Installing AutoCAD R14 on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10

As an existing AutoCAD R14 user, you most likely cannot do without your beloved AutoCAD R14. With the latest hardware and required move to new Windows versions, trying to install your AutoCAD R14 gives an error like this one… 

Windows 16bit setup error - This app can't run on your PC

Windows 16bit setup error – This app can’t run on your PC, check software publisher

or

 “FATAL ERROR: HEAP ERROR”

or

MEM_BAD_POINTER

You can solve these problems easily using our Longbow Converter App – fix and manage your AutoCAD R14 on new versions of Windows 7, 8 and 10 64bit

How to install AutoCAD R14

A quick word of advice: best to follow the instructions below precisely and to the letter, including folder names and paths, that way you will reduce the risk of having any problems…

  1. Obtain your copy of the Longbow Converter here
  2. NOTE: We recommend turning off Windows UAC before installing AutoCAD R14
  3. Start the Longbow Converter application…
    1. Place your AutoCAD R14 CD in the CDRom Drive
    2. Select the 2nd tab named “Old AutoCAD Installer Reviver
    3. Using the “. . .” button, select your AutoCAD R14 installation CD
    4. Next, click the “Run Old Installer” button and follow the onscreen instructions
      1. Now, I know it’s unheard of these days, but at this point expect to wait up to 45 minutes for your AutoCAD R14 setup.exe program to appear, be patient…
    5. Once the setup starts, stop and read the next steps all the way to the end! By the way, if your AutoCAD R14 setup does not start after 45 minutes, read the Troubleshooting section below.
  4. In the AutoCAD R14 setup program…
    1. navigate through each setup dialog as normal, with these exceptions…
      1. Make sure you do a Typical Install (not a Full Install)
      2. When you get to the installation folder input dialog **it’s vitally important to make sure you install to c:\acadR14 (not .\AutoCAD R14 as usually prompted)**
  5. Now carry on with the install
    1. Do not reboot once the install is complete
    2. Ignore any errors related to not being able to create the shortcut e.g. “Cannot Create folder ‘AutoCAD R14’“, you will have to create a shortcut on your computer Desktop to your c:\acadR14\acad.exe by hand.
    3. Again, do not reboot if prompted to do so
  6. Once your AutoCAD R14 setup has completed the installation…
    1. Make sure you fully close the setup program.
    2. Once the setup is closed the Converter will automatically fix the c:\acadr14 program files. You should see “Success!” displayed in the 3rd tab named “Old AutoCAD Program Reviver
    3. Reboot your PC
  7. Now you can happily run your AutoCAD R14 on Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 10 32bit or 64bit…
    1. Using Windows Explorer, navigate to c:\acadR14 and double click acad.exe

Troubleshooting

  1. If your AutoCAD R14 setup is not starting after 45 minutes…
    1. First try turning off UAC, rebooting, then restart the steps above.
    2. If it is still failing, most likely it’s because of another application on your system which is preventing our setup routine from starting (perhaps anti-virus, or similar) – try installing R14 from Windows Safe Mode
  2. If you are getting either a Bad Mem Pointer error and or a Smartheap handler recursively re-entered error when you start your AutoCAD R14 then you need to re-run all the steps above, taking care to do each step precisely as it says, most likely you are missing from step 5 or you have not installed to c:\acadR14 as stated in step (7) above.
  3. When starting AutoCAD, if you receive an ‘acad.exe – System Error’ message: The program can’t start because ac1st15.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem. If you carried out step (7) above, then try rebooting your PC
  4. If you are getting a WinHelp() error when pressing F1 to try and access the Help system then simply install the WinHelp (WinHlp32.exe) module from Microsoft
  5. Issues with Calcomp Digitizer – Calcomp Digitizer not working
  6. If the setup displays an error message

    InstallError (IUO)               
    (X)  not enough space(IUO)

    try unplugging any External USB drives

  7. Plotting issues? If you get an error splwow64.exe “The application was unable to start correctly” with error “0xc0000005”
    1. Make sure your Anti-virus and/or Windows Firewall is not blocking splwow64.exe
    2. If the problem persists
      1. First, note that you need the latest version of the Converter App
      2. Start the Converter App
      3. Select the 3d tab “Old AutoCAD Program Reviver” 
      4. Click the Tools Menu->Reduced Power Mode
      5. Using the “…” button, pick your acad.exe folder e.g. c:\acadr14
      6. Click “Fix Old Program” and follow prompts
  8. If you have crashing problems using the File->Open or File->Save dialogs inside of AutoCAD please read this blog entry on the File->Open or File->Save Crash in AutoCAD
Copyright 2019 (c) Longbow Software

 

Installing AutoCAD Architecture 2007 on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10

Installing AutoCAD Architectural Desktop 2007 (ADT 2007) 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. Copy your AutoCAD Architectural Desktop 2007 CD to your hard drive, to a folder path c:\Autodesk\adt2007
    1. If you have more CD’s, copy them all directly over the top of Disk 1, basically, overwrite all files in your previously copied c:\Autodesk\adt2007 folder
  3. Start the Longbow Converter tool, select the 2nd tab, pick the c:\Autodesk\adt2007 folder, and click Run. 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, 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”.
    2. When you arrive at the installation folder path setup dialog, **it’s vitally important to make sure you install to c:\adt2007 (not Program Files (x86)\AutoCAD Architectural Desktop 2007)**.
  1. Once installed, make sure you fully close the AutoCAD Architectural Desktop setup program (because the Converter is waiting for the setup program to close) then go back to the Converter tool, select the 3rd tab, pick the newly installed c:\adt2007 folder and click Fix.
  2. Next, run your AutoCAD Architectural Desktop 2007
    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 without getting help
  3. You can now happily run your AutoCAD Architectural Desktop 2007 on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10!

Installing AutoCAD Architectural Desktop 2007 Service Pack 1

  1. English Users, Download your English AutoCAD 2007 sp1 from here
  2. Now copy your newly downloaded sp (for English users the filename is adt2007swlsp1enu.exe) to folder path c:\Autodesk\sp
  3. Start the Converter, select the 3rd tab, pick the c:\Autodesk\sp folder and click Fix.
  4. Now run the adt2007swlsp1enu.exe from Windows explorer to install as normal.

