Installing 32bit AutoCAD Electrical 2012 on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10

These instructions solve issues around installing/running your old AutoCAD Electrical 2012 on newer versions of 64bit Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10. Some common issues are error messages like these

  • “This operating system is not supported by AutoCAD® Electrical 2012”
  • “You cannot install this product on the current operating system”
  • “You are attempting to use a 32-bit installer on a 64-bit operating system”
  • “This is a 32-bit AutoCAD® Electrical 2012. It cannot be installed on 64-bit Windows”

You can automatically solve these problems using our Longbow Converter App, it fixes and manages the AutoCAD Electrical 2012 installation so that you can be up and running again… Follow these instructions:

How to install AutoCAD Electrical 2012

  1. Obtain your purchased copy of the Longbow Converter here
  2. Start the Converter App and note the user interface
  3. Select the 1st tab named “AutoCAD 32bit Installer Converter
    1. Using the “. . .” button, selection your AutoCAD installation CD
    2. Next, click the “Convert button and follow instructions
  4. Once the conversion process is complete
    1. click Install/Run Setup to start setup
    2. Simply install as normal, then…
      1. Close the setup program when the installation is complete.
      2. Now switch back in the Converter App and make sure it’s completed the final stage of processing using the “Old AutoCAD Program Reviver” tab
  5. Now run your AutoCAD as normal

Installing AutoCAD Electrical 2012 Service Packs

We recommend that you download and install the latest Service Packs from Autodesk which can be found here

Troubleshooting

– If your AutoCAD crashes while interacting with the Ribbon click here

– 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 2019 (c) Longbow Software

Installing 64bit AutoCAD Electrical 2012 on Windows 8 and Windows 10

AutoCAD Electrical 2012 was not designed to run in Windows 10 (Windows 10 was released after AutoCAD 2012) and inevitably you will run into issues such as the infamous Ribbon crashing issue, slow startup problems, text scaling issues, etc.

You can automatically solve these problems using our Longbow Converter App, it fixes and manages the AutoCAD Electrical 2012 installation so that you can be up and running again… Just follow these easy instructions:

How to install AutoCAD Electrical 2012

  1. First, uninstall any existing AutoCAD Electrical 2012 installations on your computer
  2. Next obtain a copy of the Longbow Converter App, download here
  3. Start the Converter tool
    1. Pick the 1st tab named “AutoCAD 32bit Installer Converter
    2. Using your mouse, click the “32bit” button so that it changes to “AutoCAD 64bit Installer Converter
    3. Next, using the “. . .” button, select your AutoCAD installation CD and follow the instructions presented by the Converter tool user interface.
  4. Once the conversion process is complete
    1. click Install/Run Setup to start setup
    2. Once you have completed the AutoCAD installation process…
      1. Completely close the setup program
      2. Go back to the Converter App and make sure it states “Success!
  5. Now you can run your AutoCAD as normal

Troubleshooting

– 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 2019 (c) Longbow Software

Error: “Please install DirectX before installing AutoCAD”

While installing AutoCAD you may run into a blocking issue whereby the DirectX runtime (which AutoCAD relies upon for its hardware 3D capability) fails to install for some reason (Error 1603). Solutions posted on Autodesk website show how to edit the setup.ini file to try and solve this issue, however, upon doing so you get a new error, for instance…

“Error: Please install DirectX before installing AutoCAD MEP 2013”

You can easily solve this issue (and others) by installing your AutoCAD using the Longbow Converter App. It manages the install and bypasses all issues like these automatically so you can be up and running again. You will need V11.19 or newer of the Converter App). But be aware of these caveats:

  • The Converter will allow you to ignore the DirectX failure and allow AutoCAD to correctly install, but DirectX won’t be installed. This means that:
    • 2D will work fine
    • 3D will fine, but only in Software mode (slower)
    • Everytime you start AutoCAD you will get a Heidi error, like this one…

      “…the configured heidi driver cannot be loaded…

      to stop this, in AutoCAD, right click the Command Line->Options->System->Graphics Performance->HardWare Acceleration: Turn off

Copyright 2019 (c) Longbow Software

Install 32bit AutoCAD 2019 on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10



These instructions solve issues around installing/running 32bit AutoCAD 2019 on 64bit Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10. Some common issues are error messages like these…

  • “This operating system is not supported by AutoCAD® 2019”
  • “You cannot install this product on the current operating system”
  • “You are attempting to use a 32-bit installer on a 64-bit operating system”
  • “This is a 32-bit AutoCAD® 2019. It cannot be installed on 64-bit Windows”

You can automatically solve these problems using our Longbow Converter App, it fixes and manages the AutoCAD 2019 installation so that you can be up and running again… Follow these instructions:

