Category Archives: AutoCAD 2004

AutoCAD 2004 series

Installing Autodesk Land Desktop 2004 on Windows 11

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Follow these instructions to solve issues around installing/running your legacy AutoCAD LDT 2004 on Windows 11. It requires the purchase of our Longbow Converter App which provides the framework to allow your old AutoCAD to install and run natively 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.

Ransomware Protection Windows 11 and AutoCAD

Just before we start note that 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 Autodesk LDT 2004

  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 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…
  5. In the AutoCAD setup program, navigate through each setup dialog as normal, with these exceptions…
    1. Some problem NOTES to read before stepping through the setup:
      1. if you cannot move past the first screen in the setup, see Trouble Shooting below
      2. When you click the Install link from your AutoCAD 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”.
      3. Now onto the setup…
    2. When you arrive at the installation folder path setup dialog…
      1. **it’s vitally important to make sure you install to c:\ldt2004 (not Program Files (x86)\Autodesk Land Desktop 2004)**.
    3. 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
    4. 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 Civil Design 4

Using the Longbow Converter solution, you can also install the Civil Design add-on to LDT.

  1. Using Windows Explorer, copy your entire Civil Design 4 CD to your hard drive, to a folder path c:\Autodesk\ldt2004 – Civil Design 4 
  2. Start the Longbow Converter tool, select the 2nd tab, pick the c:\Autodesk\ldt2004 – Civil Design 4 folder, and click Run.
    1. The Converter will ask if this is a normal application CD, it is not, it’s a plugin CD so click ‘No’
    2. Input Civil 2004 and click OK
    3. Read and understand all the prompts before pressing OK.
  3. In the setup program, navigate through each setup dialog as normal
  4. Now your Civil Design is up and running with LDT.

Installing Survey 4

Using the Longbow Converter solution, you can also install the Survey add-on to LDT.

  1. Using Windows Explorer, copy your entire Survey 4 CD to your hard drive, to a folder path c:\Autodesk\ldt2002 – Survey 4 
  2. Start the Longbow Converter tool, select the 2nd tab, pick the c:\Autodesk\ldt2002 – Survey 4 folder, and click Run.
    1. The Converter will ask if this is a normal application CD, it is not, it’s a plugin CD so click ‘No’
    2. Input Survey 2004 and click OK
    3. Read and understand all the prompts before pressing OK.
  3. In the setup program, navigate through each setup dialog as normal
  4. Now your Survey is up and running with LDT.

Installing Raster Design 3

Using the Longbow Converter solution, you can also install the Raster Design add-on to LDT.

  1. Using Windows Explorer, copy your entire Raster Design 4 CD to your hard drive, to a folder path c:\Autodesk\ldt2002 – Raster Design 4 
  2. Start the Longbow Converter tool, select the 2nd tab, pick the c:\Autodesk\ldt2002 – Raster Design 4 folder, and click Run.
    1. The Converter will ask if this is a normal application CD, it is not, it’s a plugin CD so click ‘No’
    2. Input Plugin 2004 and click OK
    3. Read and understand all the prompts before pressing OK.
  3. In the setup program, navigate through each setup dialog as normal
  4. Now your Raster Design is up and running with LDT.

Installing Autodesk LDT 2004 Sp2

The LDT 2004 sp2 is optional, most users don’t need it but in case you do…

  1. Download LDT 2004 sp2 from here 
    1. Copy the file into c:\Autodesk\sp
  2. Start the Converter
    1. Select the 3rd tab named “Old AutoCAD Program Reviver“
    2. Pick the c:\Autodesk\sp folder
    3. Now click the Fix Old Program button.
    4. Install as normal

Troubleshooting

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

– 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 2023 (c) Longbow Software

Installing AutoCAD 2004 on Windows 11

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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

Block AutoCAD internet access

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If you want to run AutoCAD in offline mode and block all internet access to and from AutoCAD executables, including the licensing modules and tracking components…

  1. Obtain your purchased copy of the Longbow Converter here
  2. Start the Converter App
  3. Select the 3st tab named “Old AutoCAD Program Reviver”
    1. Using the “. . .” button, selection your AutoCAD installation
    2. Enable “Run in Offline Mode“
    3. Click “Fix Old Program“

NOTE: You can re-enable by disabling “Run in Offline Mode” and then clicking “Fix Old Program“

