"The file '[path to file]' is outside the defined search paths" when checking files into Vault

Autodesk Support

Apr 9, 2025

Products and versions covered

Issue:

While trying to check in files into Vault from Inventor the following message is displayed:

Check In Error

Your files could not be added to the Vault for the following reasons:
The file '<path to file>' is outside the defined search paths. You can either move the file into one of the defined search paths or add a Library Search Path to continue."
 
"The file '<path to file>' is outside the defined search paths...." when check in files to Vault

Causes:

The listed file is not inside the defined Inventor Project Search Paths.

Solution:

Before checking the file into the Vault, there are few options.

  1. Move the file into one of the search paths defined in the active Vault project file.

  2. Add a Library Search Path to the Active Project File.

  3. Locate and delete the referenced file that is outside the Project file from the assembly.

The message displayed gives no indication as to which file is referencing it. It merely states the location of the file, which might not be helpful.

 

  • Method 1
  1. In Inventor switch to Vault Browser.
  2. Right-click the highest level file > Expand All.
  3. Right-click the referencing file > Open.
  4. Switch to the Tools ribbon bar.
  5. Click "Links".
  6. Select the file.
  7. Click "Break Link".
  8. Save the file and close it.
  9. Retry checking in the file.
Screencast movie:
 
  • Method 2
  1. If the file is an IDW format, save it to DWG.
  2. Open the DWG file in AutoCAD.
  3. Open External Reference Manager (XREF).
  4. Detach the unwanted objects.
  5. Save the file.
  6. Open the file in Inventor and check it into the Vault.

  1. Change the working folder to a local drive if using a network drive. 

Note: Options A and B require the Active Vault Project file to be checked out, modified, checked back in, and redistributed to all users. This could make those options impractical in numerous scenarios. Option C can be used when Options A and B are considered impractical. Option D is a unique scenario when using a mapped network drive as a working folder. In this case, it is recommended to use a local drive rather than a network drive for the Vault working folder. This issue only occurs when the file is checked out first in Vault, and then opened from the Vault client. 

Products:

Inventor; Inventor LT; Inventor Professional; Vault Products;

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