How to install AutoCAD 2019

  1. Obtain your purchased copy of the Longbow Converter here
  2. Start the Converter App and note the user interface
  3. Select the 1st tab named “AutoCAD 32bit Installer Converter
    1. Using the “. . .” button, selection your AutoCAD installation CD
    2. Next, click the “Convert button and follow the instructions
  4. Once the conversion process is complete
    1. click Install/Run Setup to start setup
    2. Simply install as normal, remembering to…
      1. Close the setup program when the installation is complete.
      2. Do not reboot if prompted to do so.
      3. Back in the Converter app and make sure it has completed the final stage of processing using the “Old AutoCAD Program Reviver” tab
  5. Now run your AutoCAD as normal  

Troubleshooting

No issues at this time

Copyright 2019 (c) Longbow Software



Install 32bit AutoCAD 2018 on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10

These instructions solve issues around installing/running 32bit AutoCAD 2018 on 64bit Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10. Some common issues are error messages like these…

  • “This operating system is not supported by AutoCAD® 2018”
  • “You cannot install this product on the current operating system”
  • “You are attempting to use a 32-bit installer on a 64-bit operating system”
  • “This is a 32-bit AutoCAD® 2018. It cannot be installed on 64-bit Windows”

You can automatically solve these problems using our Longbow Converter App, it fixes and manages the AutoCAD 2018 installation so that you can be up and running again… Follow these instructions:

How to install AutoCAD 2018

  1. Obtain your purchased copy of the Longbow Converter here
  2. Start the Converter App and note the user interface
  3. Select the 1st tab named “AutoCAD 32bit Installer Converter
    1. Using the “. . .” button, selection your AutoCAD installation CD
    2. Next, click the “Convert button and follow the instructions
  4. Once the conversion process is complete
    1. click Install/Run Setup to start setup
    2. Simply install as normal, remembering to…
      1. Close the setup program when the installation is complete.
      2. Do not reboot if prompted to do so.
      3. Back in the Converter app and make sure it has completed the final stage of processing using the “Old AutoCAD Program Reviver” tab
  5. Now run your AutoCAD as normal  

Troubleshooting

No issues at this time

Copyright 2019 (c) Longbow Software

Installing AutoCAD Map 2000i on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10

AutoCAD Map 2000i users are very used to the software package and cannot do without it. With the latest hardware and required move to new Windows versions, you will inevitably run into problems either installing or running your AutoCAD again – a common fault is the error dialog stating “Runtime Error!”

How to install AutoCAD Map 2000i

  1. If you have an existing faulty Map 2000i installation, uninstall it.
  2. Next, obtain your purchased copy of the Longbow Converter here
  3. Start In the Converter App and note the user interface
  4. Insert your AutoCAD CD into your computer
  5. Start the Longbow Converter tool
    1. Select the 2nd tab named “Old AutoCAD Installer Reviver
    2. Using the “” button pick your AutoCAD CD
    3. Click “Run Old Installer” and follow the Converter’s instructions.
    4. Once the AutoCAD Map 2000i setup starts, stop and read the next step…
  6. 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:\acad2000i (not Program Files (x86)\AutoCAD Map 2000i as usually prompted by default)**
  7. Once installed
    1. do not reboot if prompted to do so.
    2. Fully close the AutoCAD setup application
    3. Finally, let the Converter App finish processing
  8. Now, you can happily run your AutoCAD 2000i on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10!

Installing the ER Mapper Imagery Plugin for AutoCAD 2000i

If you are having problems installing the
ER Mapper Imagery Plugin for AutoCAD 2000i, try this…

  1. Start In the Converter App again\
  2. Select the 3rd tab named “Old AutoCAD Program Reviver
    1. Using the “…” button pick the folder where your ACAD2000_ECW_Plugin exe is
    2. Now hit “Fix Old Program
    3. Once the Converter app is complete, run the
      ACAD2000_ECW_Plugin exe as normal

Troubleshooting  

Copyright 2019 (c) Longbow Software

Why run 32bit AutoCAD on 64bit Windows

AutoCAD versions pre 2008

AutoCAD R13 | AutoCAD R14 | AutoCAD 2000 | AutoCAD 2000i |AutoCAD 2002 | AutoCAD 2004 | AutoCAD 2005 | AutoCAD 2006 | AutoCAD 2007

Users of these really old AutoCAD versions have literally been using them for decades and moving to a new version of AutoCAD is extremely disruptive for them. Being able to use old versions of AutoCAD on new versions of Windows restores efficient workflows and concepts.

Old versions of AutoCAD only come as 32bit

AutoCAD versions starting back in the 90’s like R13, R14, 2000, 2000i, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 only come as 32bit applications. Our Longbow Converter solution we can make them run like new on the latest versions of 64bit Windows.

