Transfering an older CAD w/out the disk?

[MAREBER]

Hello,

 

I have been using 2002 for years now on my older laptop. My comp. is starting to drag now from years of constant use, so I am thinking of getting a new one.

 

I would like to transfer the CAD program to the new laptop, but no longer have the original program disk.

 

Is there even a way to do this at all w/out having to purchase a newer version of CAD?

 

Thanks in advance for any input!

[ReMark]

It could be done but you would have had to plan for this eventuality back when you first purchased and loaded AutoCAD 2002 on your old laptop.

 

First. You would have had to copy all the files off the installation CD to a folder on your hard drive.

 

Second. You would have had to write down and retained both the serial number and the CD key.

 

If you had done both of the above it would be a matter of copying the installation files to a blank CD and then copying them from the CD to the hard drive on the new laptop. The installation of the software would be done from the hard drive. This called loading "flat". Once installed you would start AutoCAD and "register" the software by providing the serial number and CD key.

 

What are the chances you did the two steps I mentioned? My guess is it's "zero". Translation: You're out of luck.

[MAREBER]

Yeah... who ever thinks in advance that they are going to lose something that cost a bizillion dollars at the time? Thanks anyway!

[Tankman]

Where are you posting from MAREBER?

 

Perhaps you could use the old HDD for an external drive or, move the programs.

I hope you intend to use XP Pro for the OS. XP will move data and files but, I think your CAD program needs to remain put.

 

I don't know if that'll work but, I have installed 2nd HDD's without any problem.

I usually designated the newer HDD as a slave. In your case, your new HDD might have to be the slave.

 

Can you clean out the older laptop leaving just the necessary CAD work on it?

Might speed it up a bit.

[Coosbaylumber]

Well, I have done this a few times now, as the old $6 to $8 hard drives I get at the swap meet last only a few more years before they begin to squeek and squack.

 

I simply connect in the old noisey hard drive in to the new computer, transferr all data, reconfigure, and then begin using. Takes about one hour of sitting back and waiting, but is better than awaiting four hours of transfer via some program. I will set up the noisey hard drive as a SLAVE, (per other forums), if requied data is on a laptop then need one of the $7 adapters, amd connect in to the new computer via bios, and copy away using Windows Explorer. Transferring older data to new hard drive. Remove noisey hard drive when done, button up the case and see how new situation works. This routine also works on other programming, like Excell, Notepad, Quicken, and other Non-MS programs. Go to Computing.net and they have a sylibus there to do the same. No not use such things as Interlink, or Fastlink to swap files for it takes too long thata way.

 

Got to watch out for any differences in OS and make sure you do not transferr any bugs, and very-very old data. Is very difficult to transfer data from a newer OS to and older OS. If your old drive was divided into 32 bit, and new drive is in 64 bit, then transfer will work, but one way only.

 

 

Wm.

[Tankman]

You probably want to use a program like Ghost or DriveCopy to move your programs since you lost the install keys.

 

http://www.powerquest.com/drivecopy/

 

http://www.symantec.com/sabu/ghost/ghost_personal/

[ReMark]

He can move the program all he wants but if he's using a different OS (highly likely) on his new laptop he will not be able to run the program because it won't be recognized as being installed.

 

What OS is on the old laptop?

[Tankman]

You bet ReMark, finding a new PC (or laptop) with an older OS is pretty much impossible. I'm stayin' with XP Pro SP3, all I need or want.

 

I did suggest repair, upgrade, fix the old laptop if ACAD 2002 is that important.

Clean the old laptop up, dump the junque not being used. Upgrade memory if he can.

 

Or, get the new laptop and a new ACAD program. Either way "ouch!"

[ReMark]

It would be nice to hear back from the OP.

 

As far as finding an "old" OS I don't think that would be a problem. I've got disks for Win3.1, Win95, Win98, Win2K, WinNT and probably a couple of more sitting around collecting dust. Hate to throw them away.

[MAREBER]

Thanks for all the replies and good suggestions!

 

The current OS is Windows XP Pro 2002 SP3. I hope to get a new laptop in the next month or so. It will also be running programs like: Excel, Photoshop, Illustrator, Frontpage, etc... AND CAD Lite 04 (needed to sometimes convert newer CAD to my 02 program. No, I don't have that disk either)...

 

so I'm hoping to get something that can move faster then the current machine does.

 

Oh, I am currently working out of Denver, CO.

 

So, Remark, are you saying that if the new laptop has an OS newer than my current one that this transfer trick will not work? Sorry... please forgive me as I am not that comp literate. Not sure what a 'slave' means, but am guessing that it is a designated work system only? And I am assuming that HDD is Hard drive?

