21.02.04 using cpc files

CPC files are a proprietary file type used by some planrooms (namely iSqFt).  Below are some questions and answers regarding these files.

Can I use CPC files in On-Screen Takeoff?

Yes, CPC files are converted to tiff format when added to a project.

How does the converter work?

When CPC files are added to a new project or an existing project with CPC files is accessed, the files are converted to tiff immediately and stored in the same directory as the CPC files.

• On-Screen Takeoff uses 'CPCTool.exe' which is a utility provided by Cartesian (the owners of the CPC file type) to convert the CPC files to tiff. The FIRST TIME the CPCTool.exe runs the user is prompted to read/accept a User Agreement from Cartesian – this agreement MUST be accepted or the converter will not work.

I cannot get the CPCTool to work, what’s wrong?

When CPC files are added to a project or an existing project containing CPC files is accessed, a DOS prompt flashes on the screen, but the file is not converted. This usually indicates that the utility cannot register itself on that computer.

Windows 7 and Windows Vista Users

Due to changes in security in Windows 7 and Windows Vista, even an Admin does not have Admin privileges most of the time. Only if an application requests the Admin level of security (like the On-Screen Takeoff application installer) does Windows pass what's called an Admin Token to the user for a specific use (like installing an application, writing to the system registry, deleting certain files). The CPCTool does NOT ask Windows for the Admin token correctly.

Windows XP

In Windows XP a user with Administrator privileges may still need to specifically run certain applications "As Admin" in order for them to run/register correctly.

Resolution

Before accessing any CPC files, an LOCAL Administrator must manually register the CPCTool converter. Please follow the instructions listed below.

• Open Windows Explorer (My Computer)
• Navigate to where On-Screen Takeoff is installed (by default, C:\Program Files\On-Screen Takeoff 3)
• Right-Click on the CPCTool.exe file (a context menu displays)
• Select Run As Administrator - if you are not an Administrator on the PC, an Administrator must enter their credentials to proceed
• Remove the check mark indicated in the screen shot below (for Windows XP and Vista)

A Microsoft-DOS type window (Command Prompt) opens asking if you would like to review the CPCTool User Agreement.

• Type in Y (for yes) and press <Enter> - you are then prompted to accept the agreement
• Type Y and press <Enter>

• Once an Administrator accepts this agreement, the CPCTool is registered on the machine for all users - CPC files are automatically converted to tiff when accessed or added to a project.

What happens to existing jobs when CPC files are converted?

Takeoff is not affected. It may be necessary to make minor adjustments to the scale of the image - use the Calculate Scale feature – takeoff should match the image after the scale is changed.

using the Planroom tab in On-Screen Takeoff, images won't convert

Causes:

• The CPCTool user agreement was not accepted by an Administrator (see above)
• You have the Planroom Folder pointing to a location where you cannot create the directory structure (Tools > Options > Folders) - even if a user has access to a particular location, he or she may not have rights to write/create folders/files in that location
• Depending on how complex the folder structure, On-Screen Takeoff may not be able to accommodate the number of characters in the folder path  (limited to 256 characters TOTAL including the file name).  If the CPC images can not convert to tiff, change the folder where the downloaded CPC files are stored (or copy all the CPC files) to your local hard drive.  Then, have On-Screen Takeoff convert the files.  THEN, you can copy/move the converted files back to your network drive and load the TIFs into your project, see Path Name Limitations.

See the FAQ Unable to View or Convert Plans after downloading for additional help on this.

I have a Different Tool for Viewing CPC Files

If you have installed another utility for viewing CPC files, it may be interfering with the CPCTool converter.  You can use your other tool to convert all CPC files to tiff or you can uninstall that utility and try using On-Screen Takeoff again.