version 2.1 skd's in version 9

From the post's I've seen here Sketch 2.1 won't run under XP with service pack2. Since my '486 with win3.11 went bye-bye I guess I gotta spend some change for Sketch 9.0.

So my really big question to those 'In the know" is :

Will I be able to transfer Sketch 2.1 skd's to version 9's new format? What ever that is.

Or do I need to start looking around for a used machine just to keep Sketch 2.1 alive?

 

You can open 2.1 drawings in the newer sketch (.skf format, incidentally). However, it's not as clean-cut as it could be. They won't open through windows explorer, you have to manually open them from inside autosketch.
You may find you need to import a font or two.
When i did it, I lost page layout settings. Since all my drawings are landscape, I just changed the default printer to landscape while opening my .skd drawings and saving them in .skf format.
Good luck.
Dan

 

If you were here I'd buy you a cup o' coffee.
I do appreciate the response.

Changing layouts, font's or whatever is not that big of a problem. Just as long as I can access my files.
I've just got too many to lose.

 

Not a problem.
I totally understand where you're at, I was in a similar spot a few years ago moving to v.7. I had thousands of blocks (partclips, whatever the term of choice) and 1,763 drawings. My head hurts just remembering...

I don't look forward to next time we get a format switch either. I let the .skf count break 2000 before deciding that all new drawings will be done in autoCAD.

If you work someplace with a serious payroll, you can pay autodesk (or at least our rep, i could get the info for you) to convert them all for you. The rate is obscene though, as I recall.

(however, I'd do it for less than 1/2 what we were quoted ;D)

It's a damn shame they can't stick with one format. *shrug*

Anywho, good luck.

 

If you have many drawings to convert and/or transfer, it may be
worthwhile to keep Sketch 2.1 and Windows 3.11 running in a virtual PC
under VmWare, in your current XP machine

Roberto Waltman

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reply-to address is invalid]

 

I don't have 1000+ drawings maybe a few hundred. Those could be redrafted from hardcopy records as needed. (But who wants to?)

Tho I do have several hundred specialized electronic components as partclips. These took several years to accumulate and I shudder thinking about trying to replace or restore them.

I do understand that software changes and sometimes file formats must change as well. But if Autodesk ever needs to change the file formats they should be offering a file transfer utility to maiintain compatibility. If not for free then for a small fee. Autodesk isn't the only company that makes a drafting program....
How many people would stick with MS WORD if their newest version couldn't read a previous versions' format? Think I'd be saying Hello to WordPerfect!

 

Don't worry, your partclips actually transfer just fine

I agree, a migration utility should be offered for all the software, and not just the high end. oh well...