Solve AutoCAD installation error messages

  • Wrong OS. AutoCAD supports Windows NT 4.0, Windows NT 5.0, Windows 95 and Windows 98
  • This app cannot run on your PC

These blocking AutoCAD setup issues are completely solved by using our Longbow Converter solution.

Significant 3rd Party ObjectARX, VBA, VB6 investment

Some users can also run into issues where they have significant investments in 3rd party ObjectARX, LISP, VBA or VB6 applications that only run on their existing version of AutoCAD.

Our Longbow Converter solution allows them to be installed alongside these old versions of AutoCAD once again.


AutoCAD Versions post (and including) 2008

AutoCAD 2008 | AutoCAD 2009 | AutoCAD 2010 | AutoCAD 2011 |AutoCAD 2012 | AutoCAD 2013 | AutoCAD 2014 | AutoCAD 2015 | AutoCAD 2016 | AutoCAD 2017 | AutoCAD 2018 | AutoCAD 2019

Solve blocking AutoCAD installation error messages

Users of these versions of AutoCAD are generally restricted from installing their AutoCAD with messages like

  • This operating system is not supported by AutoCAD
  • You cannot install this product on the current operating system
  • You are attempting to use this 32-bit installer on a 64-bit operating system
  • This is a 32-bit AutoCAD ‘version’. It cannot be installed on 64-bit Windows

All solved by using our Longbow Converter solution…

Reliability

Our users have consistently reported to us that 32bit AutoCAD is more reliable than the 64bit version, especially in the early releases (2008 to 2013ish). We think this might be because AutoCAD was originally a native 32bit program for which Autodesk ported to 64bit. It’s true, 32bit AutoCAD can’t load in DWG files larger that 2GB but we added a feature to our Longbow Converter solution that allows 32bit AutoCAD to load up to a 4GB DWG file.

In addition, being a legacy 32bit application, 32bit AutoCAD is less targeted by Windows Update making it much more reliable against those annoying updates.

Slow VBA Performance

Other users are impacted by severe performance issues when running their VBA code on 64bit AutoCAD. You may not even be able to run your VBA code on 64bit AutoCAD. This is because AutoCAD VBA runs in a completely separate executable (exe), away from AutoCAD on 64bit Windows, making it almost 1200 times slower than AutoCAD VBA running 32bit AutoCAD. Installing 32bit AutoCAD solves the problem and restores performance… This issue is solved by using our Longbow Converter solution.

Significant 3rd Party ObjectARX, LISP, VBA, VB6 investment

Some users can also run into issues where they have significant investments in 3rd party ObjectARX, VBA or VB6 applications that only run on their existing 32bit version of AutoCAD.

3rd party extensions like

  • Bentley Road, Bentley Inroads, Site Design, Bentley MX, Bentley WaterCAD, ProSteel 3D 
  • Microvellum Cabinet Maker, Smartlister, Vitruvian Built, SmartMachining, CGSurvey
  • Stabiplan’s StabiCAD and StabiBase, AutoStage Pro, EBOM Electrical, ER Mapper,
  • Softdesk AEC, Softdesk Building Systems, Softdesk Civil/Survey,  GE XA21 DBF
  • YFCAD InteriCAD 6000 7000 T5, CADCode/ACAM, Accubid CADLive, Keytrix, AutoTURN
  • Tyco Sprinkcad, SurveyMBS, Flairbase Amine, AutoNest, Easy Hatch, ProCAD, Mitek WoodEngine,
  • 20-20 CAP Studio, 20-20 SymbolSource for Allsteel, BlueCielo InnoCielo Meridian
  • CADKON, C & G Surveying software for AutoCAD, PAMCAD, FastrackCAD, EDMWire
  • GlobalCad Toolbox LT, ELCOVISION, APS for Architecture, Carson Survey, 3DConstructor
  • Mensch und Maschine, Basepoint, Softech PLM and RMData AutoCAD based products  
  • Mentor Graphics VeSys, faciliCAD, BOSS RiverCAD Pro, AutoCAD OEM, SOFiCAD (all SOFiSTiK AutoCAD plugins), and more!

…solved by using our Longbow Converter solution.

Copyright 2023 (c) Longbow Software

Make CAP Studio 20-20 work on 64bit Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10

As a CAP Studio user, you need AutoCAD installed… But when you try installing AutoCAD you get one of these error messages…

  • This operating system is not supported by AutoCAD
  • You cannot install this product on the current operating system
  • You are attempting to use a 32-bit installer on a 64-bit operating system
  • This is a 32-bit AutoCAD. It cannot be installed on 64-bit Windows

Here’s how to get around those errors…


How to install AutoCAD for use with CAP Studio 20-20

  1. Obtain your purchased copy of the Longbow Converter here
  2. Start In the Converter App and note the user interface
  3. Select the 1st tab named “AutoCAD 32bit Installer Converter
    1. Using the “. . .” button, selection your AutoCAD CD
    2. Next, click the “Convert button and follow instructions
  4. Once the conversion process is complete
    1. click Install/Run Setup to start setup
    2. Simply install as normal, remembering to…
      1. Close the setup program when finished.
  5. Once AutoCAD is installed, close the Converter app
    1. At this point AutoCAD will now run as normal!

