skip to main content

Punch! Ultimate Deck Computer Program Problems

12 years ago

Dell 4600/XP/IE7/AVG/1.2RAM. Seems I'm always coming here to ask for help. A couple of months ago I spent maybe two entire days working on a house floor plan (both upstairs up and downstairs) using the Punch!Ultimate Landscape computer program. It was a very intense project and I was pleased with myself when finished.

Three weeks ago I tried to access the files. My system either couldn't find them or wouldn't recognize them. I immediately contacted Punch's help center. They've refused to respond.

The file extension is .phd. My search shows a few files with the .phd extension but my system won't open any of them. I just get a message that .phd files are not recognized. Any thoughts? Thanks. Gene

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

mike_kaiser_gw
12 years ago
If you open the file in Punch, what kind of message do you get?
mikie_gw
12 years ago
Most unrecognised files you can hold down the Shift Key and Right Click... then choose Open with... in the pop out context window and again choose Other or Browse... and then there is a 'check box' to always open this file type with the program you choose.
Related Discussions
Trying to startup a computer after 2 years
Q
Comments (25)
Thank you Owbist. It's disconnected now as I only have one monitor. I think the screw up has to do with the name of the computer changing. I don't remember how that happened, but recognize the name so I must have done it. The failure of the updating keeps mentioning the changed name and Windows doesn't know where to install the updates. There is more, but I'm on my phone as its the only way I can get online. I would reinstall but that's another nightmare. The windows license # is pasted to the envelope with the disk and I can't read it. The # is under the flap which is glued. I tried peeling it open and the # gets destroyed. How do I find the license #?? I think if I could change the computer name and workgroup, it might work. I'd really rather not go through a reinstall,. Yes, it's office 07 and I do have the disks
...See More
'Removed' program is still there
Q
Comments (5)
Cat_ky: I think my friend's computer is about 4 years old but he has never used the JASC program. I removed it (and probably other good but unused software) just to have less programs taking up scan time. I agree that boot time is still long. Many of the programs and tweaks recommended on this forum have been applied to improve performance and progress has been made. Maybe limited RAM is now the issue? My friend is pleased as punch with the improvement. And once the computer boots, he says it "flies". The only thing I've done with the "innards" is open the case and blow out the dust and that took some courage for this amateur. I've watched videos about how to install RAM and it looks relatively simple. MAYBE some day I'll get brave and try that. Meanwhile, I'll continue to read this forum and learn. Fruitjarfla: Thanks for the input. I've already used Black Viper - recommended on this forum - to adjust the programs at start-up. It will be interesting to go to one of the sites you list and actually learn their function - a good project for a rainy day! Again, many thanks to all - June
...See More
Deck Design Program
Q
Comments (2)
Thanks John. I downloaded it only to find Windows ME doesn't support it. Maybe I have to upgrade to Windows XP. Does anybody out there use the Punch or Home & Garden Designer programs? If so, an opinion on them is welcome. Chris
...See More
Marvin Ultimate Weatherstripping Color
Q
Comments (9)
I have the same problem, my newly installed Marvin Ultimate casements are the dark Evergreen color. They have BEIGE weatherstripping and when I first looked at them from the outside, I thought, "What is that light-colored line around all the windows? It looks like dust needs to be cleaned out of the corners." Upon inspecting it closer, I saw it was the beige weatherstripping. The look of the windows from the outside is awful. At the lumber store where we purchased the windows, their display window is in the Evergreen color and has black weatherstripping, which looks great (the weatherstripping is basically invisible against the Evergreen color). When ordering the windows we were never asked about what color weatherstripping we wanted. I think the lumber yard that placed the order should have known not to let it default to beige. They order the Evergreen color all the time (we are in the north "cabin" country.) In my opinion, Marvin should not have the weatherstripping color default to beige in the first place. They should make it necessary for the orderer to actively choose the color (mistakes like this would be avoided). The beige color bothers me enough to want to have it replaced in the field with black. However, I do not think I should have to pay for that to be done. Marvin should have known better, too, and they should take responsibility, as well. I am sure if they would have double-checked with the person that placed the order, it would have been changed to the more appropriate black color. I will be checking with my contractor about this problem.
...See More
candler
Original Author
12 years ago
Howdy. I should have said the programs name is Punch! Ultimate Deck "and Landscaping". Sorry about that.