Troubleshooting:

– If your ADT menuing system does not appear correctly for some reason, start AutoCAD, type CUILOAD at the command line, pick Browse and navigate to %APPDATA%\Autodesk\ADT 2007\enu\Support, pick the adt.cui file, then click Load

– 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 2015 (c) Longbow Software

Rollback your Windows System using Windows System Restore

You may find one day that your perfectly working AutoCAD suddenly no longer works anymore – why could this be? Well, the main reason is due to some newly installed application conflicting with you existing installation. The best way to solve this problem is to use Windows System Restore…

Here’s how:

Copyright 2015 (c) Longbow Software

 

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

 

Most current AutoCAD 2000 users are very used to the software package and cannot do without it. With the latest hardware and required move to new Windows versions, trying to install your AutoCAD 2000 gives an error like this one…

Windows 16bit setup error - This app can't run on your PC

Windows 16bit setup error – This app can’t run on your PC

Or maybe this error…

Setup Halted System requirements error Wrong OS, AutoCAD supports Windows NT 4.0, Windows NT 5.0, Windows 95 and Windows 98

Error while trying to install AutoCAD 2000

…all is not lost, just read on…

How to install AutoCAD 2000

A quick word of advice: best to follow the instructions below precisely and to the letter, including folder names and paths, that way you will reduce the risk of having any problems…
 
  1. Obtain your copy of the Longbow Converter here
  2. Before starting, we recommend turning off Windows UAC 
  3. Now, start the Longbow Converter tool by double clicking the Longbow Converter shortcut on your Desktop… .
    1. Insert your AutoCAD 2000 CD
    2. Select the 2nd tab titled “Old AutoCAD Installer Reviver” by clicking on it
    3. Next, using the ‘…’ button select your AutoCAD 2000 CD
    4. Now click the “Run Old Installer” button.
      1. Read, understand and follow all the prompts.
  4. For AutoCAD 2000, the Migration Wizard almost instantly pops up
    1. simply click “Install 2000” as normal.
    2. Now, I know it’s unheard of these days, but at this pointexpect to wait at least 45 minutes for your AutoCAD 2000 setup.exe program to fully appear – please be patient
    3. Once the setup starts, stop and read the next step
  5. 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:\acad2000 (not Program Files (x86)\AutoCAD 2000 as usually prompted)**  e.g.
    Setting AutoCAD 2000 custom install directory to c:\acad2000

    Setting AutoCAD 2000 custom install directory to c:\acad2000

    1. Once you have set the Destination Folder to c:\acad2000, install as normal
      1. Ignore the error message that the shortcut cannot be created “Cannot create folder AutoCAD 2000“, you will need to create the program shortcut by hand once the installation is finished.
    2. Do not reboot if prompted to do so
  6. Once setup has completed…
    1. Make sure to fully close the setup program 
    2. Back in the Converter app, make sure it has completed the final stage of processing using the “Old AutoCAD Program Reviver” tab – it should display “SUCCESS” in green…
  7. Now Reboot your PC
  8. Your AutoCAD 2000 is ready to run as it is right now, simply use Windows Explorer, navigate to c:\acad2000 and double click acad.exe (if you want a shortcut on the Desktop you will have to manually create it). 

Installing AutoCAD 2000 Express Tools

If you rely on AutoCAD 2000 Express Tools or you are seeing “Missing Application: RTEXT” Proxy dialog when you are loading on a drawing, here are the instructions for installing Express Tools Volume 9 for AutoCAD 2000

Installing AutoCAD 2000 ObjectDBX Classes Object Enabler

  1. Download AutoCAD 2000 ObjectDBX Classes Object Enabler from here
  2. Unzip to folder path c:\Autodesk
  3. Start the Converter
    1. select the 2nd tab named “Old AutoCAD Installer Reviver
    2. Using the “…” button, pick the c:\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2000 – ObjectDBX Classes Object Enabler folder
    3. click ‘Run Old Installer
    4. Install as normal

Installing AutoCAD 2000 AEC Object Enabler 2.11

  1. Download AutoCAD 2000 AEC Object Enabler 2.11 from here
  2. Unzip your newly downloaded sp to folder path c:\Autodesk\AutoCAD2000-AEC211
  3. Start the Converter
    1. select the 2nd tab named “Old AutoCAD Installer Reviver
    2. Using the “…” button, pick the c:\Autodesk\AutoCAD2000-AEC211 folder
    3. click ‘Run Old Installer
    4. Wait for the setup to appear, it could take up to 45 minutes, then install as normal

Installing AutoCAD 2000 Architectural Object Enabler 3.02

  1. Download AutoCAD 2000 Architectural Object Enabler 3.02 from here
  2. Unzip and install as normal

Installing AutoCAD 2000 Service Pack 1

  1. Download AutoCAD 2000 sp1 from here
    1. Unzip the downloaded zip file to folder path c:\Autodesk\sp
  2. Start the Converter
    1. select the 2nd tab named “Old AutoCAD Installer Reviver
    2. pick the c:\Autodesk\sp\AutoCAD 2000 sp1 folder
    3. click ‘Run Old Installer
    4. Wait for the setup to appear, it could take up to 45 minutes, then install as normal

Installing AutoCAD 2000 Service Pack 2

  1. Download AutoCAD 2000 sp2 from here
  2. Unzip the downloaded zip file to folder path c:\Autodesk\sp
  3.  
  4. Start the Converter
    1. select the 2nd tab named “Old AutoCAD Installer Reviver
    2. pick the c:\Autodesk\sp\AutoCAD 2000 sp2 folder
    3. click ‘Run Old Installer
    4. Wait for the setup to appear, it could take up to 45 minutes, then install as normal

Installing AutoCAD 2000 3D Graphics System Update 1

If you use 3D a lot in AutoCAD 2000, you should read on to install the 3DUpdate…

  1. Download AutoCAD 2000 3D Graphics System Update1 from here
  2. Unzip your newly downloaded sp to folder path c:\Autodesk\update
  3. Start the Converter, select the 2nd tab, pick the c:\Autodesk\update folder and click ‘Run’
  4. Wait for the setup to appear, it could take up to 45 minutes, then install as normal.

NOTE: Some users have found that the 3D Graphics System Update runs through the install as normal but doesn’t actually update the modules. If you suspect this is true, contact Longbow Software Support.

