Migrate Custom Settings and Files from Previous Releases. Migrate Custom Settings. View the Migration Log File. Restore Profiles After Migrating Files from an Earlier Release. Use Migration Tools. Customize AutoCAD with Initial Setup. Export and Import Custom Settings from the Same Release. Export Custom Settings. Import Custom Settings. Migrating and Customizing Issues. What are the benefits of identifying my industry?. How is this information being used?. What happens if I skip or cancel Initial Setup?. What are the benefits of selecting task-based tools?. What is a workspace?. How do I make changes to a workspace at a later time?. What is a drawing template file?. How do I modify drawing templates at a later time?. What are the benefits of customizing AutoCAD?. 19. 20. 24. 25. 25. 26. 30. 32. 33. 34. 35. 35. 35. 36. 36. 36. 36. 37. 37

Chapter 3

Network Administration and Deployment. 39
Preparing a Deployment. System Requirements for Administrative Image. Choose an Installation Type. Choose a License Server Model. Create a Network Share. Network Tools and Your License Server. Setting Up and Creating a Deployment. Prepare for a Network Deployment. Configure Individual Products. Your Deployment Choices. Enter User and Product Information. Creating Log Files. What Is Silent Mode?. Select a License Type (Optional). Select the Installation Type (Optional). Select Installation Folders for Support Content. Define Search Paths and File Locations (Optional). Install Additional Files (Optional). Specify User Preferences (Optional). Include Service Packs (Optional). Configure InfoCenter Communication Center (Optional). 39. 39. 40. 41. 41. 42. 42. 43. 44. 46. 46. 47. 47. 48. 51. 53. 55. 56. 58. 59

iv | Contents

Allow Users to Access Online Resources Create a Default Deployment. Create a Custom Deployment. Modify a Deployment (Optional). Point Users to the Administrative Image.

(Optional).

. 63. 65. 67. 71. 71

Chapter 4

Distributing an Autodesk Program. 73
Use Scripts to Deploy the Program. A Sample Installation Script. Use Switches and Flags in Scripts. Run Scripts. Use Group Policies to Run a Deployment. Use Group Policies to Assign a Deployment to Computers. Verify a Group Policy Deployment. Use Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager to Install a Deployment. Introduction. Tasks for Deploying Autodesk Software with SCCM. Set Up a Source Directory Using the Deployment Wizard. Create the SCCM Software Installation Package. Distribute the Product Using Imaging Software. Use a Master Image to Distribute Multi-Seat Stand-Alone Products to Multiple Systems. Use a Master Image to Distribute Network Licensed Products to Multiple Systems. Restore the Master Image. Clean a Master System and Restore the Operating System. 73. 74. 79. 80. 80. 82. 88. 89. 89. 89. 90. 90. 93

. 93. 94. 95. 95

Chapter 5

Troubleshooting. 97

Memory Display resolution Hard disk
2 GB RAM 1024 x 768 with True Color Installation 1.8 GB A 32-bit AutoCAD cannot be installed on a 64-bit Windows operating system and vice-versa.
2 | Chapter 1 Stand-Alone Installation
32-bit Hardware and Software Requirements
Pointing device Additional Requirements for3D Modeling MS-Mouse compliant Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon processor, 3.0 GHz or higher; or Intel or AMD Dual Core processor, 2.0 GHz or higher 2 GB RAM or more 2 GB free hard disk space available not including installation 1280 x 1024 32-bit color video display adapter (True Color) 128 MB or greater, Pixel Shader 3.0 or greater, Direct3D capable workstation class graphics card
64-bit Hardware and Software Requirements
Operating systems Service Pack 2 (SP2) or later for the following: Microsoft Windows XP Professional For more information on Windows Vista versions see http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/versions/ For more information on Windows 7 see http://www.microsoft.com/windows7
Service Pack 1 (SP1) or later for the following: Windows Vista Enterprise Windows Vista Business Windows Vista Ultimate
The following operating systems: Windows 7 Enterprise Windows 7 Business Windows 7 Ultimate Windows 7 Professional Windows 7 Home Premium

