With DataCAD 11 being rather new (and each update bringing new changes), there are some installation issues that make it a little tricky to use CDs 3 & 4. HOWEVER, the main thing to remember is that the data and files themselves on these CDs is 99 and 44/100% compatible with DataCAD 11. In general, it is just a matter of finding the right place to install the data.

FAQ: Why can't I the CD(s) find my DataCAD 11 install directory?

Most likely, you accepted the default location to install DataCAD under your PROGRAM FILES folder. Earlier versions of DataCAD were not installed there and so this CD installation program does not look in that folder. It may or may not pick another location for you, but just hit BROWSE and select your new DATACAD folder under PROGRAM FILES that will typically result in an installation directory of C:\Program Files\DataCAD

FAQ: Why don't my newly installed linetypes, hatches, and fonts show up in DataCAD 11.

The major other thing you need to know is that DataCAD 11 has renamed the major support folders. So the installation CD is sending the files to the wrong folder. All you have to do is move or copy them over. For example, your linetype and hatch files used to go into the SUP folder but for DataCAD 11, they are supposed to go into the Support folder. Fonts used to go into the CHR folder but now
they go into the FONTS folder.

So if you install some hatch types or line types, just copy over what is in the new SUP folder it makes into your DataCAD 11 Support folder. For fonts, do the same from CHR to FONTS. Now when you start DataCAD 11, it will read the new hatch and fonts types.

Here is a list of folder name changes from earlier versions of DataCAD to DataCAD 11:
 

OLD (CD installs to)  BMP  DEFAULT  DWG  CHR  (move to ->) HELP  LYR  DCX  MATERIALS  O2C  PLT  FRM  SUP  (move to ->) SYM  TPL  TEMP  TEXTURES  XFER

New Folder Names for DataCAD 11 Bitmaps Default Drawings Drawings Fonts Help Layer Files Macros Materials o2c Objects Plot Files Report Forms Support Files Symbols Templates Temporary Files Textures Transfer

FAQ: I moved my linetype (or hatch) file over to the SUP folder but my new linetypes (hatches) still don't show up.

If you have updated to the new DataCAD 11.01.00 or up, you must now use the new linetype manager and hatch manager to convert your linetype and hatch files to the new format. Under Linetype or Hatch, pick the MANAGE menu button. Now select CONVERT and pick your DCADWIN.LIN (linetypes) or DCADWIN.PAT (hatches) and DataCAD 11 will convert those files into the individualized new format. Note DataCAD "may" do this step automatically for you already, so don't be surprised if they do already show up, but if you are loading linetypes on the fly, you can manually convert files with this method.
 

FAQ: Does the folder change affect templates, symbols & drawings?

For templates and symbols, it will install to a TPL and SYM folder instead of  TEMPLATES and SYMBOLS. You don't have to move anything typically, but you just need to know where to look for your new Templates and Symbols. Same with Drawing files going to a DWG folder instead of DRAWINGS.
 

FAQ: Is there a way to use the templates on CD I & II without installing them to my Hard Drive?

Yes, in the TOOLS/Program Preferences pulldown menu and Pathnames tab, set your Symbol path to
E:\DATACAD\   (E: being your CD drive, use Browse Function "..." if not sure)
Now when asked to load a template, browse to the CD drive, then DataCAD/TPL/CTW3 (or CTW4) and you should see a host of templates, the first one being 2-8x6-6.TPL -- if you see something different, then your template pointer is NOT going to the CTW CD but to some other location on your system, so try again.

Substitute CTW1 above and this process will also work for CD1.

FAQ: Is there a way to view the symbols directly from the CD using the Symbol Browser?
Yes! Each of the CDs have the symbols located by folders in two locations, either under
        a) \DATACAD\SYM (the folders are all in there together, so it is a little confusing...) or
        b) under DISK_IMG\Prime (Regular/Blockbuster)\Item No.
        which is easier if you know which CTW item you are looking for.

NOTE. If the installation utility process continues to frustrate you, remember that the CD contains each item on a separate DISK_IMG (Disk Image) directory (much as you would receive your Cheap Tricks Ware on diskette in the mail. You can then read the README.TXT file on each "diskette" to find out how you would "manually" install that item (remembering the caveats about changing the file names for DataCAD 8 for Windows: all DCAD.XXX need to be renamed DCADWIN.XXX).
 

THIS FAQ IS A WORK IN PROGRESS, so please report other anomalies and questions by clicking here.

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