Troubleshooting

  • If your AutoCAD 2000 setup is not starting after 45 minutes
    • try rebooting, then restart the steps above. If it is still failing, most likely it’s because of another application on your system which is preventing our setup routine from starting (perhaps anti-virus, or similar) – try installing AutoCAD 2000 from Windows Safe Mode
  • If when you start AutoCAD, you see error messages about missing missing aclst15.dll or missing ACUTIL15.dll or missing ACDB15.dll or missing acge15.dll
    • In the Converter app Using the 3rd tab, pick your c:\acad2000 folder and click ‘Fix’. Then reboot…
    • If this doesn’t fix the problem, contact Longbow Software Support.
  • Plotting – if you are having plotting issues, either
  • If you see Proxy Warning Dialogs when you open a DWG using AutoCAD 2000, you need to install the service packs as described above.
  • If you are getting a WinHelp() error when pressing F1 to try and access the Help system then simply install the WinHelp (WinHlp32.exe) module from Microsoft
  • Issues with Calcomp Digitizer – Calcomp Digitizer not working

     

  • If you still see the error “Wrong OS, AutoCAD supports Windows NT 4.0, Windows NT 5.0, Windows 95 and Windows 98” even after converting
    • Copy the AutoCAD 2000 CD fresh to your computer, then start from step (1) again
    • If you still get the error, you need the latest version of the Longbow Converter tool
  • 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 2021 (c) Longbow Software

Installing Map 3D 2013 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 Map3d 2013…

  • “This operating system is not supported by AutoCAD® Map 3D®”
  • “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® Map 3D® 2013. It cannot be installed on 64-bit Windows”

Installing AutoCAD Map 3D 2013 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:
    1. Using Windows Explorer, copy Disk 1 of your Map 3D CD to your hard drive, to a folder path c:\Autodesk\Map3d2013
    2. Next, if you have a second CD, copy Disk 2 of your Map 3D CD directly over the top of Disk 1, overwrite all files in your previously copied c:\Autodesk\Map3d2013 folder
    3. Same again for Disk 3, if there is one
  3. If you have a single self extracting exe downloaded from Autodesk
    1. 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\Map3d2013), now click OK. Wait until all of the files have extracted, when they do, note that the Map 3D 2013 setup will automatically launch – make sure you close the setup and move to the next step.
  4. Now, start the Longbow Converter tool, select the 1st tab, pick the c:\Autodesk\Map3d2013 folder, and click the Convert button.
  5. Once the conversion process is complete, click Install/Run Setup to start setup. Next, just install as normal.
  6. Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 users: Once the installation process is complete, go back to the Converter, select the 3rd tab, pick the newly installed C:\Program Files (x86)\Autodesk\AutoCAD Map 3d 2013 folder, then click ‘Fix’.
  7. Now you can happily run your Map 3D 2013 32bit on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 64bit.

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 2015 (c) Longbow Software

Installing Map 3D 2012 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 Map 3D 2012…

  • “This operating system is not supported by AutoCAD® Map 3D®”
  • “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® Map 3D® 2012. It cannot be installed on 64-bit Windows”

Installing AutoCAD Map 3D 2012 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:
    1. Using Windows Explorer, copy Disk 1 of your Map 3D CD to your hard drive, to a folder path c:\Autodesk\Map3d2012
    2. Next, if you have a second CD, copy Disk 2 of your Map 3D CD directly over the top of Disk 1, overwrite all files in your previously copied c:\Autodesk\Map3d2012 folder
    3. Same again for Disk 3, if there is one
  3. If you have a single self extracting exe downloaded from Autodesk
    1. 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\Map3d2012), now click OK. Wait until all of the files have extracted, when they do, note that the Map 3D 2012 setup will automatically launch – make sure you close the setup and move to the next step.
  4. Now, start the Longbow Converter tool, select the 1st tab, pick the c:\Autodesk\Map3d2012 folder, and click the Convert button.
  5. Once the conversion process is complete, click Install/Run Setup to start setup. Next, just install as normal.
  6. Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 users: Once the installation process is complete, go back to the Converter, select the 3rd tab, pick the newly installed C:\Program Files (x86)\Autodesk\AutoCAD Map 3d 2012 folder, then click ‘Fix’.
  7. Now you can happily run your Map 3D 2012 32bit on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 64bit.

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 2015 (c) Longbow Software

Installing Map 3D 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 Map 3D 2011…

  • “This operating system is not supported by AutoCAD® Map 3D® 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® Map 3D® 2011. It cannot be installed on 64-bit Windows”

Installing AutoCAD Map 3D 2011 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:
    1. Using Windows Explorer, copy Disk 1 of your Map 3D CD to your hard drive, to a folder path c:\Autodesk\Map3d2011
    2. Next, if you have a second CD, copy Disk 2 of your Map 3D CD directly over the top of Disk 1, overwrite all files in your previously copied c:\Autodesk\Map3d2011 folder
    3. Same again for Disk 3, if there is one
  3. If you have a single self extracting exe downloaded from Autodesk
    1. 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\Map3d2011), now click OK. Wait until all of the files have extracted, when they do, note that the Map 3D 2011 setup will automatically launch – make sure you close the setup and move to the next step.
  4. Now, start the Longbow Converter tool, select the 1st tab, pick the c:\Autodesk\Map3d2011 folder, and click the Convert button.
  5. Once the conversion process is complete, click Install/Run Setup to start setup. Next, just install as normal.
  6. Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 users: Once the installation process is complete, go back to the Converter, select the 3rd tab, pick the newly installed C:\Program Files (x86)\AutoCAD Map 3d 2011 folder, then click ‘Fix’.
  7. Now you can happily run your Map 3D 2011 32bit on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10 64bit.

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 2015 (c) Longbow Software

Installing Map 3D 2010 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 Map 3D 2010…

  • “This operating system is not supported by AutoCAD® Map 3D®”
  • “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® Map 3D® 2010. It cannot be installed on 64-bit Windows”

Installing AutoCAD Map 3D 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:
    1. Using Windows Explorer, copy Disk 1 of your Map 3D CD to your hard drive, to a folder path c:\Autodesk\Map3d2010
    2. Next, if you have a second CD, copy Disk 2 of your Map 3D CD directly over the top of Disk 1, overwrite all files in your previously copied c:\Autodesk\Map3d2010 folder
    3. Same again for Disk 3, if there is one
  3. If you have a single self extracting exe downloaded from Autodesk
    1. 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\Map3d2010), now click OK. Wait until all of the files have extracted, when they do, note that the Map 3D 2010 setup will automatically launch – make sure you close the setup and move to the next step.
  4. Now, start the Longbow Converter tool, select the 1st tab, pick the c:\Autodesk\Map3d2010 folder, and click the Convert button.
  5. Once the conversion process is complete, click Install/Run Setup to start setup. Next, just install as normal.
  6. Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 users: Once the installation process is complete, go back to the Converter, select the 3rd tab, pick the newly installed C:\Program Files (x86)\AutoCAD Map3d 2010 folder, then click ‘Fix’.
  7. Now you can happily run your Map 3D 2010 32bit on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 64bit.

