Authorization Code accessable through Autodesk after perpetural License Expires?

[Anonymous]

I am considering letting my perpetual  license expire and know that I will be allowed use the latest version downloaded without certain upgrade or support.  I am 70 years old and use it when a project interest me.  Not used on a daily basis as when I was in business.  If my computer crashes I will need to reinstall the last version used and then get I get authorization?  I have copies of the installation files downloaded from the Autodesk site which I could use to reinstall.  Crashes happen or just a reformat every few years to clean out the computer and reinstall programs to speed it up again.  Thanks  Frank

[Mark.Lancaster]

@Anonymous

Not sure if you are asking question or just stating stuff.  Can you clairfy?

In additional perpetual license don't expire unless you trade them and etc..  Are you talking about your maintenance plan?

[Anonymous]

Yes I am talking about my maintenance plan.  My apologies for not being more concise and clearer in my post.  I would like to know if at sometime in future if I ever need to reinstall Building Design Suite Premium will Autodesk provide an new authorization code.  I have downloaded the installation files through download browser and saved the files.  For example I would reinstall using those files.  Would Autodesk provide the required new code via the internet.  For a follow up question if the installation files that I have downloaded don't work, they have in the past, would I be able to download the last version of BDSP?  Thank you for your patience and assistance.  Frank

[Mark.Lancaster · Accepted solution]

@Anonymous

No problem.. 

The ruling is..  If you drop or let your maintenance plan expired you are only entitled to the current release that's out there.  So if you dropped it today, you would only be entitled to the 2019 version.  However it has been also stated, its based on the last version you installed and activated.

But that decision is up to Autodesk and how they deem your account.   Anyhow whatever version your account is entitled to, Autodesk will issue you activation codes if you need to reinstall it.  But if you lose your installation files, Autodesk only maintains the current version and 3 legacy versions or see this article for additional information.  So down the road you may not be able to access or get access to download the media again.

[Anonymous]

One last question.  Who or would I have talk to at Autodesk to verify this?  It says you are not in Autodesk's employ.  With all due respect thank you for your assistance.  You have been a tremendous help.  Frank

[Mark.Lancaster]

@Anonymous

I will tag @natasha.l or you can contact the Autodesk Licensing and Activation team at (866) 681-4359

[natasha.l]

Hello @Anonymous, 

Thank you for posting. 

I have provided some formal Autodesk information down below.

You only have access to previous version rights if you continue on a maintenance plan (after expiration you can only use the last activated version of the software), if you let it expire you will lose previous version rights. 

If you plan on going of maintenance the recommendation is to keep a copy of the installation media files that are stored in C:\Autodesk & store the activation information yourself, due to the fact that Autodesk provides support for the current version & three versions back.

Two questions are answered below, the 1st is with a Subscription or Maintenance Plan. The 2nd is without any Subscription or Maintenance Plan. 

Our current policy 

1. How do I download and access previous versions?

Eligible previous versions are available for download in Autodesk Account.

• Subscribers with single-user access - Simply begin installing the previous version in Autodesk Account. You do not need to request a license.
• Subscribers with multi-user access/network license - The network license activation file will include eligible previous versions. See Understanding Package Licenses and Previous Version Support for details.
• Maintenance plan with single-user access -  For products which you have previously installed and accessed, simply reactivate. If you have not previously installed and accessed the version you wish to use, you will need to request a license using the Request a Previous Version License form.
• Maintenance plan with multi-user access/network license - The network license activation file will include eligible previous versions. See Understanding Package Licenses and Previous Version Support for details.

For more information, see Requesting a Previous Version License.

2. What happens to my Previous Version Rights if my maintenance plan or subscription expires?

Previous Version Rights terminate when the applicable maintenance plan or subscription terminates, or expires for any reason. Upon expiration of a maintenance plan, you can only use the last activated version of the software and uninstall any other previous version.  After a subscription expires, all previously licensed, installed and accessed versions are no longer eligible for use—and must be uninstalled.

Please “Accept As Solution” if a reply or replies have helped resolve the issue or answered your question, to help others in the community.

[masterplans]

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