[Tankman]

Slave is a HDD, 2nd, that would be used mostly to store data.

I have however, installed some programming on the "slave drive."

 

Most programs live comfortably on the "C" (main HDD).

 

I use the same OS and don't have any desire, read need, to upgrade to the newer OS's. Not yet. I believe it'll soon be impossible to purchase a new PC without the newer OS.

 

I would suggest a reputable local PC repair shop. They could probably help you out.

[ReMark]

There is always the "None" option when specifying an OS. This option would be useful for someone who already has the software (OS) in hand and just needs a new system with a bare drive.

 

I doubt that a repair shop could help the OP out with his problem of trying to transfer AutoCAD 2002 to a new machine without the disks and without the serial number and CD key.

[Tankman]

There is always the "None" option when specifying an OS. This option would be useful for someone who already has the software (OS) in hand and just needs a new system with a bare drive.

 

I doubt that a repair shop could help the OP out with his problem of trying to transfer AutoCAD 2002 to a new machine without the disks and without the serial number and CD key.

 

"I would suggest a reputable local PC repair shop. They could probably help you out."

 

A repair shop could use your old HDD and build or re-build a laptop to meet your requirements.

[ReMark]

"A repair shop could use your old HDD and build or re-build a laptop to meet your requirements."

 

Could you explain how that would be done go the OP could still run his version of AutoCAD?

[Tankman]

"A repair shop could use your old HDD and build or re-build a laptop to meet your requirements."

 

Could you explain how that would be done go the OP could still run his version of AutoCAD?

 

Whatever, the local PC shop might have a laptop with an out-of-service HDD. Or, a laptop might be found on eBay or elsewhere. Mareber never mentioned the laptop he is currently havin' problems with. He could use his HDD in the newer, upgraded, repaired laptop. Mareber didn't detail his laptop problems.

 

My laptop can handle two HDD's and a lot more. With a small 100GB HDD in the laptop, keeping junque off/out of the laptop, I have 65% free space available.

[ReMark]

If he was going to swap out drives between identical laptops it might work since the hardware setup would be recognized by the OS. He can't however hope to add his old drive as a slave and still expect to run AutoCAD as the Registry of the main drive's OS would have no "keys" corresponding to the program. It wouldn't even know the program exists.

 

Anyways, the OP clearly states he wants to buy a new laptop. He mentions nothing about buying a new-to-him "used" laptop. I suppose he could buy a used laptop identical to the one he has now and swap drives but that won't solve the slow running problem he currently has unless he were to clean out everything BUT the OS and AutoCAD and use this laptop solely for running AutoCAD until he can afford a new copy.

[Tankman]

"unless he were to clean out everything BUT the OS and AutoCAD and use this laptop solely for running AutoCAD until he can afford a new copy."

 

I run a clean laptop, MS Office, AutoCAD, IE8, a few others.

Without the install disk and keys he is pretty much..............in trouble.

The registry is written to during the Autodesk product install.

 

A friend just told me his neighbor has a new, loaded, $1000 Dell laptop.

Needing cash, asking $400. Laptop is still in the box. I waved the offer off.

 

I use Dual Core, Thinkpad™ laptops with dedicated graphics.

All my work is 2D although I do play some with 3D, the Thinkpad™ now over three years old has never missed a step. Using, installed both, '05 and '07 with a measly 2GB memory. Beautiful screen, clear.

[MAREBER]

Alright, so then here is another question... is there anyway to get a 'used' copy of Auto CAD, like a nice used car? Or does everyone have to buy a new version. I am thinking the answer is the latter.

[Tankman]

Alright, so then here is another question... is there anyway to get a 'used' copy of Auto CAD, like a nice used car? Or does everyone have to buy a new version. I am thinking the answer is the latter.

 

You could look around eBay for a new or used AutoCAD program.

http://cgi.ebay.com/AUTOCAD-LT-2002_W0QQitemZ160419812639QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2559c4151f

 

What will you be drawing?

[MAREBER]

I am a Landscape Architect, currently working for a small landscape company in CO. I also do independent contract work for a firm in CA. So, I rarely do 3D, but do need to coordinate drawings with other LAs, architects, civils, etc.

 

Thanks for the link, but really not wanting to go for a LT version. After reading their disclosure on the link, it is legal to purchase a used copy of CAD, but you can't register it in your name or upgrade? Are those the only stipulations to purchasing and using a used copy? Other than that it works fine, no registration required?