Problem when linking/importing from Architecture into 3dsmax

[Tonia Gkougkouli]

I always use File link manager to import my 3d models from Architecture into 3dsmax. The problem Ihave encountered recently is this:
when I usually import a *.dwg file using file link manager, AEC objects come into 3dsmax with all the components for example: a window appears as "Window <Standard>Glass" and "Window <Standard> Sash" etc. After formatting my pc and installing 3dsmax when I used file link manager (using all the advanced settings in preset) windows now appear as: "AecDbWindow" and I cannot select frames, mullions, sash, glass etc separately. The only thing I can do for now is put an "editmesh" modifier to distinguish window's components and put submaterial. I tried everything but I cannot find any other solution!Is there any setting I have to check to solve the problem??

[Tony O'Connor]

i never import material. i always name by Objects before importing them whether that's a material in the editor or an object. why are you using the link manager? i just usually import it from the file import menu and then use the file link manager to locate a file i need to. If you need to add a edit mesh you are either import back and forth which max does not like.

once you're model is completed then you should export you're model from DWG then import it into max. don't just keep importing and exporting from one to another.

[Andres del Castillo]

Hi Tonia.
In file link manager dialog box, you have options. Select your favorite combinations, for example split by material or by layer, etc.
Additional information about software used will get better answers.
Tony: tipically, we use file link manager, if we need to reload geometry without loss of information, like materials, ilumination, etc. It is not the same as import. If you never change model, forget about it, use import.

[Tony O'Connor]

Andres
that's i thought but i don't know why he/she is trying to use the FLM to import his/her models? maybe i am miss understanding, i never import textures because it's too much of a hassle to do so sometimes i just leave the textures alone until i am in max because you have a lot more options. Or i let a professional do it.

[Tonia Gkougkouli]

First of all, thank you all for your replies!!!
i use file link manager because i usually change my geometry. I render my projects not only for a final presentation but for presenting to my clients the architecture of the project. So, I create many files (I save as....the files in architecture to make many versions of the project and i don't have to put again all the materials. I put materials only to the geometry that has changed....)I don't import textures in architecture, I put all the materials and lights in max. My problem is that previously I selected *frames and max was selecting only frames of the windows, but now i cannot do this because max selects the whole window-geometry. The easier way i found is to create a submaterial and give it ID-material the number of the color that it has in architecture. For example, in architecture, i check in window styles the colors for frame, mullion, glass etc (ex. frame col:141), so i can put the submaterial directly to the window/door/curtain wall etc without editmeshing which is very time consuming. I also realised that 3dsmax 2012 has not this problem, because it has a separate preset for architecture that works perfect! However, I cannot understand why 3dsmax was linking my files correctly before formatting my pc and now it doesn't!

[Tony O'Connor]

why are you re-posting the thing. we are trying to help. Why not make the whole thing in max? it would be a lot simpler. I don't understand why you had to format you're pc unless you're computer completely crashed.

if you are having a problem then i would re-import you're scene. it must be you're scene that you made and not max

If attached the DWG file then maybe someone can help you

[Tonia Gkougkouli]

I use architecture or architectural desktop because it is easier and more accurate. I formatted my pc because i had a virus. If i re-import the scene using max2012 there is no problem but with max8 there is. You can take a look if you want. Thank you, anyway.

[Tony O'Connor]

just because you have a virus you shouldn't format you're hard drive just use you're virus checker to get rid of it or run you're virus checker in safe mode. i always use firefox instead of IE because it's a lot more safer,

I looked at the file and there is no problem with max 9 i don't have 2012 and i am encountering a problem it's says "you have a fake version of max please contact autodesk". Where did you get this max from? The newer version of max has a lot more fueature and do a lot more stuff so that is you mite be having a problem in the lower versions

[Tonia Gkougkouli]

as for the virus it was deleting my operating files....it is not so simple as you describe. As for max I told you that newer version is ok, max 8 is encountering problems. Anyway, thanks for your time....

[Tony O'Connor]

i have tried to help if you did not convert it down then it would not be like that everything would be find in max 8 and 9