A user in my office was having a problem in AutoCAD 2006. Everytime he double-clicked on text, AutoCAD would crash. He wanted to re-install AutoCAD, but I told him to hold off.

First, I started a fresh drawing, created some text, and double-clicked on it. AutoCAD didn't crash. This told me that the problem was not AutoCAD...it was the drawing.

So, I ran the Drawing Recovery utility on the drawing. Double-click on the text...AutoCAD didn't crash. This told me that something had caused the drawing to become damaged; probably when he downloaded the file from the server onto his laptop.

Another user was trying to open a drawing and it said it would only open 'read only'. He wanted to re- install AutoCAD as well. In his case, he did not have proper permissions set up on the server.

I am not sure when it became standard protocol to jump to re-installing AutoCAD, but I want to remind folks that while re-installing won't hurt anything, you will then have to re-set up your profiles, toolbars, etc. If you feel you MUST perform a reinstall, try running REPAIR first from the Windows control panel. That way all your custom tweaks will remain in place. BEFORE you uninstall (and re-install), remember to migrate your license out or you may not be able to re-authorize your seat.

3Dconnexion has made available, its award-winning SpaceTraveler 3D motion controller at a breakthrough price of $199

At $199, the SpaceTraveler makes 3D motion controller technology affordable for most 3D professionals and is aimed at those seeking an introduction to the benefits of a two-handed work style and planning on a moderate design work load. Working with both hands allows users to efficiently pan, zoom, and rotate 3D models on the screen in a single simultaneous movement while they continue to make changes to their models with the mouse in the other hand. In addition the SpaceTraveler’s eight programmable buttons allow custom application shortcuts to be accessible with a single click. Its compact size takes up minimal desk space and also makes it ideal for mobile professionals who need to design while traveling.

I have used this device with Inventor and I love it. It takes 1-3 days of use before you get used to it, but once you adapt to it, you will find your 3D work more fun, faster, and easier. What a great stocking stuffer for your favorite 3D geek!

As most ADT users know, walls have an exterior side and an interior side. The wall orientation (exterior side up/down or right/left) depends on how you draw the wall. To reverse the wall direction, select the wall, right click, and select Reverse->In place.

However, it can be tedious to pick each wall to see the orientation. You can go to the Display Manager and use the Configuration Display to turn on/off the display of the wall orientation indicator (this is a triangle symbol that is displayed on the exterior side of the wall.)

1. Bring up Display Manager, expand the "Configurations" folder.
2. Expand the current display configuration (the one in bold).
3. Select the current display set and in the "Display Representation Control" tab, turn off the checkmark for the "Sketch" display rep for walls.

Thanks to Matt Dillon for this tip!