Installing AutoCAD 2007 on Windows 11

If you are trying to install your old version of AutoCAD 2007 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 2007 on Windows 11 and make it work…

IMPORTANT NOTE: Autodesk says that it no longer supports older versions of AutoCAD and, as part of that policy, no longer routinely provides activation codes for these releases. However, it is still possible to get your AutoCAD activated, we document all of your options  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 2007 

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…
  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. Now, start the Longbow Converter tool by double clicking the Longbow Converter shortcut on your Desktop…
  5. Start the Longbow Converter tool
    1. Insert your AutoCAD 2007 CD into your CDRom drive
    2. Select the 2nd tab named “Old AutoCAD Installer Reviver”
      1. Using the “…” button, path the to your AutoCAD 2007 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 2007 setup starts, stop and read the next step…
  6. 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:\acad2007 (not Program Files (x86)\AutoCAD 2007)**.
    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
  7. 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…”

Installing AutoCAD 2007 Sp1

To install the sp for your AutoCAD…
  1. Download and unzip the AutoCAD 2007 Sp1
  2. Copy the autocad2007sp1.exe to folder path c:\Autodesk\sp
  3. Start the Converter, select the 3rd tab, pick the c:\Autodesk\sp folder and click Fix.
  4. Now you can run the autocad2007sp1.exe from Windows explorer and install normally.
  5. Next install sp2 just below…

Installing AutoCAD 2007 Sp2

To install the sp for your AutoCAD…
  1. Download and unzio the AutoCAD 2007 Sp2
  2. Copy the autocad2007sp2.exe to folder path c:\Autodesk\sp
  3. Start the Converter, select the 3rd tab, pick the c:\Autodesk\sp folder and click Fix.
  4. Now you can run the autocad2007sp2.exe from Windows explorer and install normally.

Troubleshooting

  1. If you are unable to activate your product, or the activation process crashes
    1. Autodesk says that it no longer supports older versions of AutoCAD and, as part of that policy, no longer routinely provides activation codes for these releases. However, it is still possible to get your AutoCAD activated, we document all of your options 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
  2. 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

AutoCAD 2007 on Windows 10, 8 & 7: Installation Guide

Trying to install your existing copy of AutoCAD 2007 on Windows 10, Windows 8 or Windows 7? Longbow Converter helps you install and run your existing copy of AutoCAD 2007 on Windows 10, 8 or 7, so you can keep working with the familiar software you used on Windows XP. AutoCAD runs directly in Windows, without needing a virtual machine or Virtual PC environment. Below you’ll find the installation steps, service packs, and guidance on choosing a Converter licence.

Using Windows 11? Follow our AutoCAD 2007 on Windows 11 guide.

Get your existing AutoCAD 2007 installation working

Choose the Converter licence for your home, sole-proprietor business, or company. Home/Sole Proprietor licences are currently listed at $149.99; Company licences at $399.99.

Choose your Converter licence

Already have Converter? Go straight to the installation steps.

Before you buy: installation and activation

You’ll need your own AutoCAD 2007 installation media and valid licence. Longbow Converter is a separate compatibility product; this page does not provide the full AutoCAD program or an AutoCAD licence. The service-pack downloads below are updates to an existing installation.

Missing your original installation media? You can search Internet Archive for AutoCAD 2007 media. These are third-party uploads that Longbow Software has not verified for authenticity, completeness, or safety.

Installation compatibility and Autodesk activation are separate questions. If your main problem is obtaining an activation code, or you are unsure whether your copy can be activated on another computer, ask Longbow Support before purchasing. Include your AutoCAD edition, Windows version, and the exact error message so we can help you identify the next step.

Which Longbow Converter licence do you need?

Home user or sole proprietor — $149.99

For private home or sole-proprietor business use within a single home local network. This is a network-based licence, not simply a single-seat licence. Check the product’s full terms before buying.

View Home / Sole Proprietor licence — $149.99

Company use — $399.99

If you will use Converter on a company-registered PC or an office/company network, review the Company licence rather than the Home licence.

View Company licence — $399.99

For other requirements, compare all Converter licences or ask us which licence fits. Product support is free; separately listed consulting services cover additional work. Confirm current pricing and full licence terms on the product page.

On this page: Installation steps · Service packs · Troubleshooting

Install AutoCAD 2007 with Longbow Converter

  1. Have your Longbow Converter licence and AutoCAD 2007 installation media ready.
  2. Start the Longbow Converter tool
    1. Insert your AutoCAD 2007 CD into your CDRom drive
    2. select the 2nd tab named “Old AutoCAD Installer Reviver“
    3. Using the “…” button, browse to your AutoCAD 2007 CD
    4. Click “Run Old Installer”
      1. Read and follow all the prompts
      2. Once the AutoCAD 2007 setup starts, stop and read the next step…
  3. In the setup program, navigate through each setup dialog as normal, with these exceptions…
    1. When you click the Install link from your setup you may see a dialog box appear saying – “This program has compatibility issues” – simply check the “Don’t show this message again” and then click the “Run the program without getting help” button
    2. When you arrive at the installation folder path setup dialog, **it’s vitally important to make sure you install to c:\acad2007 (not Program Files (x86)\AutoCAD 2007)**.
    3. Once AutoCAD has installed, completely close setup
    4. 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
  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”, simply click “Don’t show this message again” and then click “Run the Program…”

Install AutoCAD 2007 Service Pack 1

To install the sp for your AutoCAD…

  1. Download and unzip the AutoCAD 2007 Sp1
  2. Copy the autocad2007sp1.exe to folder path c:\Autodesk\sp
  3. Start the Converter, select the 3rd tab, pick the c:\Autodesk\sp folder and click Fix.
  4. Now you can run the autocad2007sp1.exe from Windows explorer and install normally.
  5. Next install sp2 just below…

Install AutoCAD 2007 Service Pack 2

To install the sp for your AutoCAD…

  1. Download and unzip the AutoCAD 2007 Sp2
  2. Copy the autocad2007sp2.exe to folder path c:\Autodesk\sp
  3. Start the Converter, select the 3rd tab, pick the c:\Autodesk\sp folder and click Fix.
  4. Now you can run the autocad2007sp2.exe from Windows explorer and install normally.

Troubleshooting and help

AutoCAD won’t activate, or activation crashes

Tell support whether you are unable to obtain an activation code or whether the activation program itself is crashing. These require different advice. Include any error message and your Windows version when you contact Longbow Support.

AutoCAD crashes when opening or saving a file

See our AutoCAD File Open / File Save crash troubleshooting guide.

Moving an existing installation to another Windows version

Read our guide to upgrading a working AutoCAD installation before changing your system.

Ready to take the next step?

Choose your Converter licence

Unsure whether Converter addresses your problem? Ask support before you buy.