AutoCAD LT

[#1]

Hi.. Last week I had a systems crash and had to replace my old Windows XP OS with Windows 7. In the process (I'm an architect who uses AutoCAD LT on the PC side of my Mac via Parallels), I lost AutoCAD LT 2011 on my PC side.

I thought it would be simple enough to reinstall it from Autodesk, using my serial #, proof of purchase, etc., but it's proving a real headache. I have some questions:

-- I don't see where I can download AutoCAD LT 2011; I just see 2012. Should I download the 30-day trial version of 2012 and hope to use my old serial number to upgrade to it?

-- Not seeing any other option, I DID download the 30-day-trial of AutoCAD LT 2012, but I can't even open or run the .exe file. An MS-DOS screen flashes for a moment, unreadable, and nothing happens.

Can anyone help me?

Is it possible that you purchase a $1,200 piece of software and there's no one at Autodesk you can talk to to get help reinstalling it when you have a system meltdown? God knows I should buy AutoCAD for Mac and never have to worry about the PC side again in my life, but I don't have an extra $4,000 lying around. 

I'm desperate here. Can anyone help me? Any help would be much appreciated!!! Thank you!!!

[#2]

You should be able to reinstall if you have the following three things:

1.  Original installation disk;

2.  Product Serial Number; and,

3.  Product Key.

The last two items are located on the original packaging.

Dave.

[#3]

Thanks for your response Dave. I unfortunately never received an installation CD for the software; just codes to download it online. Should I contact Autodesk perhaps and have them FedEx me a disk?

Thanks again for your response. Best, Amelia

[#4 · Accepted solution]

Yes, I think so.  I would also suggest that you consider putting your AutoCAD software on subscription and in the future requesting that they always send you the boxed DVD with each update.  I've done this since 2004 and had several hard drive failures.  Having the actual disks available has saved me everytime.  I'm afraid that if you try and reinstall 2011 from a 2012 (trial) download you'll run into problems if you're not already a subscription customer. 

For software as critical as this I always feel uncomfortable with just a download version.  You need to keep track of all the codes, etc, and also make sure that you've backed it up properly and separately.  And while I've normally been pretty good about that stuff having something like the physical disk just makes life so much easier.

Someone at Autodesk should be able to help you.  Try and get them on the telephone and work this out next Monday.  I'm sure they'll get you going again.

Dave

[#5]

Thanks again. Yeah, it was a huge mistake not to get the disk. I was trying to be careful and ordered a subscription, but of course that expired several days, literally, before my system crash. I'm crossing my fingers I'll be able to speak with someone at Autodesk who can help me first thing Monday. Nonetheless I'm very disappointed that this should be such a time-wasting hassle, considering I have all of my proof of purchase and serial number information, not to mention that this software is so expensive in the first place (I guess not from the perspective of Autodesk) -- this should have held me up 45 minutes, not 4+ (?) days. Anyway thanks again!

[#6]

There are some mistakes we only make once.  Happy trails tomorrow!  I think you'll be fine.

Dave.

[#7 · Accepted solution]

Order product documentation and replacement software (cheaper than subscription)
http://autodeskdocandmedia.com/

Even less of a hassle: buying the disk/box product in the first place. And using the free 30-day trial download from Autodesk in the interim (it does not take 30-days for them to ship you a box/disk). Even better: downloading all the trial versions and storing them for possible future use/second copies. Trial version is the purchased version with a missing license number, it's not hobbled and can be turned into a licensed version with the codes you received from Autodesk.

Taking personal control of your purchases, at the time of purchase: priceless.

[#8]

Thank you for your helpful replies, Dean and Dave. Yes, I've definitely learned my lesson to acquire the disk when buying the software. Fortunately I've had some success this morning contacting Autodesk, so I expect to receive a link for reinstalling the software shortly. 

Thanks again!

Best, Amelia

[#9]

PS --

I received a link from Autodesk customer service for downloading AutoCAD LT 2011, so that's great (I'm downloading the .exe at this moment). I'm not sure though -- should I be able to download 2 copies of the software, one for my desktop and one for my laptop? Do purchases typically entitle one to 2 seats?

Dean or Dave, if you happen to know, please advise. Thanks!

[#10]

Never mind -- I just found out that 2 installations are fine. Thanks again and au revoir!