Reinstalling AutoCAD without active subscription...

[envision]

I bought the full AutoDesk suite in 2012.  I was told that I did not have to continue paying a subscription to use the programs... but I would not get any updates. I am a 1-man design company that does not bring in tons of money, so paying $1200/year was not really an option, and my AutoDesk sales guy said I wouldn't have to.

I have bought a new computer and want to install the old AutoCAD 2012 on it.  However, the activation process is saying my serial number is not valid.

I have a really hard time believing that I cannot continue to use the software I paid over $4000 for.  Is this true?  If so, I have been sold a pretty big lie.

Thank you for your feedback.

Signed,

Worried

[Alfred.NESWADBA]

Hi,

>> However, the activation process is saying my serial number is not valid.

How often had you used this serial number to activate a license? Because just installing you suite on a new workstation means the same like using it a second time.

You need to use the licencse transfer utility to transfer the license from your old computer to the new one.

At least, it's true that you don't need to buy a subscription to run the software (that is valid nowadays, may change), the limit is you are only allowed to run it only on one system and you don't get major updates (new releases).

- alfred -

[envision]

When I bought the softeare in 2012, I was told I could have it on one computer at work, and one computer at home.  I never installed a second version, so I thought I still had the option to install it a second time.  I would really love to have it running at both locations.

Anyone know if I should be able to run the software on 2 systems?  I would never need it running simultaneously.  It would be very nice to not have to take the office laptop home every day.

Thank you for your feedback... this (previous post) gets me halfway there at least.

[Alfred.NESWADBA · Accepted solution]

Hi,

>> I was told I could have it on one computer at work, and one computer at home

That (usage of a parallel home-use-license) is only available WITH subscription.

>> Anyone know if I should be able to run the software on 2 systems?

See above ... only with subscription.

Otherwise one license = one (active) installation.

- alfred -

[envision]

Hmmmm.  Frustrating but not the worst news in the world.

Any advice on how to transfer my license?

[Alfred.NESWADBA · Accepted solution]

Hi,

>> Any advice on how to transfer my license?

You should find the option to transfer the license in your Windows start menu ==> all programs ==> Autodesk ==> AutoCAD 2012 ...

- alfred -

[envision]

Thank you, Alfred!  Your input is appreciated!

[envision]

So.... I discovered what the REAL problem was.

When I bought the software back in 2012, I installed AutoCAD 2012.  A few months later 2013 was released, and since I had a subscription, my serial number and product key was changed, unbeknownst to me.  I never installed 2013 back then, so even though 2012 was still working, it did not have a valid serial number.

I finally found my account info on AutoDesk last week, and could see my original serial number and product key for 2012, and a new serial number and product key for 2013.  Once I used the new numbers, it installed perfectly.

The funny thing is, now I have AutoCAD 2012 on my old laptop (still a good work computer) with an invalid serial number, and AutoCAD 2013 on my new laptop, with the valid serial number.  AutoDesk doesn't recognize my old software, but they don't go in and erase (or deactivate) it, either.  I will basically have AutoCAD 2012 for as long as that computer stays alive, but I cannot reinstall it or transfer it... ever.

I wish this stuff was explained elsewhere in simple, easy-to-understand language.  Oh well... live and learn (and share).

[jggerth]

If you're of subscription, you can only (legally) run the 2013 version since that has been installed.  The 2012 are supposed to be uninstalled once you go off sub and have a (then) current version installed.