AutoCAD File Dialog Box is Missing

Have you ever lost your AutoCAD open dialog box? When you save or open a drawing, you don’t get the file dialog box, only this question at dynamic input or command line:

I had this question several times. I never experience this, but it looks like this is a common issue. I found many similar thread in some AutoCAD forum. This thread is an example.

When AutoCAD ask us to open a file, either DWG file or other file type, we should see dialog box similar to this.

Instead of having a dialog box opened, you may see this message in command line and in dynamic input.

Enter name of drawing to open <.>: plan.dwg

Some of them said that the dialog box is missing after their computer hang or freeze. I suspect they were running some LISP or program when it happened. Or cancel poorly written LISP without error trapping.

Somehow, an AutoCAD system variable has changed. To restore it is easy.

Type FILEDIA then [enter].

Enter 1 as new value, then [enter].

You should be able to see you file dialog box now.

The safest thing to do is backup your system variable to prevent similar problem. See how you can backup and restore your system variable here.

About Edwin Prakoso

I work as a Sr. Consultant in PT Cipta Satria Informatika. I've been using AutoCAD since R14 and Revit since Revit Building 9. I occasionally write for AUGIWorld magazine and I am also active in Autodesk discussion forum. I'm a member of Autodesk Expert Elite, an appreciation for individuals who give contributions to the Autodesk community.
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