Copyright 2021 (c) Longbow Software

Uninstalling all Autodesk Products from your Computer

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Here’s a good one for you. We added a new tool in our Longbow Converter App which allows you to uninstall all Autodesk products from your computer in one go…

  1. Obtain your copy of the Longbow Converter here
  2. Start the Converter tool
  3. Click the Tools->Advanced->Uninstall all Autodesk Products menu…

    Uninstall All Autodesk Products

    Uninstall All Autodesk Products

  4. The Converter will now list all of the Autodesk products installed on your computer, you can press F5 to refresh. Select which ones you want to be uninstalled, then click Uninstall/Clean

    Uninstall and Clean

    Uninstall and Clean

  5. Note that you will have to interact with the setups, but the software does a really good job of cleaning everything off.

Copyright 2017 (c) Longbow Software

Opening AutoCAD DWG file gives “Drawing File was created by an incompatible version” message

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If you are trying to open a DWG file with AutoCAD and you get the message “Drawing File was created by an incompatible version” it’s because somewhere along the line your AutoCAD DWG files were saved with a newer version of AutoCAD.

All is not lost, you can make them open again in your version of AutoCAD, you just need to download the free DWGTrueView App from Autodesk – http://www.autodesk.com/products/dwg/viewers

Once installed, start DWGTrueview and open the DWG file in question, then save as making sure to select the lowest DWG file version that matches your version of AutoCAD.

Copyright 2017 (c) Longbow Software

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

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NOTE: We currently only 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.

Installing AutoCAD Mechanical 2004 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.

  1. Obtain your copy of the Longbow Converter here
  2. Using Windows Explorer, your MDT 2004 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. Now pick the ‘…’ button and select the folder path c:\Autodesk\InstallCDs\mdt2004
    3. Now click the “Run Old Installer…” button.
    4. Read and understand all the prompts before pressing OK. Once the setup starts, stop and read the next step…
      1. In the setup program, 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**
    5. If you see an error in install “.NET Runtime Optimization Service has stopped working” – simply ignore by clicking the “Close Program” button
  4. 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 and click “Fix Old Program…“.
  5. 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 2016 (c) Longbow Software

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

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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 Autodesk Land Desktop 2004 on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10

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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 Autodesk LDT 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. Problem NOTES:
      1. if you cannot move past the first screen in the setup, see Trouble Shooting below
      2. When you click the Install link from your  AutoCAD 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”.
    2. When you arrive at the installation folder path setup dialog…
      1. **it’s vitally important to make sure you install to c:\ldt2004 (not Program Files (x86)\Autodesk Land Desktop 2004)**.
    3. 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
    4. 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 Autodesk LDT 2004 Sp1

  1. Download LDT 2004 sp2 from here 
    1. Copy the file into c:\Autodesk\sp
  2. Start the Converter
    1. Select the 3rd tab named “Old AutoCAD Program Reviver“
    2. Pick the c:\Autodesk\sp folder
    3. Now click the Fix Old Program button.
    4. Install as normal

 

Troubleshooting

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

– 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

Upgrading your existing AutoCAD to Windows 10 and Windows 11

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So you have an old PC with a working copy of AutoCAD and you want to upgrade to Windows 10? STOP and read this whole blog first before you wipe your working PC…

Autodesk License Activation for older versions of AutoCAD

That’s right, Autodesk no longer support versions of AutoCAD (at the time of writing 2014 or earlier) which means that they will not give you a new authorization code. That means you will have to activate your AutoCAD license without Autodesk – you do have some options:

  1. First try activation via this offline process that Autodesk recently added
  2. If you have an activation code, try an Offline Activation 
  3. Transfer your existing AutoCAD license from your old PC to your new PC. Your AutoCAD install CD comes with utility to do the job, see below…

    NOTE: A good idea (before transfering the AutoCAD license from your old PC to the new PC) is to setup AutoCAD to run in offline mode then clone your old PC hard drive. This ensures you have a backup of your old PC with a valid license.

