The DWG Gateway program is a free data translation plug-in for AutoCAD users that enables you to work with .dwg data generated by any version of the software.  It will allow you to open any AutoCAD .dwg version up to AutoCAD 2007.

Download this free application here.

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Your OSNAPS are incorrectly set or you are not using the correct technique to pick node points.

Solution:  First check your OSNAP settings.  At the bottom of the screen, right click over the OSNAP button and click on "Settings".  Only the "Node" snap should be checked.

When snapping to the node of an object, resist the temptation to try and pick the point directly with your cursor, as there may be many other node points in the same vicinity.  The correct way to snap a node point of a beam for example, is to touch part of the beam (in a place where you are unlikely to touch another object by mistake) and the snap point will automatically jump to the node nearest the end of the beam you are touching.  This is indicated by the appearance of the node symbol (a crossed circle) at the actual node point, and the text "Node" appearing next to your cursor.

Each line defining a profile has a midpoint snap.  Therefore it is important to make sure your cursor touches the system line and not the profile.

Solution 1: Zoom in close enough to see what you are snapping to.

Solution 2: Use symbolic presentation of the beam.  It is then very easy to touch just the system line and snap to its midpoint.

The presentation type of the member needs to be changed.

Solution:  Change the presentation of the member to either 'Standard' or 'Symbolic' so the system line is visible.  When selected, there should only be 3 grips visible.  In these modes, you can stretch the member.  Also note that if using the AutoCAD 'Ortho' mode, the X or Y axis of the UCS must be in the direction you want to stretch the member.

The joint 'boxes' need to be selected and then turned off using AdvanceSteel tools.

Solution:  Click on the "Filter Database" button from the main AdvanceSteel toolbar.  Then from the flyout to the left, pick "Connection Objects".  All joint definition 'boxes' will then be selected.  From the main AdvanceSteel toolbar, pick "Presentation objects off".  All joint definition 'boxes' will now be hidden.

NOTE:
Remember to press the [Esc] key afterward to make sure they are not still selected.

The presentation type of the bolts needs to be changed.

Solution:  Select the bolts you wish to display in solid form.  From the main AdvanceSteel toolbar, click the "Change presentation type" button twice to set presentation type 3.  The bolts will now be displayed in solid form.  There is also a default setting in the 'Management Tool' to change the default bolt presentation.

Login to Smart Engineer as the admin user, just click ok onto the login screen. Select the Environment" menu and select the "Bypass Login on Next Entry" option.