We have Autocad 2003 (or 2002 or 2004 I'm not sure which it is without looking) on an old pc that is being replaced by our IT department. Unfortunately they've lost the original Autocad installation CD so we can't reinstall it on a newer machine. Is there somewhere (through the Autodesk website or elsewhere) where we can download the program? We have a "dongle" that plugs in the back of the pc that will verify our licence.
Will we be able to download the program anywhere or is it a case of tough cookie? (They'll never fork out for a new version.)
Thanks to anyone that can advise.
Probably not. You can try asking in the Installation and Licensing board, but you probably won't get anywhere. I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but... backups aren't just for drawings. You *are* allowed to create back-up copies for your installers, and its one of the first things you should be doing with any software you have. Include it in the off-site tape backups you have, so that its available in case of catastrophic emergency, such as flooding. Be sure to include all relevant information - contract numbers, licenses, product ID's, and the like.
They really should be willing to pay (and should be budgeting) for a new copy if its one of the tools being used. You might be able to get away with one of the low-cost clones but those have limitations as well.
Thanks guys. I didn't realise we'd need a serial number as well, that will almost definately be lost somewhere.
I'll have a look on ebay just incase they have cheap versions. I wonder how legal this is though, I imagine the licence granted is based on the user?
I will suggest they update their versions (and use the phrase "penny-pinching" which might have some impact).
Thanks again.
Not a lawyer by any means, but I would think so provided its a one-off and not mass sharing to anybody who wants to download it. The payment is for the right to use the software, and the rights are granted through the activation process not the physical storage media. There *might* be a small copyright issue associated with the content of the media but for a one off it could be overlooked.
last dongle i recall being required for Acad (Stateside) was v2.5. replace with v2.52 in about 6 weeks because of customer backlash. International slaes continued to use a dongle for some time, but damifino how long....
Authorizing old versions:
Prior to autoCAD 2005, all that was needed was the information on the package. No auth codes from the mothership, just serial number, plus one or two additional printed codes that were included with the media. 2005 started the authorization business - which means that Adesk has to keep the authorization servers running in perpetuity, or offer an alternative for legitimate 2005 owners who never upgraded. After all, it was a 'perpeptual use license'.
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