Browser

Internet Explorer 7.0 or later

System Requirements | 3

CPU type AMD Athlon 64 with SSE2 technology AMD Opteron with SSE2 technology Intel Xeon with Intel EM64T support and SSE2 technology Intel Pentium 4 with Intel EM64T support and SSE2 technology Memory Display resolution Hard disk 2 GB RAM 1024 x 768 with True Color Installation 2 GB A 64-bit AutoCAD cannot be installed on a 32-bit Windows operating system and vice-versa.
Pointing device 3D Modeling Additional Requirements
MS-Mouse compliant Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon processor, 3.0 GHz or higher; or Intel or AMD Dual Core processor, 2.0 GHz or higher 2 GB RAM or more 2 GB free hard disk space available not including installation 1280 x 1024 32-bit color video display adapter (True Color) 128 MB or greater, Pixel Shader 3.0 or greater, Direct3D capable workstation class graphics card

How is this information being used?
The information gathered from Initial Setup is used to configure several different features and to help guide the future direction of the program. The following features are customized with Initial Setup:
The default drawing template (DWT) file used to create new drawings. The industry that best relates to you to use for filtering search results on Autodesk Seek. Which task-based tools to display in a workspace.
No information is shared with Autodesk about the choices you make unless you participate in the Customer Involvement Program (CIP). For information about the Customer Involvement Program, see Join the Customer Involvement Program in the Users Guide.
What happens if I skip or cancel Initial Setup?
If you skip or cancel Initial Setup, AutoCAD is not changed from its current state. You can return to Initial Setup at any time by going to the User Preferences tab in the Options dialog box.
What are the benefits of identifying my industry? | 35
What are the benefits of selecting task-based tools?
Workspaces control which task-based tools are displayed in the Application window and when they are displayed. You can create different workspaces based on the types of drawings you work on. For more information about customizing the user interface and workspaces, see Work with the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor and Customize Workspaces in the Customization Guide.

What is a workspace?

Workspaces are sets of menus, toolbars, palettes, ribbon panels, and ribbon tabs that are organized so you can work in a custom, task-oriented drawing environment. When you use a workspace, only the user interface elements that are relevant to a task are displayed. For more information about customizing workspaces, see Customize Workspacesin the Customization Guide.
How do I make changes to a workspace at a later time?
Workspaces are used to control many of the tools displayed in the Application window of AutoCAD. You can modify the current workspace in a limited way from the Application window or you have full control over all aspects of a workspace with the Customize User Interface (CUI) Editor. For more information about customizing workspaces, see Customize Workspaces in the Customization Guide.
What is a drawing template file?
A drawing template (DWT) file is used to provide consistency for each new drawing (DWG) file that is created. DWT files can contain named objects, drawing based settings, and geometric objects. Stored named objects include layers, and text and dimension styles among others. Along with named objects, a DWT file can hold values for drawing based system variables, and any geometric object that might be common across multiple drawings such as a title block. For information about using a DWT file, see Use a Template File to Start a Drawingin the Users Guide.

Each of these license server models is described in detail in the Autodesk Licensing guide. It is strongly recommended that you also read that guide before you deploy the program. You can find Autodesk Licensing guide by clicking the Read the Documentation selection, the Documentation link at the lower-left corner of the deployment wizard, or in the Help system.

Create a Network Share

Once you have fully prepared for creating a deployment, you are ready to set up and distribute AutoCAD by creating a network share location (folder). A network share is an installation folder that you make available to users' computers on a network. You point users to this location to install the program.
Choose a License Server Model | 41
A network, shared folder is required for network license and multi-seat stand-alone methods of installation. Any subfolders that are placed inside a network shared folder are automatically shared. NOTE You must have Full Control permissions set for your shared folder when you are creating your deployment images. Read permissions are necessary to access the network share and administrative permissions on the workstation where the program is deployed. To create a network share folder 1 On your network servers desktop, create a folder named Deployments. 2 Right-click the Deployments folder and click Share and Security (or Sharing). 3 In the <folder name> Properties dialog box, Sharing tab, select Share This Folder. 4 Specify a Share Name, such as Deployments, if necessary. 5 Click the Permissions button. In the Permissions dialog box enter your group or user names, and make sure Full Control is selected. Click OK. In Vista, right-click the Deployments folder and then click Share. In the File Sharing dialog box type in or browse to the name of the group or user you want to share the folder with. Click Add, and then click Share. 6 For each product you plan to install, create a subfolder in the Deployments folder. Name each folder with the pertinent product name.
Network Tools and Your License Server
If users are running the program using network licenses, you need to use the Network License Manager. The Network License Manager helps you configure and manage license servers. For information about installing and setting up the Network License Manager and licensing tools, see the Autodesk Licensing guide.
Setting Up and Creating a Deployment
The deployment process provides you with numerous options for creating, and customizing your deployments, so you should set aside ample time to complete the process in one sitting. To be successful, it is recommended that you review the following checklist and information before you begin. The

