Thanks for the info. I to had to upgrade to windows 8 and my cad 2006 will not run on 64 bits.

 

AutoCAD 2000 is still my favorite, probably because that's what I learned on back in 2000 when still in college. I try to keep multiple backups of any projects I'm working on as well as any software that isn't free or close to it. I keep a least one copy of everything in my firebox for a worst case scenario disaster. The big problem is remembering to back everything up multiple times for storage in different places.

 

Congratulations. Sounds like you got a lot for your money there John. It also helps a lot to be real familiar with a program. I find that it takes a lot time to learn how to get the most out of them.

 

I don't even know what autocad 2000 does because I don't have one on my computer… but with the internet you can find or sell just about anything. It sounds like you got a good deal.

 

Was it a laptop or desktop? I almost feel like for $275 you could have replaced the motherboard.

Either way, $275 for a dedicated AutoCAD setup isn't bad either

 

have you tried using a program called Inventor? it's made by Autodesk as well, but if you are doing 3D modeling it is much more user friendly (after the initial shock of switching over), especially for larger scale projects.

of course, that's just my humble opinion. either way sounds like you had a nice save

 

If you are used to using autocad, nothing replaces it. I know what we paid for our copy of the latest version here at work. $275 is very cheap.

 

When my PC lost its mind I didn't see any off the shelf models that had what I wanted so I went to Central Computer in San Jose California and they built one for me to my specs.

At that time they had a SPECIAL for people that wanted to downgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 7 and they said they had a hard time keeping up with requests for this special … I guess people just dont/didn't like Windows 8!

 

I got a copy of a program called Cadopia for $350.
It was written by the sub contractor who designed the database Autocad stores the drawing file in.
It has a compatibility mode where the menus and command structure are just like Autocad. Even down to the alias file which can be modified just like Autocad could. Just doesn't do 3D, which is fine for me cause I hate Autocad 3D anyway.

 

Replacing the burned-out motherboard wasn't an option because the software was tied to that particular motherboard-or so I was told by someone I trust. "Downgrading" to AutoCAD 2000 wasn't a matter of being cheap. If I purchased AutoCAD 2014 today, for $4,500, I'd still be using only the small portion of the program that I've been using for the last fifteen years. AutoCAD has become so overblown that it now comes with Facebook and Twitter connectivity. LIKE I REALLY NEED THAT!!!
And Monte's right. I'm too freakin' old to start learning a new language.

 

"Replacing the burned-out motherboard wasn't an option because the software was tied to that particular motherboard"
That makes more sense then… Only AutoCAD experience I've had was when I was in High school for my drafting and design and architecture classes. That was only in 2004/2005, and it felt like there was a lot to the program, can only imagine what there is now lol

 

I get a kick out of the guys who said the learned CAD in high school and college. Back when I was in school, the pencil hadn't been invented.

 

John, you should try Creo Elements Direct Express from PTC. I have been using the free version since 2002 when I found out a free version was available.

I was trained on the full version when I worked for HP as at that time it called Solid Designer and was deveoped by a wholly owned subdidiary of HP. That division was spun off as Co|Create, the program was renamed One Space, and Co|Create was purchased by Parametric Technologies in 2007. PTC renamed it Creo has kept the free version available and have updated it to version 4 which runs on PC using Window 7, XP, or Vista in either 32 or 64 bit.

The download page shows capabilities, installation/system requirements, and a comparison of the free version versus the full version. Although it is limited to 60 individual parts per assembly and, although it cannot do rendering, it does support personalized color pallets for parts/assemblies I have not found these limits to be any issue in my woodworking or other design requirements.

 

I had the same time of problem once before. I now have every program on at least two computers. This has resulted in great relief when one goes down that is needed in my operation. I swap out computers and keep on running production. then I have the time to get the other fixed without sweating.

 

John,
I would bet you could have found the same motherboard for that machine and been back in business cheaper than what you ended up spending. Or what I would have done is get another motherboard into the machine up and running and then if Autocad didn't load I would have called Autocad and explained my situation and I am sure they would have helped you get your version working again on the new machine. You spent a ton of dough on that software license and they should support it no matter what. I am an IT Support Engineer and deal with this stuff daily for my clients and 99% of the time the company always helps get things working again it is the nature of the computer age they don't last forever.

 

Kickback: Autdesk doesn't give a rat's ass about someone who's running AutoCAD 2007, which I was running, let alone AutoCAD 2000. Their "help" has always been, "Go check a forum." They support neither 2000 nor 2007. I'm running my "new" 2000 as I'm writing this, and I couldn't be happier with it.

I'm back in the saddle again.

 

John,
Unfortunately that sometimes is the case with the bigger mega companies but I never let that deter me from attempting to find a sympathetic support person. And I have been able to accomplish that on more than a few occasions. But on the other hand I have also run into the brick wall and had to resort to similar solutions that you resorted to. Doesn't really matter because you are back in business and that is all that matters in the end. Glad you were able to get up and running again with minimal outlay.

 

If the motherboard is 4+ years old you will not find a direct replacement so you can move components from old to new, that being the case you will probably need to upgrade processors. The OS is also keyed to the MB and since Microsoft no longer supports XP you would need to upgrade to 7 or 8 for whatever that costs.

Believe me, I just went through doing exactly what Kickback suggested.

We have one of the best computer stores here in silicon valley and they bent over backwards to find me a exact replacement MB (even going back to the OEM requesting old/returned stock).

 

Last version of Autocad I used was 14. I really miss it when drawing. I use CoreldDraw now but it's not efficient for mechanical drawing.

edit; Has anyone used DraftSight? I read a review saying it is very similar to early Autocad.
http://www.3ds.com/products-services/draftsight/overview/

 

Rick there is an AutoCAD work alike and look alike that shares files with AutoCAD … called progeCAD it is not free but it is inexpensive!

 

Thanks I'll check it out. I downloaded DraftSight and will report back.

 

They do have a thirty day free trial!

 

They should reactivate your license on the new motherboard. It's a common practice.

Most software that require activation check for the Ethernet MAC address which is unique.

Windows 7 pro has an XPmode. Pretty much a virtual machine you download for free from Microsoft and click on install and "next" until it's done.
I install that on 2 of my computers and it works fine.

Windows 8 has also a virtual environment where you can install XP.

I don't like windows 8 or 8.1 they are a piece of Sh..t to say the least.

 

I installed DraftSight and am playing around with it … 1) I have forgotten way too much 2) I have forgotten how nice it is to draw with polar coordinates.

 

lanwater that doesn't resolve the 64 bit conundrum or finding a direct replacement MB.

As far as Window 8, 8.1 are concerned, I and many other are in agreement with you!
I specifically requested 7 for my custom PC and I also have that on my "garage" PC which is not networked and my wife's lap top.
As I stated above Central Computer has a special for those that want to down grade from 8 to 7!