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 2015 (c) Longbow Software

Installing Map 3D 2009 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 Map 3d 2009…

  • “This operating system is not supported by AutoCAD Map 3D 2009”
  • “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 Map 3D 2009. It cannot be installed on 64-bit Windows”

How to install AutoCAD Map 3d 2009

  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

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

Installing AutoCAD Map 3d 2009 Service Packs

We recommend that you download and install the latest Service Packs from Autodesk which can be found here. Update 3 contains Update 1 and 2 also.

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

Installing Autodesk Land Desktop 2007 on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10

Installing AutoCAD LDT 2007 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:\ldt2007 (not C:\Program Files (x86)\Autodesk Land Desktop 2007 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:\ldt2007 folder and click the Fix Old Program button.
  6. Now you can run your Autodesk LDT 2007 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

– If you cannot navigate to the next page in the Setup (because clicking on the install links does nothing)…

  1. Having completed steps 1 through 3 above, Start Windows Explorer and navigate to c:\Autodesk\ldt2007\bin\installer then run Setup.exe
  2. Once setup.exe starts, resume the instructions above starting at step 4 above

Copyright 2017 (c) Longbow Software

Install 32bit AutoCAD Electrical 2008 on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10

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

  • “This operating system is not supported by AutoCAD® Electrical® 2008”
  • “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® 2008. It cannot be installed on 64-bit Windows”

…Also, hung “Merging content…” message while installing…

Installing 32bit AutoCAD Electrical 2008 on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and 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. First of all, you need V7.37 of the Longbow Converter (or newer) – obtain the latest version of the Longbow Converter here
  2. If you have CDs (if not skip to step 3 below):
    1. Using Windows Explorer, copy Disk 1 of your AutoCAD Electrical 2008 CD to your hard drive, to a folder path c:\Autodesk\AutoCADE2008
    2. If you have more CD’s, copy them all directly over the top of Disk 1, overwrite all files in your previously copied c:\Autodesk\AutoCADE2008 folder
  3. If you have a single self extracting exe downloaded from Autodesk
    1. Run the exe, it will ask to unzip to a folder inside of c:\Autodesk, make a note of the folder name created for later use (we’ll refer to it from here as c:\Autodesk\AutoCADE2008), now click OK.
    2. Wait until all of the files have extracted, when they do, the AutoCAD Electrical 2008 setup will automatically launch – simply close it and move to the next step.
  4. Now, start the Longbow Converter tool (V7.37 or newer), select the 1st tab, pick the c:\Autodesk\AutoCADE2008 folder, and click the Convert button.
  5. Once the conversion process is complete, click Install/Run Setup to start setup. Simply install as normal.
  6. Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 users: Once the installation process is complete, go back to the Converter, select the 3rd tab, pick the newly installed C:\Program Files (x86)\Autodesk\Acade 2008 folder, then click Fix Old Program
  7. Now you can happily run your AutoCAD 2008 32bit on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10

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 2015 (c) Longbow Software

Installing 32bit AutoCAD 2008 on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10

These instructions solve issues around installing/running your old AutoCAD 2008 on newer versions of 64bit Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10.

Some more common issues stopping you from using your AutoAD are error messages like these…

“This operating system is not supported by AutoCAD 2008”

or

“FATAL ERROR: Unhandled 0x… Exception…”

You can solve all the problems with your AutoCAD 2008 automatically by using our Longbow Converter App, it fixes and manages the AutoCAD 2008 installation so that you can be up and running again.

NOTE: Autodesk no longer supply License Activation codes. Once you have installed your AutoCAD (following the instructions below) you will need to authorize/activate your AutoCAD yourself, find out how by clicking here

How to install AutoCAD 2008

  1. Obtain your purchased copy of the Longbow Converter here
  2. Start the Converter App
  3. Insert your AutoCAD 2008 CD into your CDRom drive…
    1. Select the 1st tab named “AutoCAD 32bit Installer Converter
    2. Using the “. . .” button, select your AutoCAD 2008 installation CD
    3. 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. Fully close the AutoCAD setup application once complete
      2. Do not reboot, if prompted
      3. Close the Converter App.

Installing the AutoCAD 2008 Service Packs

Installing AutoCAD 2008 sp1

  1. Download the Download the AutoCAD 2008 sp1 zip from here (autocad2008lockedsp1.exe)
  2. Unzip the zip file and simply run the autocad2008lockedsp1.exe – 32-bit 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

Install 32bit AutoCAD Electrical 2009 on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10

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

  • “This operating system is not supported by AutoCAD® Electrical® 2009”
  • “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® 2009. It cannot be installed on 64-bit Windows”

…Also, hung “Merging content…” message while installing…

Installing 32bit AutoCAD Electrical 2009 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. First of all, you need V9.20 of the Longbow Converter (or newer) – obtain the latest version of the Longbow Converter here
  2. If you have CDs (if not skip to step 3 below) you must copy ALL CDs to your hard drive using the following instructions…
    1. Using Windows Explorer, copy Disk 1 of your AutoCAD Electrical 2009 CD to your hard drive, to a folder path c:\Autodesk\AutoCADE2009
    2. If you have more CD’s, copy them all directly over the top of Disk 1, overwrite all files in your previously copied c:\Autodesk\AutoCADE2009 folder
  3. If you have a single self extracting exe downloaded from Autodesk
    1. Run the exe, it will ask to unzip to a folder inside of c:\Autodesk, make a note of the folder name created for later use (we’ll refer to it from here as c:\Autodesk\AutoCADE2009), now click OK.
    2. Wait until all of the files have extracted, when they do, the AutoCAD Electrical 2009 setup will automatically launch – simply close it and move to the next step.
  4. Next start the Longbow Converter tool (V9.20 or newer)
    1. select the 1st tab named “AutoCAD 32bit Installer Converter
    2. Pick the c:\Autodesk\AutoCADE2009 folder (where you copied the CDs to)
    3. then click the “Convert… button
  5. Once the conversion process is complete
    1. click Install/Run Setup to start setup.
    2. Install as normal, EXCEPT – you must install to “c:\AcadE2009” (<<< the exact text, anything else will fail!) instead of c:\Program Files (x86)\AutoCAD Electrical.
    3. NOTE: Be sure to download any updates that the setup offers you.
  6. Windows 8 users: Once the installation process is complete, go back to the Converter, select the 3rd tab, pick the newly installed C:\Program Files (x86)\Autodesk\Acade 2009 folder, then click Fix Old Program
  7. Now you can happily run your AutoCAD 2009 32bit on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10.

