Installing AutoCAD 2005 on Windows 11

Follow these instructions to solve issues around installing/running your legacy AutoCAD 2005 on Windows 11

IMPORTANT NOTE: Autodesk no longer supply License Activation codes for this version of AutoCAD. The best way is to transfer your existing license to the new PC but there are other options, we document them here

Ransomware Protection Windows 11 and AutoCAD

Windows 11 comes with a Ransomware Protection which includes Controlled Folder Access. Controlled folder access blocks applications from writing to your Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, Public and Favorites folders. AutoCAD versions all the way to AutoCAD 2021 write to certain user Public folders and are therefore blocked by this feature. This can cause issues with all sorts of things including activating your AutoCAD license and even running AutoCAD. Ransomware Protection is an important feature of Windows 11 but it will affect your AutoCAD unless you allow AutoCAD and its dependent applications access to the controlled folders.

How to install AutoCAD 2005 

A quick word of advice: please follow the instructions below precisely as documented including using the same folder names and paths. This will significantly reduce the risk of having any problems…
  1. If you don’t yet have a copy of the Longbow Converter App you can purchase it here or click on the download link we sent you via email in order to download the Converter App to your PC.
  2. Before installing the Converter App, make sure the files downloaded from our site are not blocked by Windows SmartScreen… Windows 11 is finicky, click the TLC zip first to make sure it’s fully selected then Right+click the file and select Properties. Be sure to check the Unblock checkbox as shown below and Click OK…
  3. Double click the zip file to open it and install the TLC application as normal. By the way, TLC stands for The Longbow Converter
  4. Start the Longbow Converter tool
    1. Insert your AutoCAD 2005 CD into your CDRom drive
    2. Select the 2nd tab named “Old AutoCAD Installer Reviver
    3. Using the “…” button, pick your AutoCAD CD
    4. Click “Run Old Installer
      1. Read and follow all the prompts
      2. Once the AutoCAD setup starts, stop and read the next step…
  5. In the AutoCAD setup program, navigate through each setup dialog as normal, with these exceptions…
    1. When you arrive at the installation folder path setup dialog…
      1. **it’s vitally important to make sure you install to c:\acad2005 (not Program Files (x86)\AutoCAD 2005)**. Now install…
      2. While installing…
        1. If you see an error in install “.NET Runtime Optimization Service has stopped working” – simply ignore by clicking the “Close Program” button
        2. When a message box appears warning that “64bit .NET Unavailable” – simply click OK to carry on and install AutoCAD as normal – this does not affect anything.
        3. Do not reboot if asked to do so
      3. Once installed
        1. Do not reboot if asked to do so
        2. Make sure to fully close the setup program when the installation is complete.
        3. Switch back to the Converter app and make sure it’s completed the final stage of processing using the “Old AutoCAD Program Reviver” tab – it should display “SUCCESS!” – if not switch to the “Old AutoCAD Program Reviver” tab, pick the c:\acad2005 folder and click “Fix Old Program”
  6. Finally, reboot your PC and run your AutoCAD as normal
    1. NOTE: When starting AutoCAD, if you see a warning dialog when you run saying “This program has known compatibility issues
      1. Click “Don’t show this message again
      2. then click “Run the Program…

Installing AutoCAD 2005 Sp1

To install the sp for your AutoCAD…
  1. Download your AutoCAD 2005 Sp1
  2. Copy the service pack exe installer to folder path c:\Autodesk\sp
  3. Start the Converter App
    1. select the 3rd tab named “Old AutoCAD Program Reviver
    2. Using the “. . .” button, pick the c:\Autodesk\sp folder
    3. click “Fix Old Program“.
  4. Now you can run the service pack exe installer from Windows explorer as normal

Troubleshooting

  1. If you have crashing problems using the File->Open or File->Save dialogs inside of AutoCAD please read this blog entry on the File->Open or File->Save Crash in AutoCAD
Copyright 2022 (c) Longbow Software

Installing AutoCAD 2004 on Windows 11

NOTE: We currently only support US unlocked versions of 2004 on 64bit OS. European or locked US support 2004 is limited only to 32bit Windows 11.

Follow these instructions to solve issues around installing/running your legacy AutoCAD 2004 on Windows 11

Ransomware Protection Windows 11 and AutoCAD

Windows 11 comes with a Ransomware Protection which includes Controlled Folder Access. Controlled folder access blocks applications from writing to your Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, Public and Favorites folders. AutoCAD versions all the way to AutoCAD 2021 write to certain user Public folders and are therefore blocked by this feature. This can cause issues with all sorts of things including activating your AutoCAD license and even running AutoCAD. Ransomware Protection is an important feature of Windows 11 but it will affect your AutoCAD unless you allow AutoCAD and its dependent applications access to the controlled folders.

