Overview

If you can successfully sign in to the Dusty Portal through the AutoCAD Plugin but then see an “Unable to connect to the Dusty Portal” error, the issue is not related to credentials.

This error indicates a breakdown after authentication, most commonly caused by AutoCAD version compatibility or security restrictions blocking ongoing communication with the Portal.

Symptoms / What You’ll See

• Login succeeds, but projects or Portal data do not load
• An error appears after sign-in is completed
• The plugin is visible in AutoCAD, but Portal actions fail
• Files cannot be synced or published from AutoCAD

Why This Happens

Unsupported AutoCAD Version

Even if the login succeeds, the Dusty AutoCAD Plugin requires a supported AutoCAD version to maintain a connection to the Portal.

If AutoCAD has been upgraded beyond the supported range:

• Authentication may succeed
• Portal communication will fail immediately afterward

This cannot be resolved inside the plugin.

Network or Security Restrictions

Some IT environments allow sign-in traffic but block background communication required for:

• Project loading
• File syncing
• Publishing

This is common with:

• Corporate firewalls
• Endpoint protection software

• Restricted VPN configurations

   

How to Fix or Proceed

Resolution 1: Confirm Supported AutoCAD Version

• Verify your AutoCAD version is supported by the Dusty AutoCAD Plugin.
• This plugin is compatible with AutoCAD/AutoCAD Architecture 2019-2026.
• It is not compatible with AutoCAD LT, AutoCAD Civil 3D, AutoCAD MEP, or other versions.
• If AutoCAD was recently updated, confirm compatibility before continuing

If the version is unsupported, the plugin will not maintain a Portal connection.

Resolution 2: Address Security Restrictions

• Work with IT to allow ongoing communication to the Dusty Portal
• Disable VPNs temporarily if permitted

If restrictions cannot be changed, use the workaround below.

Resolution 3:Time-Critical Workaround: Export and Upload Manually

If you need to proceed immediately:

1. Save and export the Dusty file locally from AutoCAD
2. Open a web browser and sign in to the Dusty Portal
3. Upload the exported Dusty file to the correct project
4. Publish the file from the Portal

This workflow is fully supported and allows field teams to continue while connectivity or IT issues are resolved.

When to Contact Dusty

Contact Dusty Support if:

• Your dusty file fails to upload to the portal manually
• Your IT team needs a Portal connection or has specific security requirements

Provide your AutoCAD version, plugin version, and a brief description of your network environment.

Best Practices

• Confirm AutoCAD compatibility before upgrading
• Coordinate with IT on security policies early
• Use manual export and Portal upload when time-sensitive