CAD Crashes or Freezes When Inserting a Block from Shortcut Folder on Server

Issue

You attempted to use the INSERT command to insert a block from a shortcut folder on a server while working remotely, and CAD crashed or froze.

For example, you may have been working from home and attempted to browse to a shortcut folder on your office server in order to insert a block into your drawing.

However, when you attempted to navigate to a shortcut folder on that server in the Select Drawing File dialog box (as shown below), CAD crashed.

Cause

AutoCAD appears to be somewhat finicky when users attempt to navigate directly to a shortcut folder when inserting blocks into a drawing. In order to insert a block from a shortcut folder remotely, you'll need to create a local shortcut for that folder.

Solution

Step 1: Copy the Shortcut Folder's Target Address

Navigate directly to the shortcut folder from the remote computer (for example, your home computer). Right-click the shortcut folder, and select Properties from the menu that opens.

In the Shortcut Properties dialog box, highlight the text in the Target field.

Copy this text by pressing CTRL + C (Windows) or Command + C (Mac).

Step 2: Create a Local Shortcut

Run the Insert command again, and click Browse in the Insert dialog box.

Right-click within the pane on the left side of the Select Drawing File dialog box, as shown below. Select Add from the menu that opens.

The Add Places Item dialog box will open.

• Type the name of the shortcut in the Item name field.
• Paste the shortcut's Target (which you copied in Step 1) into the Item path field by pressing CTRL + V (Windows) or Command + V (Mac).

Click OK to close this dialog box.

The local shortcut for the folder on your server will be added to the left pane of the Select Drawing File dialog box. You should now be able to browse to this shortcut when inserting blocks without crashing CAD.