Topic: Read only ACAD files

[CADaver]

That's true be the client would have to have the password to open the file.

Not currently.  With the "read-only" attrib marked and passworded, the file can still be opened "read-only", it just can't be "written" over.  A simple SAVEAS another file defeats the protecttion.  Even if you could lock-up the source file the XREF could be bound and wblocked.

[Andrew H]

Well there goes that idea.

Thanks for the info.

[danny]

does anyone have a clue on how the program MP suggested works or was created.http://www.cadlock.com  Keith has a cool trick, but I myself had to read his directions a few times to get it right.  I wouldn't want to imagine trying to explain that process to others on my team.  A lisp would be cool for that routine but a password would definatlety seal the deal.  I've tried working with the IT guy in our office to lock the files using windows, but CADaver is right....saveas and replace will kill ya..

[MP]

http://www.cadlock.com/faq.htm

[Andrew H]

Does anyone know how much the full version is going for? I can't seem to find a price.

[danny]

guess i should've explored the site before I asked.  Also, price is always a setback here...

[Andrew H]

ditto

[MP]

Don't mean to be flippant, but generally speaking you get what you pay for. $400 is cheap for Mr. Owen's (and associates) expertise in these matters (IMO).

[Andrew H]

So CADLock is $400 a seat?

Holy cheese, Batman!

[MP]

The reason I'm asking is because I'm working on a very large retail project where my firm is doing the overall shell of the retail spaces and each tenant will higher their own architect to layout their spaces.  We would like to have our main file read only so other architects cannot manipulate our drawings.

Seems a small price to pay for security on a project like you described above unless you're all working pro bono. Anyway, I don't work for Mr. Wengerd and have no affiliations with him or his products. I suggested cadlock because it's a sound, mature product (about 10 years old) and he is a reputable, trustworthy person .. and a very clever programmer I might add.

[CADaver]

The reason I'm asking is because I'm working on a very large retail project where my firm is doing the overall shell of the retail spaces and each tenant will higher their own architect to layout their spaces.  We would like to have our main file read only so other architects cannot manipulate our drawings.

Seems a small price to pay for security on a project like you described above unless you're all working pro bono. Anyway, I don't work for Mr. Wengerd and have no affiliations with him or his products. I suggested cadlock because it's a sound, mature product (about 10 years old) and he is a reputable, trustworthy person .. and a very clever programmer I might add.

Here here

[Andrew H]

Considering it's the only program of it's kind on the market, I would have to agree. $400 isn't that bad, if you absolutely need that protection.

[MP]

You're welcome Andrew, cheers.

[Keith™]

I tried CADlock some time ago and found that when I used it before it required that the ARX file be loaded on the system accessing the file, otherwise access to the file was denied.

[MP]

I tried CADlock some time ago and found that when I used it before it required that the ARX file be loaded on the system accessing the file, otherwise access to the file was denied.

And that's a problem how? If the drawing ends up in the hands of someone who doesn't have the arx (legitimately, c/w password presumably) should they have access? I'm thinking no. That's the point of cadlock -- you're locked out if you don't have the arx | key; even with the key access is limited to the rights granted that key (ok, actually guessing at this last bit).

Or am I missing your point (which would be a first of course).