Orcad 9.1 Layout ECO failure

[madhu]

This is the third board Ive had problems with on Orcad Layout where
some time into the PCB layout the ECO system stops working.

If I create a new PCB using the netlist all the components are
imported correctly, but my original design is stuck with a bug.

Each time I open the .max file AutoEco is activated, it sees the new
components, but doesnt add them.

Ive tried running ECO from the menu system (and choosing the files),
and the list file has no EOF at the end so looks like its crashing
out.

Ive tried lots and lots of variations, but there seems to be no way of
getting ECOs working again...so Ive had to put the last few components
in by hand.

Has anyone come across this? I did a search on the net and could find
no mention of this problem.

[Ron_O]

I never use the autoECO function that pops up when you open a max file. I prefer to control it manually thru the AutoECO function. There are several options in the AutoECO menu and you have to use some care in choosing. The plain AutoECO selection (top of menu) is only for component and net additions and deletions and does not consider attribute changes -including footprint changes.
I typically use the AutoECO Override Attributes selection as this catches all changes including footprints, values, ect. If the scm is properly up to date ie. recently back-annotated with layout swp file, ECO changes made to scm and then the AutoECO O/R/A run, there shouldn't be any problems.

Not sure if that helps...

Ron O