Revit Arch 2013-2014 - Missing File Central Model

[ROBP-RDS]

Hi! Is it possible to convert an old "central model" file back to a regular Revit file? We are missing a project file that was done in Revit a couple years ago. Someone found an old central model project for the file on a hard drive. I am told there is no option to "save as" and that everything is locked within the file we found.

Thanks!

Rob

[CAtDiva]

Here's a couple things I would try:

1) When you open the file via Revit, make sure "Detach from Central" is checked ... given it's been awhile since the file's been worked on, checking the "Audit" box might be a good idea too. This basically opens it as a whole new project. To save as a non-central model, I think you have to disable worksharing.
2) Link the old file into a new file, then bind the link.

(note: this is without any testing, just my immediate thoughts of tools I've seen recommended in the past)

[Duncan Lithgow]

Regarding: 'detach from central' is only relevant if you you check the 'create new local file' check box. If you just open the central file directly (without creating a local file) then you shouldn't need to do anything special.

But when opening an old file it is very strongly advised to open (and upgrade) a copy of the central file, which regards itself as a local and will need you to select 'detach from central'. Fussy huh? When you go to save that file after upgrade check the options in the options dialogue near the save button. You can save without discarding worksets if that's important. But I can't remember how just now.

Regarding: 'everything is locked' locked is not really a concept in Revit unless you mean constrained. But if you just mean that you can't get ownership of things to edit them... that will be solved when you do a 'save as...'

Regarding: Link then bind in new file. You will loose all 2d work and get a mix of the parameters your office used back then and the ones you use now. I would normally suggest against it. But if you're only interested in the geometry you could delete all custom parameters before binding. That would make your file kind-of a Building (without much information) Model.

Work out what you need before you do something you can undo.

[ROBP-RDS]

Thanks everyone! I got the file working.... I appreciate your help.
Thanks again!
Rob