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 2016 (c) Longbow Software

Installing Adobe Photoshop 5 on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10

This post solves all issues related to installing Adobe Photoshop 5.0 on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10 both 64bit and 32bit…

…including the Autoplay application where it simply does nothing…

Adobe Photoshop Autoplay options do nothing

Adobe Photoshop Autoplay options do nothing

and/or you are seeing a message appear when running 16bit setup.exe…

This app can't run on your PC. To find a version that runs with your PC check with the publisher

This app can’t run on your PC. To find a version that runs with your PC check with the publisher.

Installing your Adobe Photoshop 5.0 on Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 10 32bit or 64bit can be very easily defined in these short steps…

How to install Adobe Photoshop 5

A quick word of advice: best to follow the instructions below precisely and to the letter, including folder names and paths, that way you will reduce the risk of having any problems…

  1. Obtain your copy of the Longbow Reviver tool here
  2. Using Windows Explorer, copy your entire Adobe Photoshop 5.0 install CD media to your hard drive, to a folder path c:\InstallCDs\Adobe\Photoshop5
  3. Start the Longbow Reviver tool…
    1. Select the 1st tab “Old Installer Reviver
    2. Using the “…” button, pick the c:\InstallCDs\Adobe\Photoshop5\PHOTOSHP folder
    3. Now click the Fix and Run Old Installer button
    4. Read and understand all the prompts that appear, then continue by clicking OK… (read the next step)
  4. Now, I know it’s unheard of these days, but at this point expect to wait up to 45 to 90 minutes for your Adobe Photoshop 5 setup.exe program to appear (be patient!)
    1. Once the Photoshop 5 setup application displays all in Blue, stop and read the next step…
  5. In the setup program, navigate through each setup dialog as normal, except when you get to the installation folder, make sure you update the entry from .\Adobe\Photoshop 5.0 (notice the dot at the beginning) to c:\Adobe\Photoshop 5.0 
  6. Now carry on with the install…
    1. Ignore any errors related to not being able to “…create the folder ‘Adobe Photoshop 5′”, you will have to manually create a shortcut on your computer Desktop to your c:\Adobe\Photoshop 5.0\photoshp.exe by hand.
    2. Do not reboot if prompted to do so
  7. Once Photoshop is installed
    1. quit the Adobe setup and go back to the Reviver tool
    2. Select the 2nd tab “Old Program Reviver
    3. using the “…” button pick the newly installed c:\Adobe folder and click Fix Old Program.
  8. Finally, create a shortcut on your Desktop which points to c:\Adobe\Photoshop 5.0\photoshp.exe
  9. Now you can happily run your Adobe Photoshop 5.0 on Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 10 32bit or 64bit!


Troubleshooting

Copyright 2019 (c) Longbow Software

Installing AutoCAD R14 Architectural Desktop (ADT) on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10

NOTE: We have had the best success installing this product using our Converter solution on Windows 8 and Windows 10, in fact, we strongly advise using Windows 10 for this product.

Installing your AutoCAD Architectural Desktop (R14.01) on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 or 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.

A quick word of advice: best to follow the instructions below precisely and to the letter, including folder names and paths, that way you will reduce the risk of having any problems…

  1. Obtain your copy of the Longbow Converter here
  2. Start the Longbow Converter tool
    1. select the 2nd tab named “Old AutoCAD Installer Reviver
    2. Using the ‘…’ button pick your AutoCAD ADT R14 CD and follow the instructions
    3. Be patient – expect to wait at least 45 minutes for your AutoCAD R14 setup.exe program to appear.
    4. Once the setup starts, stop and read the next step…
  3. 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:\adtR14 (not .\AutoCAD or .\AutoCAD Architectural Desktop as usually prompted)**
    1. Now carry on with the install (do not reboot once the install is complete). Ignore any errors related to not being able to “…create the folder ‘AutoCAD Architectural Desktop'”, you will have to create a shortcut on your computer Desktop to your c:\adtR14\acad.exe by hand.
    2. Do not reboot if prompted to do so
  4. Once setup has finished
    1. go back to the Converter tool
    2. select the 3rd tab named “Old AutoCAD Program Reviver
    3. pick the newly installed c:\adtR14 folder and click “Fix Old Program
  5. Finally, create a shortcut to c:\adtR14\acad.exe – make sure the shortcut Target: is set to C:\adtR14\acad.exe /p “C:\adtR14\Desktop.arg”
  6. Now you can happily run your AutoCAD Architectural Desktop R14 on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 32bit or 64bit
Troubleshooting:
  • If you are getting either a Bad Mem Pointer error and or a Smartheap handler recursively re-entered error when you start your AutoCAD Architectural Desktop then you need to re-run all the steps above, taking care to do each step precisely as it says.
  • If you are getting a WinHelp() error when pressing F1 to try and access the Help system then simply install the WinHelp (WinHlp32.exe) module from Microsoft
  • Issues with Calcomp Digitizer – Calcomp Digitizer not working 
  • 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 plotupdate.exe for AutoCAD 2000 on 64bit Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10

If you are receiving either an “Out of memory” or “Memory allocation error” while trying to plot inside of AutoCAD 2000, then you are most likely missing the AutoCAD 2000 patch called “plotupdate”.