Now that AutoCAD is installed, install CAP Studio…

  1. Insert your CAP Studio installation media and pick install as normal.
    • NOTE: The sentinel software may inform you that it failed to install, if it does, it will ask if you still want to carry on with the installation, simply pick Yes and let it install – it should work fine.
    • Once CAP Studio installs…
      • run AutoCAD as normal
      • Once AutoCAD has started up, type ‘CAP‘ at the AutoCAD commandline
      • Notice CAP Studio is now running perfectly on Windows 64bit inside of AutoCAD 32bit!

Copyright 2019 (c) Longbow Software

Installing AutoCAD Mechanical Desktop 6 on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10

If you are trying to install your old version of AutoCAD MDT 6 on new versions of Windows you can run into lots of problems. Because there are so many issues, we created an App called the Longbow Converter to automatically smooth over installation and running issues for you.

All you need to do is follow these steps to install your AutoCAD MDT 6 on Windows 10 and make it work…


How to install AutoCAD MDT 6 on Windows

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

I recommend that you follow these steps precisely so to eliminate the risk of something going wrong with the install… 

  1. Obtain your copy of the Longbow Converter here
  2. Insert your MDT 6 CD into your computer
  3. Start the Longbow Converter tool
    1. Select the 2nd tab named “Old AutoCAD Installer Reviver”
    2. Using the “. . .” button, pick your MDT 6 CD
      1. Now click the “Run Old Installer” button
      2. Next, just follow the Converter’s instructions.
    3. Once the MDT 6 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:\mdt2002 (not Program Files (x86)\Mechanical Desktop 6 as usually prompted by default)**
  5. Once installed, completely close the setup application
    1. Now go back to the Converter app and make sure it’s completed the final stage of processing using the “Old AutoCAD Program Reviver” tab
    2. Finally, reboot your PC and run your AutoCAD as normal

Troubleshooting  

Copyright 2019 (c) Longbow Software

Installing old versions of AutoCAD on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10

Old versions of AutoCAD were not designed to run in newer versions of Windows and you will find that installing them as you always did before will encounter lots of issues, even failing while installing too.

The Longbow Converter app allows old versions of AutoCAD to be installed on new versions of Windows, removing all known compatibility issues automatically for you.

Instructions for installing old versions of AutoCAD on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10

Versions
  • AutoCAD 2008 | AutoCAD 2009 | AutoCAD 2010 | AutoCAD 2011 | AutoCAD 2012 | AutoCAD 2013
  • AutoCAD 2014 | AutoCAD 2015 | AutoCAD 2016 | AutoCAD 2017
  • AutoCAD 2018 | AutoCAD 2019
  • 32bit or 64bit

  1. Make sure all previous installed versions of AutoCAD are uninstalled first.
  2. Obtain your copy of the Longbow Converter here
  3. Start the Converter tool
    1. Pick the 1st tab named “AutoCAD 32bit Installer Converter
    2. If your AutoCAD is 64bit
      1. Using your mouse, right click the tab text “AutoCAD 32bit Installer Converter” so that it changes to “AutoCAD 64bit Installer Converter
    3. Next, using the “…” button, select your AutoCAD installation CD and follow the instructions presented by the Converter tool user interface
  4. Once you have completed the AutoCAD installation process…
    1. Fully close the setup program
    2. Now go back to the Converter app and make sure it’s completed the final stage of processing using the “Old AutoCAD Program Reviver” tab
    3. Finally, reboot your PC and run your AutoCAD as normal
  5. Install any service packs for your AutoCAD
  6. Now you can happily run your AutoCAD on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10

Troubleshooting

 

Copyright 2019 (c) Longbow Software

Installing AutoCAD Architecture 2011 32bit on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10

NOTE: This blog post specifically solves issues related to these error messages on installation of AutoCAD ADT 2011…

  • “This operating system is not supported by AutoCAD® Architecture® 2011”
  • “You cannot install this product on the current operating system”
  • “You are attempting to use a 32-bit installer on a 64-bit operating system”
  • “This is a 32-bit AutoCAD® Architecture® 2011. It cannot be installed on 64-bit Windows”

