AutoCAD LT 2006 can't get activation code

[Anonymous]

I bought this software new when it came out & it's been on my old computer ever since.  That computer crashed and I was trying to install on my newer computer in virtual windows so I have no internet connection.  I tried to get an activation code and the online system said that the serial number didn't match the request code and gave me 3 reasons why.  I assume it was option #3 that the software is too old and too many newer software updates are out there.  But, shouldn't I still be able to use the software I've had?  It's no longer usable because I need to move it over to my other computer???  Please help.

[talidu]

hy, there are a number of options in my opinion. here are the "big three" that I found so far:

- virtualization (did not use that because I see it as last resort)

- old windows xp pc "in the corner" where I can edit the file if I need it - you can even build new xp pcs... and even windows xp is still updated to this day (with all the old updates that where ever written for it) - and just not hook it to the internet if you dont want any surprises... but even if you do, you can do some tweaking with the firewall and it works like a charm. (easisest solution in my opinion) - xp computers /computers that can run xp are dirt cheap.

- my solution: win7. works after some tweaking. and I can even leave it online. the biggest issue was some sort of .net program... but what I did, if I recall correctly was to first install x64 then x86 and then mix some files. sorry for not knowing the exact details but it was some trial and error involwed. I realized that most of the bad problems seemed to be coming from the language/regional differences between windows/.net/c++/autocad etc.

and some problems with windows and hardware being x86/x64... there are some combinations that worked for me.

(usually I need it only once maybe twice a month to delete parts of drawings that I don't need - I only need the measurements of the windows of the building, nothing more... and often times the drawings are very complex... or I don't want to give the whole plan to anyone). - this solutions might not work for everyone especially if you want to use that pc for everything... but since I don't need that at all, it's absolutely fine for me.

[mdavis22569]

XP / 2000 / W7 are all retired and not getting updated 

[talidu]

install them and be amazed 🙂

I don't know about the US but in the EU the update servers are still up and while the software is not kept up to date you can still install everything that was available up until they stopped writing for it and even more. They still made some security updates for xp as late as 2019. We had regular updates until  2014. some extended updates until 2016 und as I said irregular small stuff till last year. Again: not designed for everyday driver but works flawlessly for me. Furthermore you'd be surprised how much stuff is still working on those old OS.

W7 is still supported for another few years to come! at least until 2023. (at least security) at least in EU. Thats why I went with this option.

Even worked on that PC when my daily driver was out for a week. It is slow but almost everything works. Even modern programs work very well for me: cloudbased stuff is slow but ok.

As I said: dont know about US.

[georgeJL32M]

I also have AutoCAD 2006 LT that was purchased legitimately. It is a sham if autodesk won't corroborate licences bought and sold for REAL money. I would love to be in a position to subscribe to AutoDesk for +£250 pcm but this is simply not the case.

[mdavis22569]

Trade it in George

[talidu]

i think most offers for trading in usually boil down to: here you go, you can use our cloud based software for a couple months "for free" when you trade in and you are not to use the old version ever again or sell it (hence the "trade in" of course).

even when there still was an option to trade in the old version and get the new version the discount was in my oppionion not great but at least it got you a new version if you really needed that. If I recall correctly the new version was 2500€ and the trade in of the old license brought you like a couple hundred € depending on how old the software was. I think we got 500€ off for a 2 year old version of autocad. Since we had more licenses we traded only one to be up to date on one PC where we needed a specific function. And we bought one completetely new for a new colleague. That was just before they completely gave up on the "perpetual licenses". In hindsight and seeing as even a 2013 version fetches over 2000€ at the moment on 2ndsoft it is more than clear to me that the deal was not so good.

[paul3ANJB]

serial number348-xxxxxxxxxxx

I can not get an activation code, the one I have is too short>

can you please help me? (image removed contained Serial Number = MCD)

[mdavis22569]

@paul3ANJB 2008 can't be activated anymore 

\\

[paul3ANJB]

I am sorry M. I am talking about 2008 LT,not 2006

[mdavis22569]

I mention 2008,   however @paul3ANJB anything 2011 and older can't be activated anymore 

[paul3ANJB]

You can say that Michael, but you also tell some people you can help them.
This is a piece of software with all the paperwork complete, you can’t just shut it down?
All I need is a usertool to get started again, I don’t know why it stopped,when you are eating a hotdog, is there someone who takes it out of your hands halfway? That is just the same.

[RobDraw]

He can say it because it's a fact. Nothing you say can change that fact. Have a look at the numerous other threads on similar topics.

[pendean]

@paul3ANJB start reading here and explore the links provided https://www.autodesk.com/support/account/manage/versions/support-lifecycle#:~:text=However%2C%20for%.... 

If you feel this is unjust, please contact a litigation lawyer in your region to explore your options to correct the matter after you check out this tip from another user for an alternative option, it may or may not work (I did not try it)
https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/previous-version-support/autocad-2008-and-windows-11/m-p/11551940#M35... 

Other options to consider today in the January 2023:

https://all3dp.com/2/best-autocad-alternatives/ 
https://www.google.com/search?q=alternates+to+autocad 

Good luck.