AutoCAD 2007/2008/2009 DWG Format

[#1]

Yes, yes, I know there are several threads out there already about this problem, but I have tried many solutions and not one has worked.

My situation is sort of this: http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=9579121&linkID=9240617 except Windows 8 Pro.

I am setting up a computer under our company domain.  I installed 2008 as a local admin, which went smoothly.  However, the moment I login as a network user and attempt to use it, it says "Error 1324. The path My Pictures contains an invalid character."  The problem is that many of the user folders are on the fileserver, which the registry points to.  The network drive was mapped, and so I replaced it with N:\My Pictures and brought up an error that said the N drive was not acceptable.  

I changed it to %UserProfile%\My Pictures , no dice.  

Could it be that it doesn't like the "\\" in front of the network drive?

Thanks

[#2]

2008 has problems running on Win 7, I think you are the first to mention trying it on Win 8.

I got around a lot of the problems by running VirtualXP under Win 7 and installing ACAD 2008 within that.

Once VirtualXP is set up and running properly (including the network) then install ACAD 2008.

The only problem is you can't use the automatic virtulisation mode. If you do, you are limited to 16 bit 800x600 graphics.

Regards Brad