    NOTE: Apparently, the license transfer will fail if your license is invalid. Some examples we heard about failing are: it’s a USA license running in a different country or it’s an Education License or you used a serial number that was compromised

    1. AutoCAD 2009 or older – transfer license using the Autodesk Portable License Transfer Utility

      NOTE: AutoCAD 2006/2007       users – you MUST install this patch so you do not lose your activation through a bug in the software once it is transferred to the new PC
    2. AutoCAD 2010 or newer – transfer license using the License Transfer Utility
  4. If you have an Autodesk Network licensing setup, keep it. Apparently, if you have this you are completely safe from shutdown and you can move to new systems without problems.
  5. Call Autodesk an explain your situation, we heard some people managed to get an activation code because their existing one was lost through software fault.
  6. Go back to an older version of AutoCAD. AutoCAD R13, R14, 2000, 2000i, 2002, 2004 and some versions of 2005 don’t require online activation therefore, as long as you have the original activation codes, they can still be used.
    • They all run perfectly on Windows 10, but you will need to install them using our Converter App (click for install instructions R13 R14 2000 2000i 2002 2004 2005)
    • If you have DWG files saved by newer versions of AutoCAD then simply use the free Autodesk DWGTrueview App (which is a cut down version of AutoCAD) to convert your DWG file save versions back to an earlier version.
  7. For information purposes only: There is an AutoCAD Keygen application online called “X-Force” which you can use to generate your authcode. NOTE: using a keygen is highly illegal when using hacked serial numbers, we don’t recommend it. Some ask if it is still illegal to use a keygen with a paid/valid serial number? You need to do your own legal checks on that question before using a keygen. 

Is it possible to protect your working AutoCAD from losing its license?

Yes. The latest version of our Converter App (12.30 or newer) has a new “Block Internet Connection” feature which disables all internet access to and from your AutoCAD, this makes it impossible for your AutoCAD license to be deactivated at some point in the future (with the disadvantage that you lose any internet based features in AutoCAD)

Windows XP and Windows Vista AutoCAD users upgrading to Windows 10

For those of you who are still running AutoCAD on Windows XP and want to upgrade to Windows 10, you will need to

  1. Get a new Windows 10 PC, preferably one without (or disabled) Intel onBoard graphics.
  2. Once you have a Windows 10 PC, run Windows Update until there are no more updates left to be installed.
  3. Next, install your AutoCAD using the Converter app…
    1. click on the version of AutoCAD you have (it explains all that you need to do) : AutoCAD R14 AutoCAD 2000 AutoCAD 2000i AutoCAD 2002 AutoCAD 2004 AutoCAD 2005 AutoCAD 2006 AutoCAD 2007 AutoCAD 2008 32bit AutoCAD 2009 32bit AutoCAD 2010 32bit AutoCAD 2011 32bit AutoCAD 2012 32bit AutoCAD 2013 32bit AutoCAD 2014 32bit 
    2. NOTE: If you can’t find your version listed, use the “Search” at the top left of this page
    3. Transfer the AutoCAD license as described above

Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 AutoCAD users upgrading to Windows 10

Here’s how to upgrade your PC to Windows 10 so that you can carry on using AutoCAD…

  1. Transfer your existing AutoCAD license from your old PC to your new PC. Your AutoCAD install CD comes with utility to do the job, see below… (A good idea is, before you transfer the AutoCAD license from your old PC to the new PC clone your old PC hard drive. This ensures you have a backup of your old PC with a valid license)
    1. AutoCAD 2009 or older – transfer license using the Autodesk Portable License Transfer Utility

      NOTE: AutoCAD 2006/2007 users – you MUST install this patch so you do not lose your activation through a bug in the software once it is transferred to the new PC
    2. AutoCAD 2010 or newer – transfer license using the License Transfer Utility
  2. Next, uninstall all AutoCAD versions on your system; it’s very important that you do this, if you don’t the Autodesk licensing system may get corrupted when you upgrade to Windows 10 at which point you will have to wipe the computer and start again.
  3. Now Upgrade to Windows 10
  4. Obtain the latest Longbow Converter supporting Windows 10 here
  5. Next, install your AutoCAD using the Converter app…
    1. click on the version of AutoCAD you have (it explains all that you need to do) : AutoCAD R14 AutoCAD 2000 AutoCAD 2000i AutoCAD 2002 AutoCAD 2004 AutoCAD 2005 AutoCAD 2006 AutoCAD 2007 AutoCAD 2008 32bit AutoCAD 2009 32bit AutoCAD 2010 32bit AutoCAD 2011 32bit AutoCAD 2012 32bit AutoCAD 2013 32bit AutoCAD 2014 32bit 
    2. If you can’t find your version listed, use the “Search” at the top left of this page
    3. AutoCAD 2006/2007 users – you MUST install this patch so you do lose your license activation randomly 
  • What happens if you already upgraded to Windows 8.1 with your existing AutoCAD installation – most likely your AutoCAD will not run, nor will you be able to repair it. The best thing to get your AutoCAD running again is to carry out a Windows Reset.

