Buying copy of older version

[Anonymous]

I'm looking at buying a copy of Autocad for my home computer.  Not really using it for production, but just little side drafting jobs that seem to follow me.  I'd like to have Architectural Desktop and found this version on Ebay: 

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Change-a-users-account-type

http://www.unixwiz.net/techtips/win7-limited-user.html  It doesn't look like he's selling a pirated version, so I'm very tempted to buy the item.  I know that 2005 wasn't a very popular version, but it is a fairly recent edition and the price is certainly right.  The question is if this version will work on my laptop.  I have no clue how many bits the computer is.  I also don't know if the required code information to run the product is included with the sale.  The only numbers that he has is shown in a picture off the CD case.  It's been years since I've loaded AutoCad, but I thought there were some numbers on the box that you needed to load it?

Will this software meet my needs?

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

You need to check with a dealer or Autodesk. I think you will not be able to us the software legally. I believe you will need to get a license tranfer approved by Autodesk.

Joe

[KathyMoffa · Accepted solution]

It may not be a pirated copy, but it wouldn't be a legal one as  Autodesk does not allow reselling of its software licenses by anyone other than an authorized reseller.    Individuals cannot sell old licenses, even if they are no longer using the product.    I doubt seriously you could install it anyway.    2005 might not seem that long ago, but it's decades ago in software years.   2005 would have been written for an XP 32-bit operating system, so if that's not what's on your laptop, it wouldn't work, and there would be no one to help you with problems.   Autodesk currently only supports licensed versions back to 2010.    

I would first download the 30-day trial to see how it works for you.  If you want to continue, you might consider enrolling for a drafting class at a local college, which would then allow you to download a free educational copy.  You still couldn't legally use it for those side jobs, but at least you wouldn't be out more than the cost of the class, and it would allow you time to learn the product.

[TravisNave · Accepted solution]

The above posts are correct.  You cannot resell AutoCAD.  Any version that you find on eBay or discount websites that are not Authorized Resellers are in fact, pirated versions.  You will be paying for a trial, essentially because the product serial number will not activate. 

The EULA clearly states that a license cannot be resold or leased. 

Please make sure you protect yourself.  If it sounds too good to be true, it most certainly is.  AutoCAD 2005 has long since been retired. 

[Anonymous]

When my office buys new copies of '16 we "retire" the '09 versions.  I need a copy at home for drawing furniture that I'm building for my new house.  Would I be able to have a license transferred to me from my employer?  I only need the basics and '09 would be just fine for me. 

If I can't get old copies from my office, where's the best place for me to get a cheap copy of cad?  I don't need the new versions, just basic drafting functions.  I don't want to go the bootleg route.

Thanks,

charles

[TravisNave]

If you are under Subscription, just apply for a Home Use license. That will give you access to the latest software for 13-months.

[Anonymous]

Travis thanks a ton for the info.  I had no idea that a "home use license" was even an option, I'll give it shot!

[Anonymous]

So I have a 2 disc set of AutoCad2012 that I recently acquired from an Estate Sale.  I have installed it onto my laptop and it installs fine.  Am I understanding correctly that I would not be able to sell this software?  It's obviously usable - and runs when installed.   It doesn't make sense to me that something like this can't be sold second hand.. I can understand a pirated copy.. but this was legitimately obtained and isn't a copy.. it's the real deal....  The person who owned it died. 

[pendean]

See your other post on the topic: they may be worth $10-$20 on eBay if someone out there is desparate for a disk. The licenses are dead most likely.

[Anonymous]

May I ask what it means that a license is dead?   Will it still work without a license?  The one I have is fully functional (or appears to be from what I have seen).

[Anonymous]

In the EU you can sell the original software that you bought and own.

The lawful acquirer of a copy of a computer program, placed on the market by the rightholder or with his consent, may, consequently, resell that program, under the rule of exhaustion of the distribution right laid down in Article 4(c) of Directive 91/250, provided that that sale does not adversely affect the rightholder’s exclusive reproduction right under Article 4(a) of that directive and therefore subject to the condition that any acts of reproduction of that program must be authorised by that rightholder or be covered by the exceptions laid down in Articles 5 and 6 of that directive.“