How to install AutoCAD 2004

A quick word of advice: please follow the instructions below precisely as documented including using the same folder names and paths. This will significantly reduce the risk of having any problems…
  1. If you don’t yet have a copy of the Longbow Converter App you can purchase it here or click on the download link we sent you via email in order to download the Converter App to your PC.
  2. Before installing the Converter App, make sure the files downloaded from our site are not blocked by Windows SmartScreen… Windows 11 is finicky, click the TLC zip first to make sure it’s fully selected then Right+click the file and select Properties. Be sure to check the Unblock checkbox as shown below and Click OK…
  3. Double click the zip file to open it and install the TLC application as normal. By the way, TLC stands for The Longbow Converter
  4. Start the Longbow Converter tool
    1. Insert your AutoCAD 2004 CD into your CDRom drive
    2. Select the 2nd tab named “Old AutoCAD Installer Reviver
    3. Using the “…” button, pick your AutoCAD CD
    4. Click “Run Old Installer
      1. Read and follow all the prompts
      2. Once the AutoCAD setup starts, stop and read the next step…
  5. In the AutoCAD setup program, navigate through each setup dialog as normal, with these exceptions…
    1. When you arrive at the installation folder path setup dialog…
      1. **it’s vitally important to make sure you install to c:\acad2004 (not Program Files (x86)\AutoCAD 2004)**. Now install…
      2. While installing…
        1. If you see an error in install “.NET Runtime Optimization Service has stopped working” – simply ignore by clicking the “Close Program” button
        2. Do not reboot if asked to do so
      3. Once installed
        1. Do not reboot if asked to do so
        2. Make sure to fully close the setup program when the installation is complete.
        3. Back in the Converter app and make sure it’s completed the final stage of processing using the “Old AutoCAD Program Reviver” tab
  6. Finally, reboot your PC and run your AutoCAD as normal
    1. NOTE: When starting AutoCAD, if you see a warning dialog when you run saying “This program has known compatibility issues
      1. Click “Don’t show this message again”
      2. then click “Run the Program…”

Installing AutoCAD 2004 Sp1

To install the sp for your AutoCAD…
  1. Download your AutoCAD 2004 Sp1
  2. Copy the service pack exe installer to folder path c:\Autodesk\sp
  3. Start the Converter App
    1. select the 3rd tab named “Old AutoCAD Program Reviver
    2. Using the “. . .” button, pick the c:\Autodesk\sp folder
    3. click “Fix Old Program“.
  4. Now you can run the service pack exe installer from Windows explorer as normal

Troubleshooting

  1. If you have crashing problems using the File->Open or File->Save dialogs inside of AutoCAD please read this blog entry on the File->Open or File->Save Crash in AutoCAD
Copyright 2022 (c) Longbow Software

Installing AutoCAD Mechanical 2004 from Inventor Series 7 CD on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10

Installing AutoCAD Mechanical 2004 from Inventor Series 7 CD on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10 32bit or 64bit can be very easily defined in these short steps…

NOTE: These steps do not bypass normal Autodesk licensing/authorization, you should expect to use your own serial numbers in the normal way.

How to install MDT 2004 from Inventor 7 CD

  1. Obtain your copy of the Longbow Converter here
  2. Using Windows Explorer, copy Disk 2 (not Disk 1) of your Inventor Series 7 CD to your hard drive, to folder path c:\Autodesk\InstallCDs\mdt2004
  3. Start the Longbow Converter tool…
    1. Select the 2nd tab named “Old AutoCAD Installer Reviver
    2. Pick the ‘…’ button and select the folder path c:\Autodesk\InstallCDs\mdt2004\Bin\ACADFeui
    3. Now click the “Run Old Installer…” button
      1. Read and understand all the prompts before pressing OK. Once the setup starts, stop and read the next step…
  4. In the setup program…
    1. navigate through each setup dialog as normal, except when you get to the installation folder, **it’s vitally important to make sure you install to c:\mdt2004 (not Program Files (x86)\AutoCAD Mechanical 2004**
    2. If you see an error in install “.NET Runtime Optimization Service has stopped working” – simply ignore by clicking the “Close Program” button
  5. Once installed, go back to the Converter tool…
    1. select the 3rd tab named “Old AutoCAD Program Reviver
    2. pick the newly installed c:\mdt2004 folder
    3. click “Fix Old Program…
  6. Now you can run happily your MDT 2004 in Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10 both 32bit and 64bit.
    1. NOTE: If you see a warning dialog when you run saying “This program has known compatibility issues“, simply click “Don’t show this message again” and then click “Run the Program…”

Troubleshooting

If you have crashing problems using the File->Open or File->Save dialogs inside of AutoCAD please read this blog entry on the File->Open or File->Save Crash in AutoCAD
Copyright 2020 (c) Longbow Software

Installing AutoCAD 2004 on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10

NOTE: We currently only support US unlocked versions of 2004 on 64bit OS. European or locked US support 2004 is limited only to 32bit Windows 7, 8 and Windows 10.

