Appendix A

To build CPP\ARX program for AutoCAD R14, one must accomplish the following four step. (i) copy the start up file from AutoCADR14\adsrx\sample\template folder; (ii) although in the text file "tmplvc4x.mak", the second line is "DO NOT EDIT", there is absolutely no way to convert an existing ADS .EXE program into an .ARX except to copy the file and edit it; (iii) In Microsoft Visual C\C++ vc5, open file "tmplvc4x.mak" to save as a project with a pair of .dsp and .dsw start up file; (iv) In Microsoft Visual C\C++ vc5, Tools \ Options \ Directories \ Include files and Library files, respectively, add path to "...\ADSRX\INC" and "...\ADSRX\LIB"; notice that previous path to "\AutoCADR13\WIN\ADS\" may prevent linking.

Note: there is occasional AutoCAD R14 crash in the WinDebug or WinRel link, where the WinRel link crash is more severe. Microsoft Visual C\C++ vc5.0 (Copyright 1994-97 Microsoft Corporation).

Appendix B

In summary, the following five change are necessary to change .ARX back into ADS .EXE program: (i) To change the .CPP file extension, that did build .ARX program for AutoCAD R14 (ref. A .DEF file is necessary), back into .C file extension to build C\ADS EXE program in Microsoft Visual C\C++ vc2 or vc5 (ref. no need for a .DEF file, make sure the 'main' routine will replace the 'extern "C" AcRx::AppRetCode acrxEntryPoint'). (ii) AutoCAD R13 \ win\ads\winads.lib file will replace AutoCAD R14 \adsrx folder. (iii) in the .mnu file for AutoCAD 14, to change a command function name, such as "func" back into "_func" for AUtoCAD R13, but to notice that the xload function in a .mnu file for AutoCAD R13 does not support a path to load the ADS\EXE program; and (iv) to change all AutoCAD R14 .dwg file, such as block file for insertion, into AutoCAD R13 .dwg file.

Note: in January of year 2024, this author did experience a surprise AutoCAD R13 crash in the menuload dialog box on Windows 98 with a wrong mouse click (ref. the program is likely a WinRel link). Microsoft Visual C\C++ vc5.0 (Copyright 1994-97 Microsoft Corporation).

Appendix C