AutoCAD and Windows 7

[SteelPE]

I am looking at getting a new computer and I have no need at all to upgrade my AutoCAD 2000 program (All I really draw is lines). Anyway, it seems that there is a very limited selection of operating systems where I plan on getting my new computer (only 64-bit Windows 7 OS).

So, after some research, I figure out that my AutoCAD and Windows 7 64-bit will not work. After some more research I find that if I upgrade the OS from Home addition to Professional I can get a free download of Windows Virtual PC with Windows XP mode... which should allow me to run my older software.

Has anyone had success using the Windows Virtual PC/XP mode together with AutoCAD? Are there any problems that I may encounter (of course the Microsoft website says there should be none).

 

[chicopee]

I loaded ACAD 2004 on Window 7 with no problem.

 

[SteelPE]

Was that a 64-bit Windows 7 or a 32-bit Windows 7?

The general answer I am getting from people is that they have never tried it. They just downgrade their systems to run a 32-bit operating system. From research online, it appears some people have had marginal success in running the virtual PC on their computer with AutoCAD.

 

[dik]

I tried loading my Autocad LT on my new Win7 laptop and the program 'broke', it works intermittently using the XP mode... I only do simple things, also, and picked up a copy of Bricscad... no problems yet working with Autocad files to 2010 edition, but again, only do simple stuff.

Dik

 

[chicopee]

that was a 64 bit window 7. I also loaded office 2000.

 

[IFRs]

I have run 2008 and 2010 and 2011 in Win 7 Pro 64 bit with no issues on a laptop.

 

[cfee]

An earlier post on ACAD-2007 in WIN-VISTA/64-Pro suggested we could run our ACAD in "Compatibility" mode with some set-up steps necessary, but that the result was flawless, predictable, & seamless 32-Bit ACAD session.

Am I seeing here that WIN-7/64-Pro will run a 32-bit ACAD with no significant issues ?
If so, this is HUGE !

Does it do this by automatically establishing a "virtual" 32-bit session for THAT 32-bit APP "inside" the running 64-Bit "Pro" or is it run as a "native app" in the 64-bit Pro?

I AM investigating dome ACAD Workalikes, some claiming seamless integration with true ACAD and posessing NATIVE ACIS-3D, as well. I guess an ideal case is to check one of those out WHILE still running my older version of ACAD (Licensed but never upgraded...) just to see.

Eagerly-

C.Fee

 

[SteelPE]

cfee,

My system is on order and should be here in a few weeks. From what I have seen you need to download windows virtual PC and run ACAD inside of that program. The download is free with Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate. I can tell you that I spend extra $ on those upgrades that could have gone somewhere better.

From my reading online, it appears there may be a problem with the AutoCAD 2000 running in virtual XP. Some people are having a mouse cursor appear over the cross hairs.... and sometimes the pan cursor appears over the cross hairs making it difficult to select items.

I can tell you one thing, if there are problems I don't know what I am going to do because I don't want to shell out $800 for AutoCAD lt.

This is just one big scam.

 

[cfee]

Roger ROGER (!) on the big scam. I'll post back here with some prime ACAD-Workalike candidates I'll be investigating once MY 64-Bit MONSTER arrives at its new home !

At work we are running (all fully licensed) ACAD 2011 & 2010, and we have a vendor shop running 2008, one is at 2005 and we even have a 2007-Lt shop we use occasionally. They are great at what they do (I'd recommend their services to anyone) and we verified their software licenses (for obvious reasons). To a person, they ALL cited the very same concern you did regarding upgrade $. I predict that very slowly but inexorably, some of the very best workalikes are going to gain market share at A-Desk's expense. But as these things always go, A-Desk has nothing to worry about- either the workalike gets a little cocky and starts straying toward the darkside (our "innovation is "better") or A-Desk just buys them out. In ALL scenarios, the consumer public wins, so I say Bring it on !

Anyway- I've digressed far enough- back to the center-

So you're saying VIRTUAL-XP for -7 Pro or Ultimate is the portal. Ok. What's your opinion of some of the versions mentioned above- 2005, 2007-Lt or 2008 ? Likely to do ok in Win-7 under Virtual-XP you think ?

Tks-

C.F.

 

[SteelPE]

cfee,

I am not a computer guy so I am guessing on how the programs run. From some things I have read and some things on this thread it's pretty much hit or miss if your older program will run in the 64-bit version of Windows with or without the XP add on. Some people have had luck running their ACAD in 64-bit windows 7 with no additional programs.

You can find information regarding the windows add on here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/

As with you, I will not know what is going to happen until my new computer gets here. When ever dell decides to ship the system.

It's just kind of frustrating that you pay so much money and have nothing to show for it. A few years ago we upgraded some of our structural analysis programs. We basically went from owning the programs to renting them from the mfr. for the same price and the privileged of giving them a yearly maintenance fee. No real way around it because we needed some of the non-linear requirements of the AISC code.

Again, one big f* scam.