Error

Here is a unique situation that I have run across a few times recently.

We have one shape file that we use for all of our complex linetypes. It's name is "my-custom,shx". Suddenly one day, a user cannot load linetypes, he gets this error:

Line 63 of the LIN file is a complex linetype that references the shape file "my-custom.shx". Well, I know the shape file is available, and I know there is no error in the LIN file.

One of the more popular topics here is the Select Shape File post from February 2006, where I explained why you might be prompted to select a shape file, and ways to eliminate this prompt.

Well, Autodesk has taken this one step further in AutoCAD 2011 and now offers you a way to eliminate this prompt forever.

If you check the toggle "Always perform my current choice" and then select "Ignore the missing SHX files and continue", then you shouldn't be prompted again.

If you receive a dialog box with this title while opening a drawing, you are missing a shape file that is referenced in the drawing. Shape files contain shapes that can be used by themselves, sort of like blocks. Most likely though, they are part of a complex linetype definition.