Expert: Bill DeShawn - 5/20/2005

Question
Hi Bill,

First, thank you for your thoughtful answer to my question. This is the first time I have utilized AllExperts.com and am very impressed. I am pretty new to AutoCAD and must admit, have questions arise on a daily basis, most of which I somehow figure out on my own. But it's nice to know that I can get a helpful response if I get into a corner.

My most complelling question actually has to do with the profession of an AutoCAD draftsperson, in general. I won't bore you with my reasons for wanting to become a draftsperson. Suffice it to say that I needed a change, I like to draw, and I appreciate architecture.

So, my question is this: What are the professional possibilities for someone who is proficient in AutoCAD? In other words, at what level of pay am I going to reach a ceiling and have to bow down to people with a degree in architecture? I know this may seem like a shallow question. Don't get me wrong. I like my job. I am enjoying AutoCAD and learning  about drafting and architecture. But my practical-minded question comes from my reasons for switching professions in the first place. Right now I am making $15/hour, which is fine since I'm just starting out. But I am very curious about the broader possibilities of the profession and what I can hope to aspire to.

Thanks again! And I will no doubt have some more technical questions in the future.

Regards,
Shaun


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Followup To
Question -
Aloha from Hawaii,

My question concerns an AutoCAD alert I always receive upon startup. The message is copied verbatim below:

A bad profile is specified in the command line: C:\Program Files\AutoCAD Architectural 2\adt.arg  The current profile name specified in the registry will be used.

So, I located the "bad profile" in question, and it is a Photoshop file that will not open. It opens in the notebook program, however, and displays the word "regedit", which a coworker has informed me is a problem that most likely occurred while registering the product. This is a legally obtained program. My question is, what's the next step to resolving this issue? Incidentally, the alert message doesn't seem to affect the running of the program itself. I just click 'ok' and everything seems fine.

FYI - AUtoCAD 2000i

Thanks!
Answer -
Shaun:
Autodesk says this is a common problem.  Here is their solution:

Bad Profile Specified in the Command Line error message

Published date: 1999-07-09
ID: TS35480

Applies to:
AutoCAD Architectural Desktop™ Release 2


Issue

When you start AutoCAD Architectural Desktop Release 2.0, the following error is displayed:

AutoCAD Alert
A bad profile is specified in the command line:
Desktop.Arg
The current profile name specified in the registry will be used.

Solution

You need to correct modifications made to the Start-In directory of the AutoCAD Architectural Desktop shortcut.

This problem occurs when the desktop.arg file cannot be located. The default target path of the shortcut includes "desktop.arg" only as a profile specification, not the absolute path. You must use the installation directory, which defaults to C:\Program Files\AutoCAD Architectural 2 as the Start-In directory so that the desktop.arg file can be found.

If the Start-In directory has been altered, you will need to modify the target path to include the full path to the desktop.arg file, as follows:

"C:\Program Files\AutoCAD Architectural 2\acad.exe" /p "C:\Program
Files\AutoCAD Architectural 2\Desktop.arg"

Shaun:
Notice that ADT.arg is not the profile name.  You need to explore that folder and see what the profile names are and pick one of them and remember to include the path to the file just like you did before, and write it correctly without misspelling in the "Target:" window of your Architectural Desktop shortcut after the "/p" as shown above.  If the arg file doesn't exist, it will cause an error.

I don't believe that your product registration is causing this error.  I also have no idea why notebook is opening when you start AutoCAD.  These are separate problems, so let's work with one at a time.  Let's get the profile figured out first.  Use explorer to find the arg file that is "pointed to".  If you can't find it, "point to" one that is there.  It could cause you create a new profile name, if the profile file name was incorrect in the shortcut.

Take care of the above, and let me know how it goes.  If if doesn't work, find the arg file and tell me where it is.  Then copy and paste for me in a message what it says in the target window of your ADT shortcut.

Keep in touch
Bill DeShawn
http://my.sterling.net/~bdeshawn


Answer
Shaun:  Aloha and I am happy to have helped you.  Drafting is not a high-pay business as such, but if you specialize in CAD renderings and walk-throughs like you could do if you learned Autodesk Architectural Desktop, you could eventually make some decent money.  My specialty is making everybody fast with specialized tools for AutoCAD.  Nothing fancy, just simple LISP with very few frills.  But even with my ability, my hourly rate is about $18.75.  Pay better than that here in Oregon is going to call for some very special skills that most people don't develop for reasons similar to mine like:  "I'm too busy working to learn the fancy stuff."  No doubt about it, if the work doesn't get out, the money doesn't come in.  But on the other hand, you have to keep up with your competition in knowledge and ability to keep your job.  So, it's tough, indeed.  However, like you, I needed a change.  For me it was because I was getting older and my feet were wearing out.  Experience brings knowledge, but curiosity brings more knowledge.  Read your literature from cover to cover and get on the support groups at autodesk.  They provide a lot of valuable knowledge on CAD subjects from A to Z.  

Keep in touch
Bill DeShawn
http://my.sterling.net/~bdeshawn