Users of 32bit AutoCAD versions 2002 thru 2013 and running or Windows 7 upgrading to Windows 8.1

If you have a working Windows 7 machine and you are thinking to upgrade to Windows 8.1 best just stay where you are. Better to upgrade to Windows 10, aside from being a free upgrade, it seems to be a much better platform too.

With that said, if you must upgrade your working Windows 7 system to Windows 8.1, then it is of course possible using our Longbow Converter tool – you ***must*** first uninstall all AutoCAD products before doing the upgrade. Once Windows 8.1 has been installed, just use the Longbow Converter to re-install your 32bit AutoCAD software as before.

  • What happens if you already upgraded to Windows 8.1 with your existing AutoCAD installation – most likely your AutoCAD will not run, nor will you be able to repair it. The best thing to get your AutoCAD running again is to carry out a Windows Reset.

Users of 64bit AutoCAD versions 2002 thru 2013 and running or Windows 7 upgrading to Windows 8.1

If you have a working Windows 7 machine and you are thinking to upgrade to Windows 8.1 best just stay where you are. Better to upgrade to Windows 10, aside from being a free upgrade, it seems to be a much better platform too.

With that said, if you must upgrade your working Windows 7 system to Windows 8.1, then it is of course possible using our Longbow Converter tool – you ***must*** first uninstall all AutoCAD products before doing the upgrade. Once Windows 8.1 has been installed, install your 64bit AutoCAD products as normal then use the Longbow Converter to fix all 64bit AutoCAD 2008 thru 2013 Windows 8 issues

Copyright 2020 (c) Longbow Software

 

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

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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.

Installing AutoCAD LT 2004 on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 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.

  1. Obtain your copy of the Longbow Converter here
  2. Copy your AutoCAD LT 2004 CD to your hard drive, to a folder path c:\Autodesk\acadlt2004 
  3. Start the Longbow Converter tool
    1. Select the 2nd tab ‘Old AutoCAD Installer Reviver‘
    2. Pick the c:\Autodesk\acadlt2004 folder
    3. click the ‘Run’ 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, 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:\acadlt2004 (not Program Files (x86)\AutoCAD LT 2004**
    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
  5. Once installed
    1. go back to the Converter tool, select the 3rd tab ‘Old AutoCAD Program Reviver‘,
    2. pick the newly installed c:\acadlt2004 folder
    3. click the ‘Fix Old Program‘ button.
  6. Now you can run happily your AutoCAD LT 2004 in Windows 7, Windows 8 or 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…”
Installing AutoCAD LT 2004 Sp1a
To install the sp for your AutoCAD…
  1. Download your AutoCAD LT 2004 Sp1a
  2. Copy the service pack exe installer 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 you can run the service pack exe installer from Windows explorer as normal
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 2016(c) Longbow Software

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

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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 Architecture 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…”

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 2020 (c) Longbow Software

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

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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

AutoCAD “There was a problem sending the command to the program”

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If you are seeing the message “There was a problem sending the command to the program” when you double click a DWG file from Windows Explorer, then the solution is to follow the instructions listed for your AutoCAD version below:

If you do not see your version of AutoCAD listed, or you are not an AutoCAD user, leave me a comment below and I’ll check it out for you.

Copyright Longbow Software 2015

AutoCAD File->Save or File->Open Crash…

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If are experiencing crashing problems using the File->Open or File->Save dialog inside of AutoCAD (or any other Autodesk product), there are a few items that can cause this:

  1. New HP Machine If you have recently purchased a new HP computer or you have an HP computer for which you have recently carried out an HP update on Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 8.1…Check if you have any of these applications installed:
    • HP Trust Center
    • HP Client Security Manager

      If so, uninstall them and reboot. We recommend you find an alternative as they cause this issue.

