuff in the Caddons project.

[Doug.Edwards699991]

ACAC 2014 I have noticed that DATALINKS which are no longer being used can be deleted through the datalink manager. Type datalink in the command line or use the pulldown menus (Tools\Data Links\Data Link Manager). You will see all of the DATALINKS in the window. Select, then right click and choose delete. This is also a useful tool if the DATALINK name needs to be changed. My question today is, "why will some DATALINKS allow me to use the relative path and another DATALINK in the same drawing will not?" Any suggestons?

[Felipe1089]

Muchas gracias! saludos.

[dfield713334]

dictedit returns "bad argument type: fixnump: nil"
any help?

[sbrusco.104765]

Hey, this is an old thread but i just used it SUCCESSFULLY in AutoCAD 2015.

Thank you irneb for the beautiful LSP/DCL.

[tiresrfat760460]

Ok, I've implemented the DATALINK Delete. Had to provide a way of also deleting any tables using the selected DATALINK. Otherwise, AutoCAD crashes if you then select the table.

Run the DICTEDIT command, select the ACAD_DATALINK dictionary in the left list. Select the DATALINK item in the List of Items (right-bottom). Click the Delete Item button. It will ask you a "Are you sure" question - just so you don't accidentally erase something you didn't want. If the link is used in a table - it will again ask if you also want to delete the table(s). If you answer No to any of the 2 questions nothing will be done.

I've also "wrapped" the entire command in an undo group, so if you decide it's a stuff-up you can simply undo to restore the data links and / or tables as before.

Nice job....worked for me. Thank you greatly.

[michaelbutler1355795321]

Wonderful - Thanks!

[Romester]

First of all I wanted to mention that I do like this DICTEDIT.lsp and the awesome work by Irné Barnard (Creator/Editor). I am now dealing with hundreds of drawings that have un unused data links intertwined by drawings that have necessary links. My main goal here is to find the command that removes un used data links, turn this into a script and run it though AutoScript, so I could batch a directory. Also, concerned about other drawings that do contain necessary links of being removed, but I know usually when trying to delete a link that's in use, Autocad doesn't allow this to happen, but concerned that I might. Other options are to go one by one or it might be possible through the "Batchindatabase" program by Autodesk. Does anyone have any ideas on how this task of batch removing un used data links could be accomplished? I invite your reply. Thanks