All of the .phd files I located came up with the same message: "This does not appear to be a SketchUp model!" I think SketchUp is a Google program. Right? I had the Punch program a long, long time before loading SketchUp on my computer. Could the .phd file extension now only belong to Google, and that's blocking Punch files?

Mikie, before originally posting I tried maybe a couple of dozen programs (using your method) to see if they could open the .phd files. Nope! I tried SketchUp, too, and got the same message. I wonder what is meant when it refers to "model"? You guys have made me think that somehow SketchUp might have become the designated default program for all .phd files. I look for more blocks to check.

Since Punch won't respond maybe I'll send a note to Google's SketchUp section and see what comes from that. I appreciate everyone's help. Gene
candler
Original Author
12 years ago
YEA!! I checked my Google's SketchUp program. It worked "off line" where I wanted it to be. But, it said wasn't connected to the Net. I re-downloaded it after accepting their on line agreement for it to be connected. Then I went to Punch! and was able to extract my .phd files that have the floorplans. I quickly copied them to paper. I hope I can still extract them as I wish. It's odd that SketchUp could overrides another to such an extent. Thanks for your time.
candler
Original Author
12 years ago
Mikie - I'm sorry to monopolize this but I have a question. I was wrong when I said I accessed unknown files as you do. When trying to open a problem file I only right-click the mouse; then click open with; and first try the recommended programs for searching; and then use other programs if I want to go further. I don't hold down the shift key when right clicking. I'm just not wanting to miss something that might help in the future. Does holding down the shift key when right clicking do anything different than my method? Thanks, Gene

Related Stories

GREEN BUILDING What's LEED All About, Anyway?

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

If you're looking for a sustainable, energy-efficient home, look into LEED certification. Learn about the program and its rating system here

MOST POPULAR Get Ready for the Smart Coffee Table

Intelligent tables with touch screens are reaching the consumer market, with all the power of personal computers and more

DECKS Decking Materials Beyond Basic Lumber

By Ventana Construction LLC

Learn about softwoods, tropical hardwoods, composites and more for decks, including pros, cons and costs

ORGANIZING Simple Pleasures: Preserving Analog Memories in a Digital World

By Laura Gaskill

Too often our photos and mementos accumulate in computers and in piles. Here’s how to free them up to be displayed and enjoyed

ECLECTIC HOMES Houzz Tour: Rebooting a 1930s Bungalow in 3 Days

By Mary Jo Bowling

A design team mixes old and new to upgrade a computer science teacher's home in a flash

DECLUTTERING 10 Types of Clutter to Toss Today

By Laura Gaskill

Clear the decks and give the heave-ho to these unneeded items

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Choosing a Deck: Plastic or Wood?

By Vanessa Brunner

Get the pros and cons of wood, plastic, composite and more decking materials, plus a basic price comparison

MAN SPACES Houzz Tour: Rocking Out in a Converted Stable

By Mary Jo Bowling

Get an all-access look at a decked-out Connecticut music space a rock star would love

HOME TECH New Strategies for Hiding the TV

By Becky Harris

Its easy to be discreet when you've got cabinets, panels and high-tech TV hiders like these

KITCHEN DESIGN The Cure for Houzz Envy: Kitchen Touches Anyone Can Do

By Becky Harris

Take your kitchen up a notch even if it will never reach top-of-the-line, with these cheap and easy decorating ideas

Sponsored

DelCo Handyman & Remodeling LLC

Franklin County's Remodeling & Handyman Services

More Discussions

Hard drive removal

5

UPS needed - which ones?

9

sound missing on Dell

3

Upgrading Windows 11 from Home to Pro

2

Any suggestions for a very secure non-web-based email?

3