CAD and Windows XP

[intangerine]

I have Windows XP on my computer and I run Auto CAD Lite 2006. I was told when I was getting this computer a few years ago (when Windows Vista was just coming out) that I needed to have XP as my operating system because any Auto CAD prior to 2008 wouldn't run on new Windows operating systems. Fast forward to now, and Windows XP is no longer going to be supported by Microsoft. So, in an effort to keep my computer "safe", I should really be updating the operating system. However, I have no interest in purchasing new Auto CAD software. Do I have any options out there?

 

Any guidance or advice is much, much appreciated!

[ReMark]

You can run AutoCAD LT 2006 under Windows 7 just don't expect any support from AutoDesk if you have a problem.

 

The other option is to abandon Lt in favor of a free AutoCAD-clone like Draftsight or nanoCAD.

[intangerine]

Hi - Thank you so much for the reply. So, I need to buy the upgrade from XP to Windows 7 then? I have a Vista disk they sent me when I purchased the computer so I could upgrade when I needed. But, I obviously don't have the official "Windows 7". Would that be a better way to handle this rather than upgrade my Auto CAD Lite 2006? I actually don't have any interest in using another program (I haven't used other programs, but I fear the learning curve - I'm proficient enough in CAD, so I'd prefer to stick to a program I know, you know?).

 

Thanks again!!!!

[Dadgad]

Hi - Thank you so much for the reply. So, I need to buy the upgrade from XP to Windows 7 then? I have a Vista disk they sent me when I purchased the computer so I could upgrade when I needed. But, I obviously don't have the official "Windows 7". Would that be a better way to handle this rather than upgrade my Auto CAD Lite 2006? I actually don't have any interest in using another program (I haven't used other programs, but I fear the learning curve - I'm proficient enough in CAD, so I'd prefer to stick to a program I know, you know?).

Thanks again!!!!

 

Interestingly, at this point Autodesk still supports XP, and Vista has been thrown under the bus.

For example it has been reported on the forum the Autocad 2014 can't be installed on a Vista infested system,

but I believe that XP does not stop the installation, which is kind of funny.

[intangerine]

I was told by Autodesk that if I was getting a new computer I HAD to get XP for my Auto Cad Lite 2006 to work. I was told that ANY Auto CAD Lite product prior to 2008 would ONLY work on XP.

 

So, my newest concern is that if XP is no longer supported by Microsoft, then I may need to consider running my business on Windows 7 or Windows 8. If that happens, then I can't run Auto CAD Lite 2006 on this new system of Windows 7 or Windows 8.

 

Is my best option to just upgrade to Windows 7 (as ReMark stated, Auto CAD Lite 2006 will run on Windows 7 just without support from Autodesk)? Was Autodesk incorrect in saying Auto CAD Lite 2006 won't run on newer operating systems (like Windows 7 or Windows ?

 

I seriously fear the purchase of more Auto CAD software.....

 

Thank you for any input/guidance!

[Dadgad]

I was told by Autodesk that if I was getting a new computer I HAD to get XP for my Auto Cad Lite 2006 to work. I was told that ANY Auto CAD Lite product prior to 2008 would ONLY work on XP.

 

So, my newest concern is that if XP is no longer supported by Microsoft, then I may need to consider running my business on Windows 7 or Windows 8. If that happens, then I can't run Auto CAD Lite 2006 on this new system of Windows 7 or Windows 8.

 

Is my best option to just upgrade to Windows 7 (as ReMark stated, Auto CAD Lite 2006 will run on Windows 7 just without support from Autodesk)? Was Autodesk incorrect in saying Auto CAD Lite 2006 won't run on newer operating systems (like Windows 7 or Windows ?

 

I seriously fear the purchase of more Auto CAD software.....

 

Thank you for any input/guidance!

 

I run Autocad 2013 on VISTA, for which there is no support, and haven't had any problems other than normal 2013 sorts of issues.

I can't give you a definitive answer in your case, just some more grist for the information mill.

[ReMark]

Some users even run older versions of AutoCAD (like 2000) on systems with Win7 as the OS. Forget running LT 2006 on Win8.

 

In my opinion there would be a slight learning curve if you switched from AutoCAD 2006 LT to Draftsight. They are both 2D CAD programs. Draftsight is FREE. There is even a 168 page user's manual you can download for FREE. Did I fail to mention they were both FREE? Download and install the program and run it alongside LT 2006 for comparison. There is a fully functional online forum for Draftsight users many of whom are former AutoCAD users. Why did they switch? The cost to upgrade to a newer release of AutoCAD (even LT now carries a msrp of $1,000 U.S.) was probably the driving factor. Stop being so timid.

[SLW210]

Why do you feel you NEED support for XP? XP support is good until April 8th, 2014, 1 year away still.

 

I would agree with moving to Draftsight or another 'FREE' CAD program, ReMark has a couple of threads Listing some FREE and Low Cost AutoCAD alternatives.

[f700es]

Also why do you "fear the purchase of more Auto CAD software"? Not being a jerk just asking why. I have found AutoCAD to be a very good and stable application. Sure it is not cheap but there are ways to save some money on it. You keep saying upgrade to Windows 7. Honestly if your machine came with XP(Vista) I would look at getting a new system with Win7 already installed. What are the specs of your current machine? Are you in the U.S.?

[ReMark]

Maybe you're afraid that any free CAD program will disappear some day. Should that be the case then take a serious look at BricsCAD. It is probably one of the best AutoCAD clones out there at a price range between $445 to $825 (three versions available). It has a wide user base, strong support, an excellent user's forum and the price of even the most expensive version is under that which one would pay for AutoCAD LT. How can you go wrong?

[f700es]

That's a valid point Remark. I guess at worse you'd still have the saved DWG files which could be read and edited by any current CAD application. This saves your butt as you are not locked into some crazy file extension that only program "X" can open.

If some just needs or has to have LT I always point them to Amazon.com. They are always less than AutoDesk on LT prices. Right now they have LT 2013 for $899 and Lt 2014 for $998. Both are better than AutoDesk's $1,200 price tag! Still a good point to bring up and look at. It's hard to guess the future but you should keep it in mind.

[ReMark]

Both of those Amazon prices (for LT) are higher than Bricscad Platinum which has 3D capability and retails for $825.

[f700es]

Remark, you totally missed what I said...."if some just needs or has to have LT" then here are some options. Different users have different needs and wants. Depending on their line of work and the end result of their design tasks.

I have tried most of the "clones" out there and none, in my opinion and over 17 years of professional use, have the fluid response and work flow of AutoCAD(LT). Sure they work and work well for the most part. But they are just not the same to me. You and other users might be different.

This is all I was saying. In no way did I try to compare LT to the other clones out there. It wasn't said or implied.

[ReMark]

Tie your horse to the hitching post and belly up to the bar.

 

I was just comparing features (2D to 3D) and price ($899 to $825). That's all cowboy, nothing more. Smile for the waitress will ya?

[f700es]

See, it's hard to imply context in text. The wink at the end was to show that my post was not in anger. I get what you are saying though.

To me I would never buy a clone for 3D work. No way no how and this is just my opinion. If I am doing architecture 3D then SketchUp is my tool of choice and if I am doing product design then I will use MOI 3D. Just how I roll