I have just installed DraftSight and when I try to open Autocad .dwg files it says the drawing ‘is actively in use or is read only. would you like to open the file read only’
I can’t get it to open files for alteration. Can anyone help ?
Don W
Where are the files ?
on a windows partition ? … or have you copied them to Linux ?
Have you tried opening them read-only in draftsight … then saving them with a different name … then opening the new (renamed) file ?
The only time I get that message is if I try to open the drawing while it is still open in DraftSight. That is fully expected.
Try closing DraftSight and then double click the file in question to open.
Draftsight is operating in multiple-drawing interface mode. To reveal all the other drawings below the current one is to minimise the it. Then you will see their name along the bottom left of the app. window.
Like Mark pointed out, the location of the files might have an affect. Are they off a CD, then they would be read only anyway until you change them.
Thanks guys,
I created a folder called Cad Drawings in /don. I copied a set of drawings from Autocad in Win 7 to disc, and copied them from this disc to Cad Drawings in Peppermint.
@ Mark, I have done as you suggested and that has solved the problem.
@ SeZo, When I saved the drawing with a new name I can double click it and it opens DraftSite 
(just like Autocad in Win 7)
Thanks for the help.
Don W
No problem. Just one question: are you using the 32 or 64 bit Peppermint?
Hi SeZo,
How do I find that out ?
Don W
uname -a
don@ldwatson ~ $ uname -a
Linux ldwatson 3.13.0-32-generic #57-Ubuntu SMP Tue Jul 15 03:51:12 UTC 2014 i686 i686 i686 GNU/Linux
don@ldwatson ~ $
I suspect it is 64 bit machine as I asked for the top range. Is the 64 bit determined by the CPU ?
Don W
You’re running a 32bit OS
That’s not to say your CPU isn’t capable of running 64bit … to find that out, look for the “lm” (long mode) CPU flag in:
cat /proc/cpuinfo | grep flags
The presence of the lm flag says it’s 64bit capable.
If you are intending to run with DraftSight, then there is a notice for Linux users regarding the 32 bit version in their latest newsletter:
Attention Linux users –The number one requested enhancement to DraftSight on Linux was for compatibility with 64-bit computers. As a result, beginning with the next release (estimated for October), the Linux version will support 64-bit computers. To accommodate this request we will no longer provide support for 32-bit computers. Please plan accordingly - because Linux is in Beta, the version that you are using will expire, meaning you will no longer be able to run DraftSight on 32-bit machines. THIS WILL HAPPEN ONLY AT OUR NEXT RELEASE, ESTIMATED FOR OCTOBER.
So if your machine is capable of running the 64bit OS then that would be good. But in your case that would be a reinstall.
I thought to mention this, just in case it will effect what you are planning.
@ Mark, is this what I am looking for ? it seems to be 2 instances of the same thing.
flags : fpu vme de pse tsc msr pae mce cx8 apic sep mtrr pge mca cmov pat pse36 clflush dts acpi mmx fxsr sse sse2 ss ht tm pbe nx rdtscp lm constant_tsc arch_perfmon pebs bts xtopology nonstop_tsc aperfmperf eagerfpu pni pclmulqdq dtes64 monitor ds_cpl vmx est tm2 ssse3 cx16 xtpr pdcm pcid sse4_1 sse4_2 x2apic popcnt tsc_deadline_timer xsave lahf_lm arat epb xsaveopt pln pts dtherm tpr_shadow vnmi flexpriority ept vpid fsgsbase smep erms
flags : fpu vme de pse tsc msr pae mce cx8 apic sep mtrr pge mca cmov pat pse36 clflush dts acpi mmx fxsr sse sse2 ss ht tm pbe nx rdtscp lm constant_tsc arch_perfmon pebs bts xtopology nonstop_tsc aperfmperf eagerfpu pni pclmulqdq dtes64 monitor ds_cpl vmx est tm2 ssse3 cx16 xtpr pdcm pcid sse4_1 sse4_2 x2apic popcnt tsc_deadline_timer xsave lahf_lm arat epb xsaveopt pln pts dtherm tpr_shadow vnmi flexpriority ept vpid fsgsbase smep erms
Does the lm at the end of the first line indicate 64 bit capability ?
@SeZo, I will stick with Draftsight if I can. I may need to reinstall Peppermint 5 in the 64 bit version. This is my second day running Linux alone ( I already miss installing Win 7 updates >:( >:() I spent today checking programmes to capture my holiday videos and settled with gThumb, very simple. I will wait now and find if I need a new install.
Thanks for your help chaps.
Don W
There are 2 sets of flags because there are effectively 2 CPU’s (dual core) 
YES the lm flag states it is a 64bit capable CPU, so will run Peppermint 5 64bit (or any other 64bit OS).
Would I be better installing the Peppermint 5 64 bit ?
Should I start another thread " How do I install Peppermint 5 64 bit OS"
take care
Don W
Is Peppermint the only OS on the PC ?
Yes. I have just downloaded the bit torrent from PeppermintOS if that helps.
Don W
PS Just thought I would try that quote thingy
If it’s the only OS, the installer should offer to “Replace Peppermint”
WHich will effectively wipe the drive and install the new version.
Thanks Mark,
Unfortunately I can’t get into my machine at the moment as it has ‘hung’ in OpenShot and I don’t know where to go.
I am sure I saw a list of commands to use when troubles occurred but I can’t remember where.
Don W