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2 Click Next.

Specify the license server model during deployment
If you choose the Network License option, you need to decide which license server model to use to distribute your product licenses - single, distributed or redundant license server model. For more information about license server models, see Choose a License Server Model on page 41.
If you are deploying a stand-alone or multi-seat stand-alone installation type, you do not use a license server model. To deploy a network license using a single license server model 1 While creating a deployment, on the Select the License Type page, select the Network license option. 2 Select Single License Server as the license server model you want to use with the Network License Manager. If you have already used the Network License Manager to create a license server model, you must select the same license server model in this step. If you have not yet used the Network License Manager to create a license server model, make sure that you select the same settings in the Network License Manager that you choose here. 3 Enter the server name of the server that will run the Network License Manager, or click the Browse button to locate the server. Click Next.
Your Deployment Choices | 49
For more information about license server models and setting up your license server, see Plan Your License Server Configuration in Autodesk Licensing. To deploy a network license using a distributed license server model 1 While creating a deployment, on the Select the License Type page, select the Network license option. 2 Select Distributed License Server as the license server model you want to use with the Network License Manager. If you have already used the Network License Manager to create a license server model, you must select the same license server model in this step. If you have not yet used the Network License Manager to create a license server model, make sure that you select the same settings in the Network License Manager that you choose here. 3 Enter the name of one of the servers that will run the Network License Manager, or click the Browse button to locate the server. Click Add to add the server to the Server Pool. Once all the servers are added to the Server Pool list, use the Move Up and Move Down buttons to arrange the servers in the order you want them to be searched by a user's workstation. You must enter at least two servers. Click Next. For more information about license server models and setting up your license server, see Plan Your License Server Configuration in Autodesk Licensing. To deploy a network license using a redundant license server model 1 While creating a deployment, on the Select the License Type page, select the Network License option. 2 Select Redundant License Server as the license server model you want to use with the Network License Manager. If you have already used the Network License Manager to create a license server model, you must select the same license server model in this step. If you have not yet used the Network License Manager to create a license server model, make sure that you select the same settings in the Network License Manager that you choose here. 3 In the First Server Name field, enter a server name of one server that will run the Network License Manager, or click the Browse button to locate the server. Enter the server names for the remaining two servers that you will use in the redundant server pool. Click Next.

