Working with R14 and 2002 Users

If I'm on ACAD 2004 and I receive files from users on R14 or 2002, I
can read them fine, but if I make an edit the file is saved as a R2004
DWG adn these guys now can't read it.

I know I can manually do a Save As to R2002 (but not to R14), but is
there a way that I can have ACAD just keep the file in the original
format? I can't force the R14 guys to upgrade but because of this
incomaptibility I can't do work for them anymore. and Working with the
R2002 guys is a pain if I don't remember to do the save as. Any
helpful thoughts appreciated.

MJ Evans
HJE & Associates

 

No. But there is a Batch Converter available on the Autodesk Web site.
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If *you* are working for *them*, then I suppose you should figure out a way to supply the drawings to them in their required format. (DWG Converter that Paul mentioned is one way)

If *they* are working for *you*, then maybe you should specify to them that 2004 is the required format.

I would suggest in the future, both parties agreeing on a set of work specifications, incluing digital file formats - before starting production...

 

While this isn't particularly helpful,
I'd just like to point out that the pressure
you are now feeling is by design....
and as Paul said your problem has been partly
retracted by its designers.

Have you looked into IntelliCAD?

 

No kidding ;^) Works as designed - create difficulties to push you to
buy the latest.

Interesting is that some preliminary testing with MicroStation shows
it can write more versions of DWG than AutoCAD...and these guys I
sumbitted the work to knew no different - in other words they could
not tell if I used AutoCAD or not to create the R14 and R2000 DWG
files I sent them. So shhhh...don't ask don't tell and I can keep
those contracts with them ;^)