I received a zip file from a consultant in AutoCAD Architecture but when I try to open the drawings all the files show "files are missing".  It looks like a broken path for an Xref.  All the base files are in the folder but they can't be found.  How do I reconnect the files?Norman Bradley2012-08-17 23:36:29

Hello, I don't know if ti will be applicable to your AutoCAD 2012 because I only have AutoCAD 2008 but.
Open a file and type F2 to see all the command lines.
There you will read the error messages and the information about the Xrefs.
You should be abble to find if it's a problem of missing file or a problem of Xref path.
May be you will be abble to re-create the directories for the files or open the files and modify the Xref pathes.
personnaly, when I do a file with xref, I do a short directory path on my (C) disk so that it's really easy for an other person to open it on his computer.
If you type thez comand "XREF" you will be abble to see the xref in your file, the state of the Xref, the path of the Xref, etc...
Please let us know if and how you have solved your problem ( I don't know everything about Xref and sometimes it's hard when you receive such files ).
 

It sounds like the consultant included a hard coded path instead of a relative path so AutoCAD is looking in a very specific location for the files.  You can however "repath" xrefs via the External Reference Manager dialog box.

Please John, is the External reference manager dialog box the "windows" that's openning with the command "XREF"?
I would like to know more about these Xref settings ( if OK with my AutoCAD 2008 ).

Using the Reference Manager for repathing drawings.http://www.cad-addict.com/2009/03/autocad-muiltiple-xref-repath-reference.html

OK, John I'm taking a good look at the site.

Thank's everyone for the info.  I was out yesterday with my wife in the hospital and didn't get any of this info until just now.  I will give it a try and see what I come up with.

John, I have been working with the Xref Manager this morning and it looks to be a great tool.  It has given me things to look at in future work.  As for this project I am still at the same spot.  I have re-pathed the Xref's and still get the same message when I go to the Project Navigator and sheets.  It give me a list of all the sheet with a question mark over it.  When I hover over the listing a window comes up with the message of "File not found".  Under Project it give the levels worked on.  Under Constructs and Views I have nothing.  Where do I go from here?