Access to the Welcome Screen Require Internet Explorer for installation Set DWFx as the default publishing format Set a default profile name Display a desktop shortcut for AutoCAD, or create a custom shortcut
If you do not require Microsoft Internet Explorer to be installed before AutoCAD is installed, then deselect the Require Internet Explorer for installation. Your default profile name is the name of all your users will see when they run the deployment. Clear the check box for Create a Desktop Shortcut for AutoCAD if you do not want the product shortcut icon to appear on the user's desktop. If you want to create a custom desktop shortcut, specify a shortcut name and any parameters, such as switches that will call profiles, startup scripts, and so on.
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Include Service Packs (Optional)
You have the option to include service packs for your product. You can select to download and apply a service pack from autodesk.com, or choose to use a locally stored (local hard drive or local network) service pack. In either case, the service pack will be applied only after the installation of the main product is completed. If you select the Install Service Pack from autodesk.com button, the service pack will be automatically downloaded and you will not need to extract the MSP file. If you choose to include a service pack from a local or network drive, you will need to plan how you want the service pack handled from the two options below. You will also need to complete the following steps. NOTE If the deployment process for the main product is canceled or fails, the service pack installation will automatically be canceled.
Append the Service Packs onto the Deployment. When you append a service pack, the service pack is applied to the current deployment only. Multiple service packs may be appended to a deployment. The service pack
Your Deployment Choices | 59
file is included in the deployment and the service pack is applied after the product is deployed.
Merge the Service Packs into the Administrative Image MSI File. When you merge a service pack, the service pack is merged into the administrative image. Once merged, a service pack may not be removed from the administrative image. Multiple service packs may be included in a single administrative image.
To extract a Microsoft Installer Patch (MSP) file from a service pack 1 Download the service pack from the AutoCAD support site. 2 Review the service pack Readme file for information about patch usage. 3 Open a Windows command prompt and enter the patch file name followed by the /e switch and a target file name, such as:
ProductSP1.exe /e./ProductSP1.msp
where <ProductSP1.exe> is the name of the downloaded patch and <ProductSP1.msp> is the name of the extracted file. Using./ in front of the extraction file name places the extracted file in the same folder as the original executable. The e command line switch extracts the MSP file from the executable. To include a service pack with the deployment To include a service pack with a deployment, an MSP file must be extracted from the downloaded service pack executable. 1 On the Include Service Packs page, click the Browse button. 2 In the Open dialog box, locate the service pack you want to include with the deployment. 3 Select the MSP file and click Open. 4 Specify whether you want to append the service pack to the deployment or merge the service pack into the administrative image. 5 Click Next.

Click Next. 4 On the Select the Products to Include in the Deployment page, select the products, and language to include in your deployment. Click Next. 5 Review the Autodesk software license agreement. Click I Accept, and then click Next. 6 On the User and Product Information page, enter your user information, serial number, and product key. Click Next. WARNING After you click Next, you cannot change the information entered on the this page unless you uninstall the product. 7 On the General Deployment Settings page specify whether to
Create a network log file. Specify the log files location by entering either a valid UNC (universal naming convention) path or a hard-coded path on your network. NOTE The folder that contains the network log file must be a shared folder for which users who install the program have Change permissions. Otherwise, successes or failures for user installations cannot be written to the log file.
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Create a client log file. Run the installation in silent mode to prevent users from changing installation settings.
For more information on log files, see Creating Log Files on page 47. For more information on silent mode, see What Is Silent Mode? on page 47. Click Next. 8 On the Create Deployment page, click Create Deployment. Click Yes to continue creating the deployment using the default configuration. An administrative image is created in your shared folder using the deployment options listed in Current Settings. To retain a copy of your deployment settings, click Copy to Clipboard. 9 On the Deployment Complete page, click Finish.
Create a Custom Deployment
To alter your deployment by removing features or restricting access to online resources, customize the configuration of each product included in the deployment. To create a custom deployment 1 Start the AutoCAD Installation wizard. 2 On the initial page, select a language for the deployment instructions. Click Create Deployments. 3 On the Begin Deployment page, specify the following:
Create a Custom Deployment | 67
For more information on log files, see Creating Log Files on page 47. For more information on silent mode, see What Is Silent Mode? on page 47. Click Next. 8 On the Create Deployments page, click Configure to customize the product configuration. 9 On the Select the License Type page, select Stand-alone or Network license, and click Next.
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10 On the Select the Installation Type page, specify the following:
Installation Type. Select Typical to install the most common application features. Custom to install only the application features that you select from the Select Features To Install list. a custom installation.

CAD Standards Contains tools for reviewing design files for compliance with your standards. Contains database access tools. Contains multi-language dictionaries. Allows you to use the Security Options dialog box to protect a drawing with a password. Contains AutoCAD support tools and utilities (not supported by Autodesk). Contains AutoCAD fonts and TrueType fonts. Autodesk Seek.
The following table lists features that are available for selection with
Database Dictionaries Drawing Encryption

Express Tools

Fonts Autodesk Seek
NOTE Seek will only be installed in the English version of AutoCAD.
Welcome Screen License Transfer Utility Contains learning resources to help discover the product. Allows users to transfer an Autodesk product license between computers.
NOTE The utility will not be installed on unlocked versions of AutoCAD.
Migrate Custom Settings Initial Setup Migrates custom settings and files from previous version of your product to this version. Allows users to perform some basic customization of AutoCAD (online content, workspaces) based on their units system, industry, and commonly used task-based tools.
Create a Custom Deployment | 69

Reference Manager

Allows users to view and edit the paths of externally referenced files associated with a drawing. Contains various feature sample files. Contains tutorials.

