BDSU 2021 Installation Failure

[melvin]

My system: Windows 7 Ultimate, 64-Bit. (Two) GeForce GTX 980 video cards, (6) monitors, 48GB Ram, (2) 500GB SSD, (4) 4TB HDD. I'm installing BDSU 2021 from the downloaded files. The files unpack without issue, but when the installation starts I get two errors and it goes no further. The first error says:

"The copy functions cannot be used.

Failed to copy the following files:

C:|Autodesk\BDSU_2021_Win_64bit_dlm\Setup

to

C:\Users\Melvin\AppData\Local\Temp\_AI693D.tmp"

The second error says, somewhat hysterically:

"Can't find setupUi.dll!"

I tried copying the contents of the Setup folder into the target folder, but that didn't help. I seem to remember something similar happening on a previous installation but I don't recall any details. Can someone help?

Thanks!

Melvin

[natasha.l]

Hello @melvin, 

Thanks for posting.

I noticed you mentioned Windows 7, Microsoft has discontinued Windows 7.  Autodesk does not support our applications on a Windows 7 device.

Please review the Product support lifecycle documentation we have stating this information. 

Product support lifecycle

"To be eligible for support, the Autodesk software must run on vendor-supported operating systems. If a vendor discontinues support for an operating system, we also discontinue support for Autodesk products running on that operating system, whether or not the products are among the eligible previous versions."

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

[Anonymous]

Hi Natasha,

Thanks for getting back to me. This is a surprise. I wasn't planning to upgrade my system yet (you have no idea what a monumental task that's going to be.) So, there's no workaround for this? I installed BDSU 2020 in December with no issues, but I know Microsoft suspended W7 support shortly after that. All I need to know is what line item needs to be modified in some library file somewhere.

Please let me know if there's something short of a complete operating system replacement that I can do, in order to use the software I already spent money on. (If you hear my frustration, it's not directed at you 😉 )

Thanks,

Melvin

[Tony_Michniewicz]

While the majority of Autodesk 2021 products are not supported on Windows 7, many of them will still install and function as long as Windows 7 can support the product's pre-requisites.

Based on the error message that was originally posted, it is unlikely that this issue is related to the use of Windows 7.  The more likely culprit is corrupted or incomplete sfx.exe files so I would recommend downloading new copies of the BDSU sfx.exe files.  Before extracting the new installation files, delete the existing ones and any files in the Windows temp folder.

[melvin]

Thank you, Tony. That's the information I was hoping for. While I understand Autodesk not actively supporting installations on older platforms, this kind of abrupt shift seemed unlikely. I'll explore your solution and let you know my results.

In the meantime, can you tell me where I can get the BDSU sfx.exe files, or are you recommending downloading an entire new set of BDSU files?

Thanks again,

Melvin

[Tony_Michniewicz · Accepted solution]

You should be able to download the sfx.exe files from the Products and Services section of the Autodesk Accounts Portal.  If you expand one of the product entries, there should be a View downloads link, which opens a dialog from which you should be able to download these files.

[melvin]

Thank you, Tony. I'll report my results.

[melvin]

Tony, I couldn't find anything specifically called "sfx.exe," then it dawned on me - I need to download the whole set again. I think I misunderstood what you meant. Thanks again.

[mdavis22569]

I would also be cautious using these NON-Certified older GTX cards:

GeForce GTX 980 video cards,

[melvin]

Hi mdavis,

I hear you, but the certified cards, the Quadros, are ridiculously expensive. The GeForce (gamer cards) are much cheaper and have exactly the same hardware bits and performance characteristics (they're all NVidia chips.) The main difference, from what I've been told, is that the Quadros are put through more stringent testing procedures before going out the door, sort of like the difference between standard and enterprise-level hard drives. I use enterprise HDDs, since so much depends on their dependability, but the video cards don't hold any of my valuable data, so I can afford a small degree of risk. I've been using them for years on my builds and haven't had a single problem yet, other than Autodesk recommending I change up. With a new build every few years, it's a waste of money for me. In fact, in some ways the GeForce cards are superior because they tend to come with more advanced cooling systems. Gamers run their computers hot. Plus, I run 6 monitors so I always need at least two video cards, doubling the cost.

Thanks,

Melvin

[melvin]

Hi Tony,

As promised, my follow-up.

First - SUCCESS! I downloaded the files again (it was actually the third time, as I had gone through exactly the same procedure twice before I came to this forum) and the install failed, for the third time. Either the originals are faulty or something happened three times in the downloading process. Who knows. I then used the Download Now function and it worked just fine. After the (very) lengthy installation, and the separate installation of 3D Max Interactive and InfraWorks (why separate?), the BDSU 2021 installation is done. I've requested a hard copy of everything from Autodesk, so that I have the installable files as a backup.

I'm one of the last of the perpetual license holdouts, retaining it until the bitter end. I'm sorry to see it go, and especially irritated that the new BDSU (if they even call it that anymore) subscription has eliminated some programs, including Inventor (GRRR!) but there's nothing I can do but comply. However, I'm holding out until the 2022 update comes out to sign up for the subscription - cash is precious right now. If Autodesk had kept the perpetual license program in place, I would have updated immediately. It's poor, or unfortunate, timing for Autodesk, as I bet there are many like me deciding to wait a year.

Thanks for your help with this. It's good to know I don't have to update my OS just yet. My understanding is that Microsoft will actually be maintaining W7 for another 18 months (I've gotten a number of updates and security patches since the abandonment date.) I'm guessing they don't dare completely orphan the software - it could be a PR nightmare - but are making it clear to all of us holdouts (there's a theme here...) that the clock is ticking.

Best,
Melvin