How to install AutoCAD ADT 2011

  1. Obtain your purchased copy of the Longbow Converter here
  2. Start In the Converter App and note the user interface
  3. Select the 1st tab named “AutoCAD 32bit Installer Converter
    1. Using the “. . .” button, selection your AutoCAD installation CD
    2. Next, click the “Convert button and follow instructions
  4. Once the conversion process is complete
    1. click Install/Run Setup to start setup
    2. Simply install as normal, remembering to…
      1. Close the setup program when the installation is complete.
      2. Now back in the Converter app and make sure it’s completed the final stage of processing using the “Old AutoCAD Program Reviver” tab
  5. Now run your AutoCAD as normal

Installing ADT 2011 Service Packs

We recommend that you download and install the latest Service Packs from Autodesk which can be found here. You must install Update 1, then Update 2

Troubleshooting

– If your AutoCAD crashes while interacting with the Ribbon click here

– 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 2019 (c) Longbow Software

Installing 64bit AutoCAD Civil 3d 2013 on Windows 10 64bit

Your 64bit AutoCAD Civil3d 2013 was never designed to run in Windows 10 (this version of Windows is newer than AutoCAD 2013). In order for your AutoCAD Civil3d 2013 to run as it did in previous versions of Windows, you need to follow these easy steps…

Install 64bit AutoCAD Civil 3D 2009

  1. Make sure all previous installed versions of AutoCAD 2009 are uninstalled first.
  2. Obtain your copy of the Longbow Converter here
  3. Start the Converter tool
    1. Pick the 1st tab named “AutoCAD 32bit Installer Converter
    2. Using your mouse, right click the tab text “AutoCAD 32bit Installer Converter” so that it changes to “AutoCAD 64bit Installer Converter
    3. Next, using the “…” button, select your AutoCAD installation CD and follow the instructions presented by the Converter tool user interface.
  4. Once the conversion process is complete
    1. click Install/Run Setup to start setup
    2. Simply install as normal, remembering to…
      1. Close the setup program when the installation is complete.
      2. Now back in the Converter app and make sure it’s completed the final stage of processing using the “Old AutoCAD Program Reviver” tab
  5. Next install the AutoCAD Civil 3d 2013 sp2 from here
  6. Now run your AutoCAD as normal

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

Troubleshooting

– If your AutoCAD is running really slowly, try disabling your integrated graphics card so you can run your high-performance card instead

– 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 2019 (c) Longbow Software

Installing 64bit AutoCAD LT 2014 on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10

AutoCAD LT 2014 was not designed to run in Windows 10 (Windows 10 was released after AutoCAD LT 2014) and inevitably you will run into issues such as the infamous Ribbon crashing issue, slow startup problems, text scaling issues, etc.

You can automatically solve these problems using our Longbow Converter App, it fixes and manages the AutoCAD LT 2014 installation so that you can be up and running again… Just follow these easy instructions:

How to install 64bit AutoCAD LT 2014

  1. First, uninstall any existing AutoCAD LT 2014 installations on your computer
  2. Next, obtain the Longbow Converter App (V11.15 or higher), download here
  3. Start the Converter tool
    1. Pick the 1st tab named “AutoCAD 32bit Installer Converter
    2. Using your mouse, right-click the tab text “AutoCAD 32bit Installer Converter” so that it changes to “AutoCAD 64bit Installer Converter
    3. Next, using the “. . .  button, select your AutoCAD installation CD and follow the instructions presented by the Converter tool user interface.
  4. Once the conversion process is complete
    1. click Install/Run Setup to start setup
    2. Once you have completed the AutoCAD installation process…
      1. Completely close the setup program
      2. Go back to the Converter App and make sure it states “Success!
  5. Now you can run your AutoCAD as normal

Installing AutoCAD LT 2014 sp1

Troubleshooting

– If your AutoCAD is running really slowly, try disabling your integrated graphics card so you can run your high-performance card instead

– 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

Installing 32bit AutoCAD Mechanical 2010 on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10 64bit

NOTE: This blog post specifically solves issues related to these error messages on installation…

  • “This operating system is not supported by AutoCAD Mechanical® 2010”
  • “You cannot install this product on the current operating system”
  • “You are attempting to use a 32-bit installer on a 64-bit operating system”
  • “This is a 32-bit AutoCAD Mechanical® 2010. It cannot be installed on 64-bit Windows”

