Categories: AutoCAD 2006

Installing AutoCAD 2006 on Windows 11

If you are trying to install your old version of AutoCAD 2006 on Windows 11 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 2006 on Windows 11 and make it work…

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

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 AutoCAD 2006

A quick word of advice: please follow the instructions below precisely as documented (including using the same folder names and paths) as this will significantly reduce the risk of having any problems…

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.
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…
Double click the zip file to open it and install the TLC application as normal. By the way, TLC stands for The Longbow Converter
Now, start the Longbow Converter tool by double clicking the Longbow Converter shortcut on your Desktop…
Start the Longbow Converter tool
1. Insert your AutoCAD 2006 CD into your CDRom drive
2. Select the 2nd tab named “Old AutoCAD Installer Reviver”
  1. Using the “…” button, path the to your AutoCAD 2006 CD
  2. Click “Run Old Installer”
    1. Read and follow all the prompts
    2. If you see a dialog stating “An App on your PC needs the following Windows Feature: .NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0)” be sure to click “Download and install this feature” as this must be installed in order for the setup to run
    3. Once the AutoCAD 2006 setup starts, stop and read the next step…
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:\acad2006 (not Program Files (x86)\AutoCAD 2006)**.
3. Once AutoCAD has installed
  1. completely close setup
  2. Go back to the Converter app and make sure it’s completed the final stage of processing using the “Old AutoCAD Program Reviver” tab
Now 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…”

Troubleshooting

If you are unable to activate your product, or the activation process crashes
1. 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
2. Try uninstalling the July 2014 Microsoft security update
3. Try downgrading your Internet Explorer (IE) from version 11 to version 10 by following the instructions detailed here
4. Perhaps you have a SATA drive – Activation problems with AutoCAD 2006 and AutoCAD 2007
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

Tags: AutoCAD 2007AutoCAD 2007 Windows 64bitHow to install AutoCAD 2007InstallInstall AutoCAD 2007 Windows 11This program has compatibility issuesWindows 11

3 months ago

simonbooth

I just joined the Longbow Software team as a Software Engineer, and I have gladly offered to post some informative blogs for you all to read. Check on the left there, for all my blog entries...