Slow File Menu and Navigation in HyDraw When Connected Through VPN

Slow File Menu and Navigation in HyDraw When Connected Through VPN

Overview

Users may experience slow response times when navigating the file menu in HyDraw, particularly when connected remotely through a VPN. The issue may affect the opening of the application menu, accessing the Open dialog, and scrolling through the list of available drawings.

This can occur even when opening drawings directly is otherwise working normally.

Symptoms

The following behavior may be observed:
  1. Clicking the HyDraw application menu (H icon) in the upper-left corner takes several seconds before the menu opens.
  2. Selecting Open takes additional time before the file browser appears.
  3. Scrolling through a large list of drawings causes delays of 20 seconds or more before the list stabilizes at the new position.
  4. Navigating back through the same list may be significantly faster.
  5. The issue occurs when working remotely over a VPN but is not observed when working in the office.
  6. Opening drawings themselves may work normally once the file browser is accessible.

Possible Cause

HyDraw uses the AutoCAD engine, which maintains a history of recently opened drawings and files. A large recent-file history may contribute to delays when displaying application menus and file navigation dialogs, particularly in environments where network access or VPN latency affects file-related operations.

Reducing the number of recently used files may improve responsiveness.

Resolution

Reduce the number of recently used files in HyDraw's options.

Step 1: Open HyDraw Options

  1. Start HyDraw.
  2. Open a new drawing, if necessary.
  3. Click the H icon in the upper-left corner to open the application menu.
  4. Select Options.
Note: The application menu itself may take several seconds to open when the issue is present.

Step 2: Navigate to Open and Save

  1. In the Options dialog, select the Open and Save tab.
  2. Locate the following settings on the right-hand side:
    1. Number of recently-used files under File Open.
    2. Number of recently-used files under Application Menu.

Step 3: Reduce the Recent File History

  1. Set both values to 0 as an initial test.
  2. Click OK to save the changes.
  3. Reopen the application menu and test the Open dialog and drawing-list navigation.
  4. Check whether the response time has improved.

Step 4: Find a Suitable Configuration

If performance improves, gradually increase both values to determine a suitable balance between responsiveness and the convenience of accessing recently used files.
For example, test values of 1, then 2, and continue increasing them as needed.
After each change, test the application menu, Open dialog, and navigation through the drawing list.

Recommended approach: Use the lowest values that provide acceptable performance while retaining the required recent-file history.
If the issue persists, compare the behavior with and without the VPN, and investigate other potential network-related causes.

Additional Information

This workaround is intended for cases where HyDraw's menus and file navigation are slow, especially when working remotely over a VPN. It may not resolve other types of performance issues.
Reducing the recent-file history limits the number of previously opened drawings displayed in the application menu and file history.