Installing AutoCAD Mechanical 2010 (MDT 2010) 32bit on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 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. If you have CDs (if not check (3) below):
    1. Insert your AutoCAD MDT 2010 CD into your CDRom drive, cancel setup if it starts
    2. Next, start the Converter App
    3. Select the 1st tab in the Converter tool named “32bit AutoCAD Installer Converter
    4. Using the “…” button pick the path to your AutoCAD MDT 2013 CD
    5. Now click the “Convert” button and follow the instructions.
    6. (Skip to step 4)
  3. If you have a single self extracting exe downloaded from Autodesk called something like AutoCAD_Mech_2010_English_Win_32bit.exe
    1. Simply run the exe, it will ask to unzip to a folder inside of c:\Autodesk, make a note of the folder for later use (we’ll refer to it from here as c:\Autodesk\MDT2010), now click OK.
    2. Wait until all of the files have extracted, when they do, the AutoCAD MDT 2013 setup will automatically launch – simply close it and move to the next step.
    3. Now, start the Longbow Converter tool
    4. select the 1st tab titled “AutoCAD 32bit Installer Converter
    5. pick the c:\Autodesk\MDT2010 folder
    6. and click the “Convert…” button.
  4. Once the conversion process is complete, click the “Install/Run Setup” button to start setup.
    1. Install as normal!
  5. Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 users: Once the installation process is complete, go back to the Converter
    1. select the 3rd tab named “Old AutoCAD Program Reviver
    2. pick the newly installed C:\Program Files (x86)\Autodesk\AutoCAD Mechanical 2010 folder
    3. then click “Fix Old Program”
  6. Now you can happily run your AutoCAD MDT 2010 32bit on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10!

Installing AutoCAD MDT 2010 Service Pack 2

  1. Here’s sp2 – AutoCAD Mechanical 2010 sp2 – install as normal

Troubleshooting:

  1. If your installed AutoCAD is hanging on startup then read this post first AutoCAD Freezes on startup (AutoCAD visible but the menus don’t appear)
  2. if your AutoCAD hangs on startup (stuck at the “Checking License…” message, try installing the 32bit version of AutoCAD 2010 on 64bit Windows – we’ve actually found the 32bit AutoCAD 2010 running on 64bit Windows is much more stable and actually faster than the 64bit version of AutoCAD 2010.
  3. If your AutoCAD crashes while interacting with the Ribbon click here
  4. If you are unable to activate your product, or the activation process crashes:
    1. Try uninstalling the July 2014 Microsoft security update
    2. Try downgrading your Internet Explorer (IE) from version 11 to version 10 by following the instructions detailed here
  5. 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
  6. If your Windows hangs on startup after installing please refer to this help blog
Copyright 2017 (c) Longbow Software

Installing Autodesk Land Desktop 2006 on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10

Installing AutoCAD LDT 2006 on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 32bit or 64bit can be very easily defined in these short steps…

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

  1. Obtain your copy of the Longbow Converter here
  2. Start In the Converter tool
    1. Next, click the File menu’s “Backup CD to Disk
    2. Follow the prompts
  3. Once the backup is completed
    1. click the Run Old Installer button… Read and understand all the prompts before pressing OK.
    2. Once the setup starts, stop and read the next step…
  4. In the setup program, navigate through each setup dialog as normal, with these exceptions… (if you cannot move past the first screen in the setup, see Trouble Shooting below)…
    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”.
    2. When you arrive at the installation folder path setup dialog, **it’s vitally important to make sure you install to c:\ldt2006 (not C:\Program Files (x86)\Autodesk Land Desktop 2006 that is defaulted)**.
    3. If asked to reboot after the install, say NO
  5. Once installed, do not reboot, make sure you fully close the AutoCAD setup program (because the Converter is waiting for the setup program to fully close) then go back to the Converter tool, select the 3rd tab, pick the newly installed c:\ldt2006 folder and click the Fix Old Program button.
  6. Now you can run your Autodesk LDT 2006 on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10, both 32bit and 64bit.
    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…

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 2017 (c) Longbow Software

Installing AutoCAD Mechanical Desktop 5 on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10

How to install AutoCAD MDT 5 on Windows

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

I recommend that you follow these steps precisely so to eliminate the risk of something going wrong with the install…
  1. Obtain your copy of the Longbow Converter here
  2. Insert your MDT 5 CD into your computer
  3. Start the Longbow Converter tool
    1. Select the 2nd tab named “Old AutoCAD Installer Reviver”
    2. Using the “. . .” button, pick your MDT 5 CD, and click Run and follow the Converter’s instructions.
    3. Once the MDT 5 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:\mdt2000i (not Program Files (x86)\Mechanical Desktop 5 as usually prompted by default)**
  5. Once installed, go back to the Converter tool
    1. select the 3rd tab named “Old AutoCAD Program Reviver”
    2. Using the ‘. . .’ button
      1. pick the newly installed c:\mdt2000i folder
      2. click “Fix Old Program“.
  6. Now, you can happily run your MDT 5 on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10
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 2018 (c) Longbow Software

Installing 64bit AutoCAD Architecture 2014 on Windows 10 64bit

AutoCAD Architecture 2014 was not designed to run in Windows 10 (Windows 10 was released after ADT 2014) and inevitably you will run into issues such as the infamous Ribbon crashing issue, slow startup problems, text scaling issues, etc.