Samples Tutorials

Install Optional Tools. Specify whether to install AutoCAD Express Tools Volumes 1-9 which contains a library of productivity tools designed to help you extend the power of AutoCAD. Product Install Path. Specify the drive and location where you want to install the product.
Click Next. 11 On the Select Installation Folders for Support Content page, choose the location for your support content. For more information about support file locations and options, see Select Installation Folders for Support Content on page 53. Click Next. 12 On the Define Search Paths and File Locations page, specify the necessary search paths, file names, and file locations. Click Next. WARNING Do not remove the DRV path. Always add paths as secondary paths. 13 On the Install Additional Files page, specify the installation location and the filesnames of any additional files you want to include in the deployment. Click Next. 14 On the Specify User Preferences page, specify whether to display the Welcome Screen, whether to require Internet Explorer, the default publish format, the default profile name, and whether to create a desktop shortcut. Click Next. 15 On the Include Service Packs page specify whether to include any available service packs. The installer automatically checks autodesk.com for available updates. 16 On the Configure InfoCenter Communications Center page, specify whether to allow users access to the latest information and product discussions through live updates from Autodesk, Information and CAD Manager channels, and RSS feeds. Click Next.

Use Group Policies to Assign a Deployment to Computers
Perform the following procedures from a Windows XP workstation or a Windows 2000 or 2003 server that has Group Policy Management Console installed, and has access to the Active Directory server. NOTE For more information about Group Policy Management, see http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/grouppolicy. To assign a deployment to a computer 1 Start the Group Policy Management Console (gpmc.msc).
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2 Right-click the organizational unit where you want to create the group policy object. Then select Create and Link a GPO Here and name the Group Policy. 3 Edit the policy. 4 In the Group Policy Object Editor dialog box, under Software Settings, right-click Software Installation, and click New Package. 5 In the Open dialog box, navigate to the administrative images location that you specified in the deployment wizard. Navigate to AdminImage\<processor type>\<product name folder>. The processor type is either x86 or x64, depending on the processor type for which you created your deployment. Examples
For x86 deployments: \\server123\Deployment\AdminImage\x86\acad For x64 deployments: \\server123\Deployment\AdminImage\x64\acad
6 Select the Windows Installer Packages file called acad-<deployment name>-for-GPO.msi. Click Open. If the deployment was called AutoCAD bit, then the deployments the MSI file would be acad-AutoCAD bit-for-GPO.msi.
Use Group Policies to Assign a Deployment to Computers | 83
7 In the Deploy Software dialog box, select Advanced and click OK.
8 In the Properties dialog box, Modifications tab, click Add.
9 In the Open dialog box, select the Transform Package file called acad-<deployment name>.mst). Click Open. 10 In the Properties dialog box, Modifications tab, click Add. 11 In the Open dialog box, navigate to <deployment location>\Tools and select the Transform Package file called gpo.mst.
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After clicking Open, the Properties dialog should look like the following:
12 Click OK to complete the package.
Use Group Policies to Assign a Deployment to Computers | 85

Adding a Language Pack

Next, you will need add a language pack to your package. To add a language pack 1 In the Group Policy Object Editor dialog box, under Software Settings, right-click Software Installation for the same object, and then click New Package. 2 In the Open dialog box, navigate to the administrative images location you specified in the deployment wizard. Navigate to AdminImage\<processor type>\<locale>\acad. Click Open. The <locale> used in the examples is en-us for US English. Examples

