AutoCAD: External Reference file missing/unresolved

December 30, 2021 Jeff Arbogast

Issue:

AutoCAD: External Reference file missing/unresolved.

(DWG,PDF’s, Raster Images,DWF, etc).

 

You may receive a message stating, “One or more referenced files could not be located or read what do you want to do?”.

 

Options:

Open External Reference Palette.

or

Ignore unresolved reference files.

Cause:

  • External Reference file has moved.
  • External Reference file has changed names.
  • Original Path is not available.
  • External References file is corrupted.
  • Permissions issue.
  • Circular External reference (Although this cannot be done via AutoCAD this can be done via other software such as Document Management software).
  • 3rd Party Software (Advanced System Care, Cyco Document management software, etc.), DNS Client not accessible, IP Helper, etc.
  • External Reference is nested.

Solution:

  • Install all Autodesk Updates.
  • Check the name and location of the file in question.
  • Manually Open the file and test for corruption.
  • Try attaching the file to a new DWG to see if it will work.
  • Try moving the file to a local folder and test.
  • Images, try to embed them rather than referencing them.

About the Author

Jeff Arbogast

Manufacturing Solution Center Team Lead<br><br>Jeff is responsible for manufacturing Technical Support for both internal staff and customers. In addition to the daily activities of the support center, he helps write for the National Support Center blog, and has written online classes for the IMAGINiT training on demand site.

Follow on Linkedin More Content by Jeff Arbogast
Previous Article
Revit – How to Filter Elements from a Linked Model
Revit – How to Filter Elements from a Linked Model

If you want to be able to filter elements in a link, the parameter you want to filter by must also exist in...

Next Article
How to Renew and Replace an Expired IMAGINiT Reprise LM Utilities License
How to Renew and Replace an Expired IMAGINiT Reprise LM Utilities License

You have the IMAGINiT Utilities (for Revit, Civil 3D or Vault Client) and the license has expired, and user...

×

Get Tips Delivered.

Subscribe to Email Updates.

First Name
Last Name
Country
Thank you!
Error - something went wrong!