You can automatically solve these problems using our Longbow Converter App, it fixes and manages the ADT 2014 installation so that you can be up and running again… Just follow these easy instructions:

How to install 64bit AutoCAD Architecture 2014

  1. First, uninstall any existing ADT 2014 installations on your computer
  2. Next, obtain the Longbow Converter App download here
  3. Start the Converter tool
    1. Pick the 1st tab named “AutoCAD 32bit Installer Converter
    2. Using your mouse, right-click the tab text “AutoCAD 32bit Installer Converter” so that it changes to “AutoCAD 64bit Installer Converter
    3. Next, using the “. . .  button…
      1. select your ADT installation CD and follow the instructions presented by the Converter tool user interface.
  4. Once the conversion process is complete
    1. click Install/Run Setup to start setup
    2. Once you have completed the ADT installation process…
      1. Completely close the setup program
      2. Go back to the Converter App and make sure it states “Success!
  5. Now you can run your Architecture as normal

Installing AutoCAD Architecture 2014 sp1

Install ADT 2014 sp1 as normal

Troubleshooting

– If your AutoCAD is running really slowly, try disabling your integrated graphics card so you can run your high-performance card instead

– 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

Installing 64bit AutoCAD LT 2013 on Windows 10 64bit

Your 64bit AutoCAD LT 2013 was never designed to run in Windows 10 (this version of Windows is newer than AutoCAD LT 2013). In order for your AutoCAD LT 2013 to run as it did in previous versions of Windows, you need to follow these easy 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. Make sure all previous installed versions of AutoCAD 2013 are uninstalled first.
  2. Obtain your copy of the Longbow Converter here
  3. Start the Converter tool
    1. Pick the 1st tab named “AutoCAD 32bit Installer Converter
    2. Using your mouse, right click the tab text “AutoCAD 32bit Installer Converter” so that it changes to “AutoCAD 64bit Installer Converter
    3. Next, using the “…” button, select your AutoCAD installation CD and follow the instructions presented by the Converter tool user interface.

      NOTE: If the Converter does not recognize your because it is a single self extracting exe downloaded from Autodesk called something like AutoCAD_LT_2013_English_Win_64bit.exe, simply run the exe, it will ask to unzip to a folder inside of c:\Autodesk, make a note of the folder for later use (we’ll refer to it from here as c:\Autodesk\AutoCADLT2013), now click OK. Wait until all of the files have extracted, when they do, the AutoCAD LT 2013 setup will automatically launch – simply close it and move to the next step.

  4. Once you have completed the AutoCAD installation process…
    1. close the setup program then start the Converter software
    2. Select the 3rd tab “Old AutoCAD Program Reviver
      1. Using the “…” button, pick the newly installed C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD LT 2013 folder
      2. then click “Fix Old Program
  5. Next install the AutoCAD LT 2013 sp2 from here
  6. Now you can happily run your AutoCAD LT 2013 64bit on Windows 10

Troubleshooting:

– If your AutoCAD crashes while interacting with the Ribbon click here

– If your AutoCAD is running really slowly, try disabling your integrated graphics card so you can run your high-performance card instead

– 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 2017 (c) Longbow Software

Uninstalling all Autodesk Products from your Computer

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

Installing 64bit AutoCAD 2015 on Windows 10 64bit

AutoCAD 2015 was not designed to run in the latest releases of Windows 10 and inevitably you will run into issues such as the infamous Ribbon crashing issue, slow startup problems, text scaling issues, etc.

You can automatically solve these problems using our Longbow Converter App, it fixes and manages the AutoCAD 2015 installation so that you can be up and running again… Just follow these easy instructions:

How to install 64bit AutoCAD 2015

  1. First, uninstall any existing AutoCAD 2015 installations on your computer
  2. Next, obtain the Longbow Converter App (V11.15 or higher), download here
  3. Start the Converter tool
    1. Pick the 1st tab named “AutoCAD 32bit Installer Converter
    2. Using your mouse, right-click the tab text “AutoCAD 32bit Installer Converter” so that it changes to “AutoCAD 64bit Installer Converter
    3. Next, using the “. . .  button, select your AutoCAD installation CD and follow the instructions presented by the Converter tool user interface.
  4. Once the conversion process is complete
    1. click Install/Run Setup to start setup
    2. Once you have completed the AutoCAD installation process…
      1. Completely close the setup program
      2. Go back to the Converter App and make sure it states “Success!
  5. Now you can run your AutoCAD as normal

Troubleshooting:

– If your AutoCAD is running really slowly, try disabling your integrated graphics card so you can run your high-performance card instead

– 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 2018 (c) Longbow Software

Installing 64bit AutoCAD 2014 on Windows 10 64bit

AutoCAD 2014 was not designed to run in Windows 10 (Windows 10 was released after AutoCAD 2014) and inevitably you will run into issues such as the infamous Ribbon crashing issue, slow startup problems, text scaling issues, etc.