This blog documents how to install the “plotupdate” patch on Windows7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 64bit. NOTE: You will have needed to install AutoCAD 2000 first

Here is the English readme for the AutoCAD 2000 plotupdate patch which explains what it specifically addresses. Click here for French, German, Italian and Spanish readme for plotupdate.exe

Here’s how to patch your AutoCAD 2000 with the plotupdate.exe

  1. Obtain your copy of the Longbow Converter here
  2. Next download the Plotupdate.exe for AutoCAD 2000 zip and unzip to the folder c:\Autodesk, it will unzip to c:\Autodesk\Plotupdate2000
    1. Note: Click here for French, German, Italian and Spanish plotupdate.exe
  3. Start the Longbow Converter tool
    1. Next, select the 2nd tab named ‘Old AutoCAD Installer Reviver
    2. Using the ‘…’ button select the path c:\Autodesk\Plotupdate2000 then click the ‘Run Old Installer‘ button
    3. When asked “Is this an installation media, a service pack/update or plug-in/app for AutoCAD?” say Yes
    4. Next, read and understand all the prompts before pressing OK… Now, I know it’s unheard of these days, but at this point expect to wait at least 45 minutes for the AutoCAD 2000 Plotupdate setup.exe program to appear.
    5. Once the setup starts, install as normal (simply accept all defaults).
  4. Now run your AutoCAD 2000 and plot as normal
    1. Important Tip: You can add new Plotters using the c:\acad2000\addplwiz.exe

Troubleshooting

If your PlotUpdate setup is not starting after 45 minutes

  • try rebooting, then restart the steps above. If it is still failing, most likely it’s because of another application on your system which is preventing our setup routine from starting (perhaps anti-virus, or similar)

If you still can’t get your plotter to work

  • Make sure your Anti-virus and/or Windows Firewall is not blocking splwow64.exe
    • Make sure your Anti-virus and/or Windows Firewall is not blocking splwow64.exe 
    • If the problem persists, you have 2 options
      • Install Autodesk’s free DWGTrueview App which allows full plotting using the latest version of AutoCAD 
      • Fix your AutoCAD 2000 install…
        • start the Converter App
        • Select the 3d tab “Old AutoCAD Program Reviver” 
        • Click the Tools Menu->Reduced Power Mode
        • Using the “…” button, pick your acad.exe folder e.g. c:\acad2000
        • Click “Fix Old Program” and follow prompts

Copyright 2019 (c) Longbow Software

Installing Softdesk 8 Imaging for AutoCAD R14 on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10

NOTE: We have had the best success installing this product using our Converter solution on Windows 8 and Windows 10

Installing Softdesk 8 Imaging for AutoCAD R14 on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 32bit or 64bit can be very easily defined in these short steps.

A quick word of advice: best to follow the instructions below precisely and to the letter, including folder names and paths, that way you will reduce the risk of having any problems…

  1. First, obtain your copy of the Longbow Converter here
  2. Install your AutoCAD R14 by carefully following the steps detailed here
  3. Using Windows Explorer, copy your entire Softdesk 8 Imaging CD contents to your hard drive, to a folder path c:\Autodesk\imagingR14
  4. Start the Longbow Converter tool, select the 2nd tab, pick the c:\Autodesk\imagingR14 folder, and click Run.
    1. When asked “Is this an installation media, a service pack/update or plug-in/app for AutoCAD?” say Yes
    2. Next, read and understand all the prompts before pressing OK… Now, I know it’s unheard of these days, but at this point expect to wait at least 45 minutes for your Softdesk setup.exe program to appear. Once the setup starts, install as normal (simply accept all defaults).
  5. Next, start your AutoCAD R14. Once AutoCAD starts up fully, simply type preferences at the command line, select the Profiles tab, double click the Softdesk profile and make it the Current Profile. Finally, OK out of the preferences dialog.
  6. Now you can happily run your Softdesk 8 Imaging inside of AutoCAD R14 on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 32bit or 64bit

Troubleshooting

If your setup is not starting after 45 minutes, try rebooting, then restart the steps above.

  • If it is still failing, most likely it’s because of another application on your system which is preventing our setup routine from starting (perhaps anti-virus, or similar) – try installing from Windows Safe Mode
Copyright 2015 (c) Longbow Software

Installing Autodesk Mechanical Desktop 3 on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10

NOTE: We have had the best success installing this product using our Converter solution on Windows 8 and Windows 10

 

Installing your Autodesk Mechanical Desktop R3 (otherwise known as MDT 3 and built on the AutoCAD R14.01 platform) on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 32bit or 64bit can be very easily defined in these short steps…

Instructions on installing Autodesk Mechanical R2 can be found here…

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

A quick word of advice: best to follow the instructions below precisely and to the letter, including folder names and paths, that way you will reduce the risk of having any problems…
  1. Obtain your copy of the Longbow Converter here
  2. Using Windows Explorer, copy your entire MDT 3 CD to your hard drive, to a folder path c:\Autodesk\mdt3R14
  3. Start the Longbow Converter tool
    1. select the 2nd tab named “Old AutoCAD Installer Reviver
    2. pick the c:\Autodesk\mdt3R14 folder and click the “Run Old Installer” button.
      1. Read and understand all the prompts before pressing OK.
      2. Now, I know it’s unheard of these days, but at this point expect to wait up to 45 minutes for your Mechanical 3 setup.exe program to appear.
      3. 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:\mdt3R14 (not .\Mechanical as usually prompted)**
  5. Now carry on with the install…
    1. Do not reboot once the install is complete.
    2. Ignore any errors related to not being able to create the shortcut folder “Autodesk Mechanical 3”, you will have to create a shortcut on your computer Desktop pointing to your c:\mdt3R14\acad.exe by hand.
    3. You will also be prompted that Adobe reader 3.01 needs to be installed – when you press OK, again, expect to wait up to 45 minutes for the Adobe setup.exe program to appear install as normal accepting all defaults this time.
    4. Again, do not reboot if prompted to do so…
  6. Once installed, go back to the Converter tool…
    1. select the 3rd tab named “Old AutoCAD Program Reviver
    2. pick the newly installed c:\mdt3R14 folder and click “Fix Old Program“.
  7. At this point, you can actually run AutoCAD, simply run c:\mdt3R14\acad.exe using Windows Explorer… However…
  8. You will notice that you are running raw AutoCAD, to enable your Mechanical Desktop features, carry out these next steps, either…
    1. Add a shortcut (recommended) to C:\mdt3R14\acad.exe making sure that the Target Property of the shortcut is set to:C:\mdt3R14\acad.exe  /p C:\mdt3R14\desktop\desktop.arg
    2. or update your AutoCAD support path by hand…
      1. At the AutoCAD Command line, type the command ‘Preferences’, add new Support path folders c:\mdt3R14\acadm and then also c:\mdt3R14\acadm\support, now click ‘Apply’ and then ‘OK’ out of the dialog.
      2. Next, restart AutoCAD.
      3. When you are back in AutoCAD, type ‘Menuload’ at the command line, click browse, then navigate to C:\mdt3R14\acadm\support, change the file filter at the bottom to *.mnu, then open acadm.mnu, finally click Load, then pick Close.
      4. Now restart AutoCAD
  9. Now you can happily run your Autodesk Mechanical Desktop 3 on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 32bit or 64bit
Troubleshooting:
Copyright 2017 (c) Longbow Software

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

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

  • “This operating system is not supported by AutoCAD LT®”
  • “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 LT® 2010. It cannot be installed on 64-bit Windows”

Installing AutoCAD LT 2010 32bit on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 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

How to install AutoCAD LT 2010

  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, 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 AutoCAD LT 2010 Service Packs

AutoCAD LT 2010 has 2 service packs, instead of calling them sp1 and sp2 they decided to call them Update1 and Update2. You only need to install Update2 because it already includes Update1.