Data Sources Location

Template Settings
Tool Palette File Locations Log File Locations
Specifies the path for the log file created when you select Maintain a Log File on the Open and Save tab. Specifies the path for the log file that is created if you select the Automatically Save Plot and Publish Log option on the Plot and Publish tab of the OPTION command. Specifies the location to store temporary files. This program creates temporary files and then deletes them when you exit the program. If you plan to run the program from a writeprotected folder (for example, if you are working on a network or opening files from a disc), specify an alternate location for your temporary files. The folder you specify must not be writeprotected.
Plot and Publish Log File Location
Temporary Drawing File Location
What are the default search paths and file location settings? | 103
Temporary External Reference File Location
Specifies the location of external reference (xref) files. This location is used for the copy of the xref when you select Enabled with Copy in the Demand Load Xrefs list on the Open and Save tab. Specifies the folders to search for rendering texture maps.
Texture Maps Search Path i-drop Associated File Location
Specifies the location of data files associated with i-drop content. When the location is not specified, the location of the current drawing file is used.
How will changing the support file locations affect my search paths?
When a different install path for support content is specified, it will be populated into the correspondent search paths on the Define Search Paths and File Locations page. If one is not specified, the first search path will replace the install path. The table below outlines the specific search paths that can be affected by resetting your support file install paths. Install path

Support

Search paths and file locations
Support file search path Customization files > Main customization files Custom dictionary file Font mapping file Color Book locations Tool palette file locations Action Recorder settings. Action Recording file location DGN mapping setup locations

Plotter

Printer support file path
Printer configuration search path Printer description file search path Plot style table search path
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Install path

Data links

Data source location

Templates

Template settings

Drawing template file location Sheet Set template file location Default templates for sheet creation and page setup overrides Rendering Texture maps search path (all three paths should be replaced by the install path values with proper sub folders)

When adding or removing features, how can I tell what features get installed by default?
To quickly see what gets installed during a Typical, default installation, click the Restore Defaults button on the Add/Remove Features page.
CAD Standards Contains tools for reviewing design files for compliance with your standards. Contains database access tools. Contains multi-language dictionaries. Allows you to use the Security Options dialog box to protect a drawing with a password. Contains AutoCAD support tools and utilities (not supported by Autodesk). Contains AutoCAD fonts and TrueType fonts. Autodesk Seek. NOTE Seek will only be installed in the English version of AutoCAD. Welcome Screen License Transfer Utility Contains learning resources to help discover the product. Allows users to transfer an Autodesk product license between computers. NOTE The utility will not be installed on unlocked versions of AutoCAD. Migrate Custom Settings Migrates custom settings and files from previous version of your product to this version.
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Initial Setup

Allows users to perform some basic customization of AutoCAD (online content, workspaces) based on their units system, industry, and commonly used task-based tools. Allows users to view and edit the paths of externally referenced files associated with a drawing. Contains various feature sample files. Contains tutorials.
Is it possible to change the installation folder when adding or removing features?
Once your product is installed, you cannot change the installation path from the Add/Remove Features page. Changing the path while adding features results in program corruption, so it is not an option.
When should I reinstall the product instead of a repair?
You should reinstall your product if you accidentally delete or alter files that are required by the program. Missing or altered files adversely affect the performance of your product and cause error messages when you try to execute a command or find a file. If an attempt to repair an installation fails, reinstalling is the next best option.

Glossary | 113

group policy Microsoft server technology that provides a way to do push installations and advertising-based installations using standard Microsoft 2000 Server administration components. installation image A deployment that consists of an MSI file, any associated transforms, additional user-specified custom files, and profile and registry settings. language family A set of languages (core product, plus language packs) that are distributed together, typically based on a geographic grouping. language pack A set of installed files that enable the user to work in the application in the language specified by the Language Pack. License Transfer utility Allows you to use an Autodesk product on more than one computer without purchasing a separate license for each computer. MSI Microsoft installer that supports a variety of parameters that can be scripted. MSP Microsoft patch file (see patch). MST Microsoft transform file. Modifies the components installed by the MSI file. For example, the deployment wizard creates an MST file with the settings that you specify. The deployment created by the deployment wizard uses the MST file in conjunction with the MSI file and MSIEXEC to install the program on local workstations. multi-seat stand-alone installation A type of installation where multiple stand-alone seats of the program are installed using a single serial number. network license installation A type of installation where you install the program to workstations with the files and registry entries that allow the program to communicate with the Network License Manager. partial profile A profile that contains partial registry information corresponding to a subset of the options available from the Files tab of the Options dialog box. patch A software update to an application. power user A user with rights to access and write to the Program Files folder and the HKEY_Local_Machine folder of the registry. pull technology An installation technology that requires user interaction to complete the installation. push technology An installation technology that installs files to a remote desktop without any user interaction.

