Easy way to change library parts in model from AC 7 to 8.1?

[Anonymous]

This probably has already been answered. If so can somone tell me how to find the answer. If not - Is there an easy way to change all library parts already in a project created in either AC 6.5 or 7 from 6.5 or 7.0 library parts to 8.1 library parts without having to change each library part individually. Can one also keep the attributes of these library parts that have already been defined in the model and not have to redefine each part from the default values?

[Anonymous]

Is nothing easy with your problem.
• The big letdown with Archicad is the seemingly ephemeral library part. It was promised to be designed to transcend version and is not. This soon will be recognized as the Achille’s heel of the program..

In my understanding and this is what was promised no new release would invalidate library part.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your prompt reply. Hopefully someone else might have a suggestion.

[Djordje]

jdrulon wrote:
This probably has already been answered. If so can somone tell me how to find the answer. If not - Is there an easy way to change all library parts already in a project created in either AC 6.5 or 7 from 6.5 or 7.0 library parts to 8.1 library parts without having to change each library part individually.

Two ways.

1. The updated libraries are available for download on the Graphisoft US Technical Resources web site, http://tr.graphisoftus.com

2. Make a PLA of the project in question, open it in 8.1. Under the Special Menu, choose Update library parts command. Save as PLA, use as a library. Repeat for 7.

HTH,

[Anonymous]

Thank you for your help. I have tried to do what you said but cannot find the "Special Menu" after I open the file in 8.1 and alos cannot find Update library parts command. What am I doing wrong?
David

[Djordje]

jdrulon wrote:
Thank you for your help. I have tried to do what you said but cannot find the "Special Menu" after I open the file in 8.1 and alos cannot find Update library parts command. What am I doing wrong?
David

Nothing much; the Special menu is not documented as it contains comands that have to be used at your own risk.

If you are on Windows, Special menu can be switched on permanently in the Registry editor. See attached.

On a Mac it is the Command (Apple) + Option keys that enable the Special Menu.

[Anonymous]

Thanks agian for you help. Unfortunately the window you pasted into your reply is too small for me to read. I have located the resedit.exe but am not sure what to do from there. Can you send me an enlarged view of what you posted or a description of what I haould do once I open the resedit window. Thanks.
David

[Djordje]

jdrulon wrote:
Unfortunately the window you pasted into your reply is too small for me to read.

Did you click on the thumbnail?

With the ArchiCAD closed:

Start Regedit.

Find HKey_Current_user/Software/Graphisoft/ArchiCAD 8.1.0 Int (US in your case I suppose) R1. Click on Special Menu in the right hand window, change from 0 to 1. Close Regedit.

Remeber, you are doing this at your own responsibility!

[Anonymous]

I realized that you could click window and enlarge it. Thanks.
I have gotten to where you change the value but would like to be somewhat cautious based upon your warning. What is the risk here? Should I save an extra copy of this project file before proceeding or can I mess more than just this project file up?

[Djordje]

jdrulon wrote:
I realized that you could click window and enlarge it. Thanks.

Welcome

I have gotten to where you change the value but would like to be somewhat cautious based upon your warning. What is the risk here? Should I save an extra copy of this project file before proceeding or can I mess more than just this project file up?

There is no risk to the project if you are going to use only the Update library parts command. However, some of the others may have adverse impact - I personally never had any troubles, and the first thing after installing a new version is to switch the Special menu on!

Jump in, the water is fine 😉