  1. Download the AutoCAD LT 2010 Update 2 (sp2) from here
  2. Unzip and simply run the autocad2010update2.exe to install the update

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 2020 (c) Longbow Software

Installing Ulead PhotoImpact 11 on Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1

This blog post is specifically for installing Ulead PhotoImpact 11 on Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 both 32bit and 64bit.

For instructions on installing Ulead PhotoImpact 10 on Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 click here

Installing PhotoImpact 11 on Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 can be very easily defined in these short steps. NOTE: Be sure to use exactly same folder paths as specified below in order to ensure a clean install.

  1. Obtain your copy of the Longbow Reviver here
  2. Using Windows Explorer, copy your PhotoImpact 11 installation CD to c:\PhotoImpact11CD
    1. If your PhotoImpact 11 installation consists of a single file called “Ulead PI 11.exe“, then once you have copied it to c:\PhotoImpact11CD simply rename it to setup.exe
  3. Start the Longbow Reviver tool, select the first tab “Old Installer Reviver” tab, pick the newly copied c:\PhotoImpact10CD folder, then click the Fix and Run Old Installer button. Once completed, read and understand all messages from the Reviver tool…
  4. Next, your PhotoImpact 11 setup will startup and take you through the normal install process with this exception…
    1. When asked, make sure you install PhotoImpact 11 to c:\Ulead\PhotoImpact11 (not C:\Program Files (x86)\Ulead Systems\Ulead PhotoImpact 11)
  5. Once installed, be sure to close the PhotoImpact 11 main setup as the Reviver tool is waiting for it to close before allowing you to move to the next step.
  6. Now go back to the Reviver tool, select the 2nd tab “Old Program Reviver”, pick the newly installed c:\Ulead\PhotoImpact11 folder, then click “Fix Old Program“. If asked “Do you want to me to re-register your Program’s components…”, say No…
  7. Install the PhotoImpact 11 patch from here upi11 patch
  8. Next, start PhotoImpact 11
    1. if a dialog window appears on first launch which appears to hang the system, simply use task manager to End Process PhotoImpact 11 (restarting PhotoImpact 11 will now work)
    2. if the application hangs on first launch, simply use task manager to End Process PhotoImpact 11 (restarting PhotoImpact 11 will now work)
  9. You can now run your Ulead PhotoImpact 11 on Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 64bit
Copyright 2015 (c) Longbow Software

Installing AutoCAD Mechanical 2007 on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10

Installing AutoCAD Mechanical 2007 (ACM 2007) 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. Copy your AutoCAD Mechanical 2007 installation CD media to your hard drive, to a folder path c:\Autodesk\mdt2007 
    1. NOTE: If you have more CD’s, simply copy the contents of each CD directly over the top of Disk 1, basically, overwrite all files in your previously copied c:\Autodesk\mdt2007 folder with the files from each of the CDs
  3. Next, start the Longbow Converter tool, select the 2nd tab, pick the c:\Autodesk\mdt2007 folder, and click Run. 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, with these exceptions… (if you cannot move past the first screen in the setup, see TroubleShooting 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:\mdt2007 (not Program Files (x86)\Autodesk which is show by default)**.
  5. Once installed, 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:\mdt2007 folder and click Fix.
  6. Now you can run your AutoCAD Mechanical 2007 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…”

Installing AutoCAD Mechanical 2007 Service Packs

AutoCAD Mechanical 2007 has 2 service packs, don’t install the sp1, instead all you need to do is install sp2… Here’s how:

  1. Download AutoCAD Mechanical 2007 sp2
  2. Unzip the acm2007_swl_sp2.zip into c:\Autodesk\sp2
  3. Start the Converter, select the 3rd tab, pick the c:\Autodesk\sp2 folder then click ‘Fix’
  4. Once fixed, simply run the c:\Autodesk\sp2\acm2007_swl_sp2.exe to install as normal

Troubleshooting:

– If you cannot navigate to the next page in the Setup (because clicking on the install links does nothing)…

  1. Having completed steps 1 through 3 above, Start Windows Explorer and navigate to c:\Autodesk\mdt2007\bin\acadfeui\acadm then run Setup.exe
  2. Once setup.exe starts, resume the instructions above starting at step 4

– 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 2015 (c) Longbow Software

Installing Sheridan Developers Toolkit on 64bit Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1

This blog post is specifically for installing Sheridan’s Developer Toolkit on 64bit Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1.

For instructions on installing Sheridan’s Developer Toolkit on 32bit Windows 10, Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 click here

This blog specifically deals with installing ActiveTreeView, ActiveListBar, ActiveThread on 64bit Windows but it’s the same process for CalendarWidgets, Data Widgets and Design Widgets…

Installing Sheridan’s Developer Toolkit on 64bit Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 can be very easily defined in these short steps.

  1. Obtain your copy of the Longbow Reviver here
  2. Using Windows Explorer, copy your Sheridan install files from your old Windows XP machine’s c:\Sheridan folder onto a USB drive (or similar) then transfer the files onto your the new 64bit computer in exactly the same folder, c:\Sheridan
  3. Start the Longbow Reviver tool, select the “Old Program Reviver” tab, pick the newly copied c:\Sheridan folder, then click Fix Old Program
  4. When asked: “Do you want me to re-register your program’s components?” – say Yes
  5. Next, create a .reg file with these contents (see just below and example .reg file) – update the text <YOUR_SERIAL_NUMBER> to your supplied serial number, e.g. 111001000089898232 – you should also fill in MyCompanyName and MyUserName in order to fulfil Sheridan’s registration requirements.Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes]

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Sheridan.ActiveListBar.ActiveX]
    @=””

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Sheridan.ActiveListBar.ActiveX\Version1]
    @=””

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Sheridan.ActiveListBar.ActiveX\Version1\CompanyName]
    @=”MyCompanyName”