Follow these instructions to solve issues around installing/running your old AutoCAD 2004 on newer versions of 64bit Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10

How to install AutoCAD 2004 

  1. Obtain your purchased copy of the Longbow Converter here
  2. Start the Longbow Converter tool
    1. Insert your AutoCAD CD into your CDRom drive
    2. Select the 2nd tab named “Old AutoCAD Installer Reviver
    3. Using the “…” button, path the to your AutoCAD CD
    4. Click “Run Old Installer
      1. Read and follow all the prompts
      2. Once the AutoCAD setup starts, stop and read the next step…
  3. In the AutoCAD setup program, navigate through each setup dialog as normal, with these exceptions…
    1. When you arrive at the installation folder path setup dialog…
      1. **it’s vitally important to make sure you install to c:\acad2004 (not Program Files (x86)\AutoCAD 2004)**.
    2. While installing…
      1. If you see an error in install “.NET Runtime Optimization Service has stopped working” – simply ignore by clicking the “Close Program” button
      2. Do not reboot if asked to do so
    3. Once installed
      1. Do not reboot if asked to do so
      2. Make sure to fully close the setup program when the installation is complete.
      3. Back in the Converter app and make sure it’s completed the final stage of processing using the “Old AutoCAD Program Reviver” tab
  4. Finally, reboot your PC and run your AutoCAD as normal
    1. NOTE: When starting AutoCAD, if you see a warning dialog when you run saying “This program has known compatibility issues
      1. Click “Don’t show this message again”
      2. then click “Run the Program…”

Installing AutoCAD 2004 Sp1

To install the sp for your AutoCAD…

  1. Download your AutoCAD 2004 Sp1
  2. Copy the service pack exe installer to folder path c:\Autodesk\sp
  3. Start the Converter App
    1. select the 3rd tab named “Old AutoCAD Program Reviver
    2. Using the “. . .” button, pick the c:\Autodesk\sp folder
    3. click “Fix Old Program“.
  4. Now you can run the service pack exe installer from Windows explorer as normal

Troubleshooting

  1. If you have crashing problems using the File->Open or File->Save dialogs inside of AutoCAD please read this blog entry on the File->Open or File->Save Crash in AutoCAD
Copyright 2019 (c) Longbow Software

Installing AutoCAD 2006 LT on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10

Follow these instructions to solve issues around installing/running your old AutoCAD LT 2006 on newer versions of 64bit Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10

IMPORTANT NOTE: Autodesk no longer supply License Activation codes for this version of AutoCAD. The best way is to transfer your existing license to the new PC but there are other options, we document them here

How to install AutoCAD LT 2006 

  1. Obtain your purchased copy of the Longbow Converter here
  2. Start the Longbow Converter tool
    1. Insert your AutoCAD LT 2006 CD into your CDRom drive
    2. select the 2nd tab named “Old AutoCAD Installer Reviver
    3. Using the “…” button, path the to your AutoCAD 2006 CD
    4. Click “Run Old Installer
      1. Read and follow all the prompts
      2. Once the AutoCAD LT 2006 setup starts, stop and read the next step…
  3. In the setup program, navigate through each setup dialog as normal, with these exceptions…
    1. When you click the Install link from your setup you may see a dialog box appear saying – “This program has compatibility issues” – simply check the “Don’t show this message again” and then click the “Run the program without getting help” button
    2. When you arrive at the installation folder path setup dialog, **it’s vitally important to make sure you install to c:\acadlt2006 (not Program Files (x86)\AutoCAD LT 2006)**.
  4. Now simply reboot your PC and run your AutoCAD as normal
    1. NOTE: When starting AutoCAD, if you see a warning dialog when you run saying “This program has known compatibility issues”, simply click “Don’t show this message again” and then click “Run the Program…”

Installing AutoCAD LT 2006 Service Pack 1

  1. English Users, Download your English AutoCAD LT 2006 sp1 from here
    1. Non-English users, Download your language specific AutoCAD 2006 sp1 from here
  2. Now copy your newly downloaded sp (for English users the filename is AutoCADLT2006lockedSP1.exe) to folder path c:\Autodesk\sp
  3. Start the Converter, select the 3rd tab, pick the c:\Autodesk\sp folder and click Fix.
  4. Now run the AutoCADLT2006lockedSP1.exe from Windows explorer to install.
  5. Once completed, now run your AutoCAD!

Troubleshooting

– If you see a warning dialog when you run AutoCAD saying “This program has known compatibility issues”, simply click “Don’t show this message again” and then click “Run the Program…

– If you are unable to activate your product, or the activation process crashes:

– If you have crashing problems using the File->Open or File->Save dialogs inside of AutoCAD please read this blog entry on the File->Open or File->Save Crash in AutoCAD

 
Copyright 2020 (c) Longbow Software