first off ..... new dimensioning is HORRIDsecond, when I strike a new dimension, it cannot "find " existing dimension lines to "line up" with them...am I missing a setting?

Did you check your DIMSTYLE settings?Are you using either one of these options: Baseline / Continue?Are you dimensioning in model space or in a paper space layout?Is the dimensioning annotative?
John Connor2014-12-18 20:28:14

Did you check your DIMSTYLE settings? not sure what I'd look forAre you using either one of these options: Baseline / Continue?doesn't seem to matter which I useAre you dimensioning in model space or in a paper space layout?modelIs the dimensioning annotative???? not sure. I go to options,etc   DESELECT make new dimension annotative, run dimensions, go back to options, and its selected again. ( yes I hit apply and ok) fyi I am using a dimension layout I brought over from 2012. also, I am new to 2015 and it seems to be quite a jump from 2012 all I get is a weird little white "+" when I get near existing dimension
ikqdrum2014-12-19 17:19:54

I can't figure it out based solely on your description.  Upload a copy of the actual drawing file so we can have a look at it ourselves.

uploads/521534/test.dwgsee if this worksTHANX

I did post a sample, but it's still pending...

You don't happen to have constraints enabled do you?I see you are located in the United States.  Where exactly?  At this rate it will be 2015 before the problem gets resolved.
John Connor2014-12-31 11:56:43

I don't have constraints on.... I think.... no locks appear and the two dimensions are the dimension from the button with the lightning bolt on it. Reading, PA agreed, this might be awhile

Would you be willing to email me the drawing?

sure

Click on my profile then send me an email with your email address.  I'll respond.

honestly, I think the whole program is buggy, or its my system.ie, match properties works, sometimes... either it cancels itself or I must click the destination object twice... not double-click mind you, click it twice with a slight pause in between. still haven't gotten used to trim and extend yet, sometimes I can click, sometimes it goes into click and drag mode...all in all its been a he77 of a learning curve from 2012....bit frustrating actually.

I see.  Well you have the following choices...1. Do nothing.  Always an option.2. Do a REPAIR of the installation.  Not the same as an uninstall / reinstall.What do you want to do?The jump from 2012 to 2015 should not have been that traumatic.

im kind of at a loss and am probably really going to do nothingIm doing a four week temp job, and they thru 2015 at me and I have NO ACEESS to adjust ANYTHING.....These are more questions for future use...

That's it huh?  OK....guess we're done here.  I'll remove the ability to send me an email then.  Good luck.

cant attach file to email.... 

thank you for your time!have a great new year!!!

I wish we had actually gotten something accomplished.Yeah, Happy New Year.

IM AN IDIOT!!!!!I am using MECHANICAL!!!!!!NOT regular AutoCAD!!!!!MY BAD