  2. For AutoCAD versions >= 2008, you can try disabling the InfoCenter toolbar at the top right of AutoCAD.
    1. If you know LISP, this code will work for all versions of AutoCAD 2008 or higher
      1. add this code to the end of your acad.lsp (vl-registry-write (strcat “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\” (vlax-product-key)”\\Applications\\InfoCenterAcConn”) “LOADCTRLS” 0)
    2. If you do not know LISP
      1. Start Regedit.exe
      2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Autodesk\AutoCAD\<Release.Number>\ACAD-<VerticalCode>:<LanguageCode>\Applications\InfoCenterAcConn 
      3. Set the LoadCtrls value to 0
      4. To turn it back on, simply set LoadCtrls value to 76
  3. Remove all USB devices – older versions of AutoCAD don’t understand what a Samsung Phone is, and this can cause crashes.
  4. If you have been opening DWG files from an external drive (e.g. USB drive) try re-connecting the drive…
  5. The latest Windows Operating systems (Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10) correctly enforce permission settings for your personal files (Documents folder etc). The problem is that your older version of AutoCAD does not understand these new permission settings, and this can stop you being about to open your DWG files and even cause AutoCAD crash. As a quick test, copy the DWG files that always crash when you save to a USB drive, then create a new folder called c:\MyDwgs, now copy the files from your USB to the c:\MyDwgs folder. Finally, try AutoCAD with the DWG files in c:\MyDwgs – is AutoCAD working now? If so, you can either leave your DWG files in that folder, or you’ll need to relax the permissions on your DWG folder to allow access to AutoCAD.
  6. MSN Plugin – if you see MSN as an entry in your Windows Explorer, uninstall MSN – AutoCAD doesn’t like this.
  7. For versions of AutoCAD >= 2000i here’s a quick fix to bypass the problem (although hard to remember each time) – on starting AutoCAD, type “Options” at the command line, select the ‘Files’ tab, click ‘Browse’, then simply click cancel. Now cancel out of the Options dialog altogether. Try your File->Open… Does it work? If so, you should now be good until the next time you start AutoCAD.
  8. If you have a non-HP machine that is giving you this issue or (2) didn’t work for you, please record below in the comments section:
    1. What computer make you are running
    2. What specific Windows version you are running
    3. What exact version of AutoCAD you are running (e.g. AutoCAD Architecture 2008 32bit)
    4. What AutoCAD service packs (if any) you have applied
    5. What anti-virus software you are running. We’ll see if we can solve this for you…
  9. Check out this page Interactions with the AutoCAD Ribbon crashes AutoCAD on Windows 10
  10. If all this fails, you can of course set FILEDIA = 0 at the command line to turn off the File Dialog User Interface
Copyright 2017 (c) Longbow Software

AutoCAD 32bit/64bit side-by-side installation compatibility chart

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This blog has been written to help advise those who require 32bit versions of AutoCAD to reside on the same computer system as 64bit versions of AutoCAD.

Before we start, when installing 32bit AutoCAD on 64bit Windows, you should take care not to mix the same version/series of AutoCAD 32bit with the same version/series of the corresponding 64bit version of AutoCAD, on the same computer. The reason is that they were not designed to run in a side-by-side configuration and therefore may conflict. The same rule can generally be made for all Autodesk products.

NOTES:

  • When installing 32bit AutoCAD, we advise that you uninstall all previous versions of 64bit AutoCAD before installing your 32bit version of AutoCAD.
  • If you are installing multiple versions of AutoCAD, you should always install in chronological order, in other words, oldest to newest.
    • e.g AutoCAD 2004, Architecture 2004, Map 2005, AutoCAD 2007, Civil3d 2015
    • Failure to follow this simple rule can render you with missing entry point errors, un-explained crashing, un-installable Autodesk software and more.
  • For best results, we recommend that you install only 32bit versions of AutoCAD on your computer system, however, mixing is possible with care – refer to the chart below if you must have the 64bit version installed on the same computer.

This chart shows which 32bit AutoCAD versions can be installed on the same system as 64bit AutoCAD versions…

  • Green means Should be OK
  • Red/Dark Red means Problems will occur, you should not do this

AutoCAD 32bit 64bit side by side configurations

Shows which versions of 32bit AutoCAD can be installed side by side to 64bit versions of AutoCAD

Copyright 2015 (c) Longbow Software