mailing registration information 12 maintenance issues 110 master images 9395 master systems 95 materials libraries 17 memory (RAM) system requirements 1 menus migrating to new releases 20 Microsoft Installer files (MSI) 109 Microsoft Installer Patch files 59, 105 Microsoft Internet Explorer 1 Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager 8990

Index | 119

Microsoft Windows operating systems 1, 39 migrating custom settings from previous releases 7, 19 issues 34 migration log files 24 migration packages 30 migration tools 20, 25 restoring default settings after 25 tips 34 migration log files 24 migration packages 30 migration tools 20, 25 MNS files (source menu) converting 20 migrating 20 MNU files (menu template) converting 20 migrating 20 monitors 1 MSI files 109 MSP files 59, 105 multi-product bundles 15 multi-seat stand-alone installations 40, 93, 107
network log files 47 network shares creating 41 locations 101 networks custom files located on Norton Ghost 93
online Help 64, 100 online resources 63, 106 operating systems restoring 95 system requirements 1, 39
Partner Product search 26 PAT files 20 PC3 files (plotter configuration) migrating 20 PGP files (program parameters) 20 pointing devices system requirements 1 preferences 58 previous releases migrating custom settings from 7, 19 user profile default settings and 25 processors 1, 39 Product Activation wizard 11 product information 46 product keys 5, 11 product manuals 64, 100 Product Partner search 26 profiles (user) contents 108 importing custom settings 34 migrating custom settings 1920 restoring default settings 25
network adapters 40 network administration about 39 group policies 80 license servers 42 network installations Configure button 44 deployment 4243, 46 group policies 80 imaging software deployments issues 107 scripting 73 system requirements 39 types of 40 network license installations imaging software deployments selecting 40

120 | Index

RAM system requirements 1 redundant license server model selecting 41 reinstalling programs 14 removing uninstalling programs 15, 110 repairing damaged installations 14, 95, 110 restoring damaged installations 95, 110 operating systems 95 RSS feeds 62, 107 running scripts 80

Installing Autodesk 2012 Products: Preparing for Installation Transcript
Reviewing Documentation Before you begin your installation, I recommend you review the documentation that is available via the Autodesk product installer. The installation help link will take you to a page giving you access to system requirements, installation help, the Autodesk network administrators guide and licensing guide, as well as links to troubleshooting support pages for the different Autodesk products that you're installing. The system requirements link will take you to the Autodesk Services and Support page where you can check the system requirements for each of the Autodesk 2012 products you are installing. Using this information, verify that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for the Autodesk product being installed. This includes, minimum RAM, minimum free disk space and supported operating system. If your system doesnt meet these requirements, problems can occur, both within AutoCAD and at the operating system level. The installation and deployment FAQ will take you to a page where you can access PDF les of the products installation help and the Autodesk licensing guide, and network administrators guide. The installation help guide provides an overview of the installation steps for each of the Autodesk products being installed, as well as answers to frequently asked questions. I recommend you familiarize yourself with the installation process before you begin installing. Many of the questions that we are asked in product support are already addressed in the installation help documentation. And lastly, I always recommend reviewing the readme le for each Autodesk product being installed. The readme le often contains information relating to installation as well as late-breaking information that may not have made it into the nal documentation. It's worth taking the time to review all these documents before you begin.
Choosing a Language If youre a subscription customer and youre planning on installing in a different or additional language, now would be a good time to download that language pack so it is ready to use when you begin the installation. Login to the Subscription Center and select Get Your Upgrade. From there navigate to the product you're looking for in this case I'll use AutoCAD Electrical 2012 locate the particular language pack you need and download it. Some products may not have multiple languages available at the time of product release but additional language packs may be available later for Subscription customers. Once the download is completed, launch the executable, pick the install button and let it extract itself to the default location. Once extracted, the language pack MSI le will be ready for you to add when you run the installer. Getting the Server Host Name If you will be installing a network licensed product, you will need to know the host name of the server (or servers) that will be running the Autodesk Network License Manager. If you dont know the host name, there are a couple of ways to nd it. One way is to open a Windows command prompt on the system running the Network License Manager and enter ipcong /all at the command prompt. This screen will contain a lot of information but all youre looking for at this point is the Host Name. If the server is already running the Autodesk Network License Manager, there is another way to nd the Host name. On the server, run the LMTOOLS utility and switch to the System Settings tab. On this tab, you can see the host name of the server. Use either of these methods to get this information. If you have a Single Server Model, you only need the host name of the one server.

