Activation Code

[Anonymous]

I have been using AutoCad for many years since version 12. The last version I acquired was AutoCad 2006 which I purchased many years ago. I have been using it ever since. I got a new computer and installed Autocad on it more than a year ago and have been using AutoCad on it. Last week I was using it and all of a sudden it says that I needed to register it. In fact when I first installed it, I provided the serial number and the activation code that I have. Three days from the day it asked me to register my AutoCad stop running. When I restart it, it requests the activation code and when I enter the activation code, I get an error message and the software asks me to contact Autodesk which is impossible because there Is no number through which one can reach a human being at Autodesk.  When I access the Autodesk site and go through support I come to a dead end at which point I am told this version is not supported. So now I have a software that I fully own and cannot run it because Autodesk locked it. I contacted Autodesk through emails no answer. I tried twitter and was asked to come to this forum. I hope someone can help. 
Any help will be very appreciated. 
Thank you. 

[Anonymous]

Did AutoDesk Forum managers just delete my post about knowing whether there is any on going Class Action Law Suit against Autodesk because AutoDesk is locking longtime users out of their old AutoCad versions in order to force them to rent AutoDesk's newer products? 

Here is an example with  Microsoft: https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-should-pay-damages-for-forced-windows-10-update-say-finns/

[RobDraw]

This is a user help forum. Not the right platform for your issue. We can't help you anymore than what has already been said here and in the Previous Version Support forum where you can find plenty of information that may or may not help you. At a minimum, you will find others that share your frustrations.

You've got the opportunity to get your program re-activated. You should feel lucky and grab it while you can before that offer goes away too.

And no, the post you mentioned was not deleted. It really belongs in the afore mentioned Previous Version Support forum. And, BTW, Autodesk is very lenient with allowing posts that criticize, insult, and downright flame them to remain in the forums (mostly) unedited.

[Alfred.NESWADBA]

Hi,

>> The Staff said even a simple OS update will stop AutoCad from

>> working. Do you mean that the device on which you install

>> AutoCad should never connect to the internet again?

That has technically issues, e.g. one of the Windows 10 updates changed some id's internally (like e.g. harddisk/paritions). So if the AutoCAD activation code depends on an id that the operating system update changes then the activation test sees this as different hardware and AutoCAD won't start. But it's the Windows update that changed the id, it's not Autodesk.

So the guy from the support is correct, you should not install the software on a system that is not supported as such id's might change in the future, dll's or drivers might be installed that are not compatible with that old software any more ... and every single app you install might break the licensing system. So it's simply a good tip for you from that Autodesk guy to prevent you from again being hold by an update.

What I would do is to create a virtual system (like Oracle VirtualBox), install Windows 7 on that system, update that system once (what ever can be updated) and then install AutoCAD on that virtual system as for Windows 7 there are no future updates available, and also do not install anything inside that virtual system. So you can run your workstation with Windows 10, or what ever are the names for future operating systems ... your virtual system can be started independently from your workstation-os.

- alfred -

[Anonymous]

That is a possibility.  How do I do that though?  Would the virtual box behave just like an operating system for AutoCad only? In essence I will have two separate OS on the computer one of which is dedicated to AutoCad.  Will I be able to do the same trick if I get a new computer in the future? Please let me know.

[Anonymous]

It would be great for AutoDesk to provide a patch that immune legitimate owners of older versions so we do not get stuck if we do not want to rent software.  It feels like not being allowed in your own house and you are asked rent another house next door while your own house is sitting empty. It is frustrating.

[Anonymous]

Exactly. I have a similar situation. I have Autocad 2010 and I just got new Computer. Installation went fine but it asks for an activation code, and I decided to look at this before I run the Licence transfer utility... and good thing I did.

This is outrageus, they are preventing me from using it on my new computer!

[pendean]

Autodesk ended automatic reauthorizing of 2010 and older software as of August 31 2019, read all about it here https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/learn-explore/caas/simplecontent/content/previous-ver... Sorry, you missed the deadline.

If you still have your old Win7 PC and all works well, hang on to it for as long as it will last, then figure out a new option if you are unable to join Autodesk Subscription for newer software. If you find Autodesk software subscriptions too expensive, there are many other CAD packages out there with no subscription options (initial cost may still be comparably high) that you can go get and use.