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Sheridan.ActiveListBar.ActiveX\Version1\HelpFileDir]
    @=”C:\\Sheridan\\ActiveListBar\\HELP”

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Sheridan.ActiveListBar.ActiveX\Version1\InstallDir]
    @=”C:\\Sheridan\\ActiveListBar”

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Sheridan.ActiveListBar.ActiveX\Version1\ProductID]
    @=”{C6A130B1-1C72-499B-00BE-4923E28C4ED3}”

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Sheridan.ActiveListBar.ActiveX\Version1\SerialNumber]
    @=”<YOUR_SERIAL_NUMBER>”

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Sheridan.ActiveListBar.ActiveX\Version1\UserName]
    @=”MyUserName”

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Sheridan.ActiveThreed.ActiveX]
    @=””

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Sheridan.ActiveThreed.ActiveX\Version2]
    @=””

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Sheridan.ActiveThreed.ActiveX\Version2\CompanyName]
    @=”MyCompanyName”

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Sheridan.ActiveThreed.ActiveX\Version2\HelpFileDir]
    @=”C:\\Sheridan\\ActiveThreed\\HELP”

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Sheridan.ActiveThreed.ActiveX\Version2\InstallDir]
    @=”C:\\Sheridan\\ActiveThreed”

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Sheridan.ActiveThreed.ActiveX\Version2\SerialNumber]
    @=”<YOUR_SERIAL_NUMBER>”

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Sheridan.ActiveThreed.ActiveX\Version2\UserName]
    @=”MyUserName”

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Sheridan.ActiveTreeView.ActiveX]
    @=””

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Sheridan.ActiveTreeView.ActiveX\Version1]
    @=””

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Sheridan.ActiveTreeView.ActiveX\Version1\CompanyName]
    @=”MyCompanyName”

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Sheridan.ActiveTreeView.ActiveX\Version1\HelpFileDir]
    @=”C:\\Sheridan\\ActiveTreeView\\HELP”

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Sheridan.ActiveTreeView.ActiveX\Version1\InstallDir]
    @=”C:\\Sheridan\\ActiveTreeView”

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Sheridan.ActiveTreeView.ActiveX\Version1\ProductID]
    @=”{73174DE2-B54E-721E-5C27-4B8CD2C558A1}”

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Sheridan.ActiveTreeView.ActiveX\Version1\SerialNumber]
    @=”<YOUR_SERIAL_NUMBER>”

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\Sheridan.ActiveTreeView.ActiveX\Version1\UserName]
    @=”MyUserName”

  6. Once you have created the .reg file, let’s say it’s called Sheridan.reg – simply double click on it using Windows Explorer – it will ask “Are you sure you want to continue?” say Yes. A success message should appear.
  7. Your Sheridan’s Developer Toolkit is now ready for use on Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 64bit
Copyright 2015 (c) Longbow Software

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

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

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

How to install AutoCAD ADT 2006 

  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 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
      1. simply check the “Don’t show this message again
      2. 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:\adt2006 (not Program Files (x86)\AutoCAD Architecture 2006)**.
  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
  5. 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…”

Install AutoCAD ADT 2006 Service Pack 1

  1. English Users, Download your English AutoCAD 2006 sp1 from here
    1. Non-English users, Download your language specific AutoCAD 2006 sp1 from here
  2. Now copy your newly downloaded sp (for English users the filename is adt2006swlsp1enu.exe) to folder path c:\Autodesk\sp
  3. Start the Converter, select the 3rd tab, pick the c:\Autodesk\sp folder and click Fix.
  4. Now run the adt2006swlsp1enu.exe from Windows explorer to install as normal.

Troubleshooting

– If your ADT menuing system does not appear correctly for some reason, start AutoCAD, type CUILOAD at the command line, pick Browse and navigate to %APPDATA%\Autodesk\ADT 2006\enu\Support, pick the adt.cui file, then click Load

– 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 Robolab Lego RCX Mindstorms on Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1

This blog post is specifically for installing Robolab Lego RCX on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1…

Installing Lego RCX Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 can be very easily defined in these short steps.

  1. Obtain your copy of the Longbow Reviver here
  2. Using Windows Explorer, copy your Lego RCX  CD to c:\RobolabCD
  3. Rename the PC-Install.exe to setup.exe
  4. Now, start the Longbow Reviver tool, on the “Old Installer Reviver” tab click the “Disable Windows 64bit Device Driver Signing Verification” checkbox, so that it is set.
  5. Now reboot.
  6. When your computer has started up again, start the Longbow Reviver tool again, select the “Old Installer Reviver” tab, pick the c:\RobolabCD folder then click the Fix and Run Old Installer button.
  7. Once the conversion process is complete, the Robolab installer dialog will appear. Simply install as normal to the normal c:\Robolab folder.
  8. Once the installation process is complete, make sure you fully quit the Robolab installer then switch back to the Longbow Reviver tool, select the “Old Program Reviver” tab, pick the newly installed c:\Robolab folder, then click Fix Old Program
  9. Your Robolab Lego RCX is now ready for use.
Copyright 2015 (c) Longbow Software

Installing 32bit AutoCAD Architecture 2008 on Windows7, 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® Architecture® 2008”
  • “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® 2008. It cannot be installed on 64-bit Windows”

Installing 32bit AutoCAD Architecture 2008 on Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 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. Using Windows Explorer, copy Disk 1 of your AutoCAD Architecture 2008 CD to your hard drive, to a folder path c:\Autodesk\ADT2008
    2. If you have more CD’s, copy them all directly over the top of Disk 1, overwrite all files in your previously copied c:\Autodesk\ADT2008 folder
  3. If you have a single self extracting exe downloaded from Autodesk
    1. 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\ADT2008), now click OK. Wait until all of the files have extracted, when they do, the AutoCAD Architecture 2008 setup will automatically launch – simply close it and move to the next step.
  4. Now, start the Longbow Converter tool, select the 1st tab, pick the c:\Autodesk\ADT2008 folder, and click the Convert button.
  5. Once the conversion process is complete, click Install/Run Setup to start setup. Simply install as normal.
  6. Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 users: Once the installation process is complete, go back to the Converter, select the 3rd tab, pick the newly installed C:\Program Files (x86)\AutoCAD Architecture 2008 folder, then click Fix
  7. Now you can happily run your AutoCAD Architecture 2008 32bit on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10.

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 2015 (c) Longbow Software