If you have a Distributed Server Model, you need the host name of the master server and each server in the distributed pool. And if you have a Redundant Server Model, youll need to know the host name of each of the three servers that form the redundant server pool. Locating Your Serial Number and Product Key One important step in preparing for installation is to locate the serial number and product key for the Autodesk product you are installing; you will be prompted for this information during the installation process. The serial number and product key can be found in a variety of locations, depending on how you obtained your Autodesk product. If you have physical media, youll see the serial number and product key printed on the label of the box. In this example I'm showing you the label from an Autodesk Education Master Suite for 2011 but the location and format will be similar for the 2012 products. So, if you are installing from a DVD or USB key, the rst place to look for this information is on the product packaging. If youre a Subscription Customer, you can nd this information in the Contract Administration section of the Subscription Center. Log into the Subscription Center, click Contract Administration and Coverage Report. Once you're looking at the Subscription Coverage Reports, pick your contract number and you will see your serial number and product keys listed under the Products section. If you participate in the Autodesk Education Community, you can nd this information by logging in and locating the product in question. If you have not already downloaded the product, picking the download button will start the download and will display the products serial number and product key. If you have already downloaded the product and just need to know the serial number and product key, pick the Get Serial button for your product to have it display this information. And nally, if you ordered your product using the online Autodesk store, the serial number and product key will be provided in the Order Details conrmation screen after the purchase, as well as the subsequent Thank You e-mail that you will receive after the purchase process is complete.

Preparing your system Understanding Administrative Permission Requirements The next step in preparing your system for installation is to conrm your administrative permissions. In order to install an Autodesk 2012 product, you must have administrative rights. You don't have to have domain administrator permissions, but you do need administrative rights in order to do the installation. If you have questions about this, see your system administrator for more information. Installing.NET 4.0 Many of the Autodesk 2012 products require the installation of Microsoft.NET 4.0. In most cases,.NET 4.0 will automatically be installed by the Autodesk installer however there can be conditions where the Autodesk installer is unable to install.NET 4 and the installation process will automatically be terminated so that it can be installed manually. To ensure that the Autodesk product installation is not interrupted by.NET installation requirements, we strongly recommend manually installing Microsoft.NET 4.0 before beginning installation of your Autodesk 2012 product. Microsoft.NET 4.0 is available in your Autodesk 2012 product media in the following location: \3rdParty\NET\4\wcu\dotNetFramework\ Reboot rst After.NET 4.0 has been installed, you must reboot your computer. You should really do this even if you are not prompted to reboot. Restarting your system before installation helps ensure that any pending operating system updates get applied before you starting installing your Autodesk 2012 products.
Turn off virus-checking software Make sure you turn off any virus checking software running on your system before you begin installing. Most virus software does real-time checks of les as they're being added to your system. Not only can it slow down the installation process, but it can actually introduce corruption. So make sure that your virus checking software is turned off before you install, and make sure you turn it back on when you're complete. Close all running applications And the nal step, before beginning installation, is to close all applications that are currently running on your system. Some applicationsMicrosoft Outlook, for examplecan interfere with the installation process. So, before you begin installing, it's just a good idea to shut down other applications that are running.
Copyright 2011 Autodesk, Inc.
Reference Video Series: 2012:Preparing for installation of Autodesk products and suites