hi there new herei did do a search looking for an answer to my problem with no success my problem is in the shop where i work i do drawings that are saved to a serverour CnC guy and the shop foreman have access to use the files to build bybut every time they have something open that i need to update i have to chase them down to close a file so i can edit itis there a way i can set a file so they can open it but not have access to edit it?

If you have the file open it can be also opened by others but as "read only" which in itself doesn't prevent anyone from do a "save as" under a different name then editing it.  I think the solution to your problem is either to use AutoCAD Vault (where drawings are checked in and out) or preventing access to the drive and folder where the drawings are stored.  Another option would be to provide the CnC guy and shop foreman with PDF files instead of DWG files which they can open and print but can't readily edit.

thanks for the quick responcei see what your saying and i have considered that but these guys are old timersand i cant get them to understand that just having that file open prevents me from updating iti was hoping there would be a way to just give access but limit there ability to savei don't have a problem with them using the files i just need to be able to update them during the day

Give them access to a PDF or a DWF but not to the actual DWG file.  And don't even think of using a password because there is no way to get a drawing back if you forget the password and it is only good at preventing a drawing from being opened.  Once opened the drawing can be edited.