You can automatically solve these problems using our Longbow Converter App, it fixes and manages the AutoCAD 2014 installation so that you can be up and running again… Just follow these easy instructions:

How to install 64bit AutoCAD 2014

  1. First, uninstall any existing AutoCAD 2014 installations on your computer
  2. Next, obtain the Longbow Converter App (V11.15 or higher), download here
  3. Start the Converter tool
    1. Pick the 1st tab named “AutoCAD 32bit Installer Converter
    2. Using your mouse, right-click the tab text “AutoCAD 32bit Installer Converter” so that it changes to “AutoCAD 64bit Installer Converter
    3. Next, using the “. . .  button, select your AutoCAD installation CD and follow the instructions presented by the Converter tool user interface.
  4. Once the conversion process is complete
    1. click Install/Run Setup to start setup
    2. Once you have completed the AutoCAD installation process…
      1. Completely close the setup program
      2. Go back to the Converter App and make sure it states “Success!
  5. Now you can run your AutoCAD as normal

Installing AutoCAD 2014 sp1

Troubleshooting:

– If your AutoCAD is running really slowly, try disabling your integrated graphics card so you can run your high-performance card instead

– 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 2018 (c) Longbow Software

Making the Calcomp Digitizer work in old versions of AutoCAD

Some users have experienced issues where their Calcomp Digitizer works just fine in new versions of AutoCAD (like AutoCAD 2009, but doesn’t work on older versions of AutoCAD (like AutoCAD 2000) even though both versions are installed on the same computer.

We have reports that simply disabling the Windows User Access Control  (UAC) seems to fix this issue!

Before you disable UAC – read all about UAC here

Click here to Disable UAC

Copyright 2017 (c) Longbow Software

 

Visual Basic Applications run very slow in AutoCAD 64bit

If you use VBA inside of 32bit AutoCAD you will have noticed that it is around 1000x times slower when running the same VBA code inside of 64bit AutoCAD.

This is because AutoCAD 64bit ships with the 32bit VBA DLL in a separate out-of-process executable rather than loading the VBA DLL inside of AutoCAD itself. Therefore, a lot of marshaling is incurred communicating between the out-of-process VBA executable and 64bit AutoCAD.

Other issues you may be seeing: Run-time error ‘429’: ActiveX component can’t create object

Affected, all 64bit versions of (and variants of)

  • AutoCAD 2008 | AutoCAD 2009 | AutoCAD 2010
  • AutoCAD 2011 | AutoCAD 2012 | AutoCAD 2013
  • AutoCAD 2014 | AutoCAD 2015
  • AutoCAD 2016 | AutoCAD 2017
  • AutoCAD 2018
  • AutoCAD 2019
  • NOTE: Autodesk stopped making 32bit AutoCAD since AutoCAD 2020

The solution to slow running AutoCAD VBA

The best solution is to install 32bit AutoCAD on 64bit Windows, here are the affected versions along with their solution text…

AutoCAD VBA Enabler downloads

AutoCAD VBA enabler modules can be downloaded using the links below…

AutoCAD 2010 VBA 32bit 64bit | AutoCAD 2011 VBA 32bit 64bit | AutoCAD 2012 VBA 32bit 64bit | AutoCAD 2013 VBA 32bit 64bit | AutoCAD 2014 VBA 32bit 64bit | AutoCAD 2015 VBA 32bit 64bit | AutoCAD 2016 VBA 32bit 64bit | AutoCAD 2017 VBA 32bit 64bit | and newer

Copyright 2023 (c) Longbow Software

Run Adobe Acrobat X plugin in 32bit AutoCAD on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10 64bit

The Adobe Acrobat X plugin for AutoCAD only runs on 32bit AutoCAD, and 32bit AutoCAD only runs on 32bit Windows. This means that you will be stuck if you require the Adobe Acrobat X plugin for AutoCAD and move to newer hardware with 64bit Windows.

The Solution:  

Click on one of the links below to see how to install 32bit AutoCAD on 64bit Windows and then be able to install Adobe Acrobat X plugin.

Copyright 2017 (c) Longbow Software

 

 

AutoCAD Freezes on startup (AutoCAD visible but the menus don’t appear)

If your AutoCAD is hanging as soon as it starts (with no Ribbon visible) as shown below…

AutoCAD 2010 Freeze on startup

AutoCAD 2010 Freeze on startup

…then try these steps to fix the problem…

  1. Obtain your copy of the Longbow Converter here
  2. Select the 3rd tab named “Old AutoCAD Program Reviver
  3. Pick the “…” button to select your AutoCAD install folder. (for example C:\Program Files\AutoCAD 2010)
    1. next, click “Fix Old Program”
  4. Try your AutoCAD now, it should be fixed.

Copyright 2017 (c) Longbow Software