AutoCAD 2012
Installation FAQ
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Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Installation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Chapter 2 Installing AutoCAD on a Single Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
How can I prepare for a successful installation? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
How can I choose the language in which the Installer instructions
are presented? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
How do I choose the language for my software? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Where can I find my serial number and product key? . . . . . . . . . . . 6
What if I've lost my serial number or product key? . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
How do I know if I have enough disk space for the installation? . .
7
How do I select a license type? What is the difference between a
stand-alone license and a network license? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
What is the purpose of a client log file? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
How do I register and activate my software after I have finished the
installation? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
What are the additional products available for installation? . . . . . . . 8
Where do I customize my installation? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
How can I install medium resolution Material Library images? . . . . . 9
How can I be sure available service packs are included in my
installation? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
What features can I customize? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
iii
Chapter 3 Creating a Deployment of AutoCAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
How can I prepare to create a successful deployment to multiple
computers? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
How do I select a license type? What is the difference between a
stand-alone license and a network license? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
How can I choose the language in which the Installer instructions
are presented? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
What is the benefit of a network licensed version of the software?
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
What is the purpose of a client log file? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
What is the purpose of a network log file? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
What is an administrative image? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Where should the administrative image of my deployment be located?
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
How will individual users find the deployed administrative image?
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
What is 'silent' deployment mode? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
What are the additional products available for installation? . . . . . . 17
Where do I customize my installation? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
What features can I customize? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
How can I install medium resolution Material Library images? . . . . . 19
How do I include Service Packs with my deployment? . . . . . . . . . . 19
What are support content folders? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
What is the purpose of configuring additional files in a deployment?
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
What are the services of the Communication Center? . . . . . . . . . 21
What is Autodesk Exchange? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
How do I modify a deployment configuration? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Chapter 4 Maintaining and Reconfiguring Your Installation . . . . . . . . 23
How do I add or remove features after installation? . . . . . . . . . . . 23
What if I accidentally delete or alter required files? Can I replace or
repair them? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
After repairing my installation, is it possible to recover my settings?
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
How do I uninstall my software? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
What are the tools and utilities available for installation? . . . . . . . 25
Chapter 5 AutoCAD 2012 System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
AutoCAD 2012 System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
AutoCAD 2012 System Requirements for 32-bit Workstations . . . . . 27
AutoCAD 2012 System Requirements for 64-bit workstations . . . . . . 29
Requirements for GPO (Group Policy Objects) Deployments . . . . . . 31
iv | Contents
Introduction
Installation Overview
1
The process of installing or deploying AutoCAD 2012 consists of the three main
steps shown in the diagram above.
■ Preparation is very important for achieving a trouble-free and successful
installation.
■ Entering Information varies depending upon the kind of installation or
deployment you need.
■ Installation or Deployment executes quickly once you have made and
specified your choices.
You will either perform an installation on a single computer or create a
deployment for multiple computers. In both cases, you decide whether to accept
the typical default options or select your own options to configure a custom
installation. Although the AutoCAD Installer has been designed to be
self-explanatory, you can find answers to your installation questions in the FAQ
1
provided here. Note that complete details for creating deployments are
provided in the Network Administrator's Guide.
What kind of installation will you perform?
Here are the four main installation types with a summary of the data and
decisions they require:
■ Typical installation with default options. For a typical installation,
begin with a proper preparation (page 5). Then, just click through the
installer, providing your serial number (page 6), product key (page 6),
and license information (page 7). Pre-selected components will be installed
with AutoCAD.
■ Custom installation with selected options. For a custom installation,
in addition to the items listed above for a typical installation, you will also
need to determine:
■ Which of the additional bundled products (such as Autodesk Design
Review) to install with AutoCAD.
■ Which features (page 10) (such as Express Tools) to install with
AutoCAD.
■ Select standard content libraries to install.
■ Whether to accept the default to create a desktop shortcut.
■ Whether to install any available service packs (page 9), either from
Autodesk or from a local or network drive.
■ Typical deployment with default options. To create a typical
deployment using default options, in addition to providing your serial
number, product key, and license information, you will:
■ Name your deployment.
■ Specify a location for your administrative image (page 16).
■ Specify whether you want a network log file (page 15).
■ Determine whether to run installations to workstations in silent mode
(page 16).
■ Determine whether you want to create a client log file (page 8) in the
Temp directory of each workstation.
■ Custom deployment with selected options. For a custom deployment,
in addition to the items listed above for a typical deployment, you will
also specify:
■ Which of the additional bundled products (such as Autodesk Design
Review) to install with AutoCAD.
2 | Chapter 1 Introduction
■ Which features (page 10) (such as Express Tools) to install with
AutoCAD.
■ Whether to install any available service packs (page 19) and whether
to merge them with the deployment or append them.
■ Whether to add additional files (page 20) to the deployment.
■ A folder or folders where support content (page 20) will be installed.
■ What modifications to make to the default search paths and the location
of some program files.
■ User preferences.
■ Whether to enable access to communication channels (page 21), live
updates, and RSS feeds.
■ Whether to enable access to online resources.
Installation Overview | 3
4
Installing AutoCAD on a Single Computer
2
How can I prepare for a successful installation?
You can avoid problems and ensure a smooth installation of AutoCAD by
employing the following best practices:
■ Confirm that your computer meets the minimum System Requirements.
(Click "System Requirements" at the bottom of the Installer window.)
Important: Microsoft .NET Framework 4.0 (available on product disc) must
be installed before you install AutoCAD.
■ Be sure you have Administrator permissions in Windows
■ Remove previous installations of this release of AutoCAD, including any Beta
versions.
■ Install all Microsoft Windows
■ Before you install, exit all active applications. An even better approach is to
install AutoCAD first thing after starting your computer, before using any
applications.
■ Turn off your anti-virus program.
®
system updates and restart your computer.
®
.
How can I choose the language in which the Installer instructions are presented?
If other languages are available, you can choose the language in which Installer
instructions are presented from the Installation instructions drop-down list on
the Installer Launch page. Note that this will also set the language for your
5
software, although later you can change that by selecting another language
from the Product Language drop-down list on the Install > Configure & Begin
Installation page of the Installer.
How do I choose the language for my software?
If other languages are available, you can choose the one you want to use within
AutoCAD. Select a language from the Product Language drop-down list on
the Install > Configure & Begin Installation page of the Installer.
Where can I find my serial number and product key?
Your serial number and product key are on the outside of the product
packaging, or in the Autodesk Upgrade Licensing Information email. The serial
number must contain a three-digit prefix followed by an eight-digit number.
The product key consists of five characters.
What if I've lost my serial number or product key?
Contact the Autodesk Business Center (ABC) at 800-538-6401 for assistance
if you lose your serial number or product key.
6 | Chapter 2 Installing AutoCAD on a Single Computer
How do I know if I have enough disk space for the installation?
The Install > Configure & Begin Installation page of the Installer shows you how
much disk space is required for your installation and how much disk space
you have available.
How do I select a license type? What is the difference between a stand-alone license and a network license?
Choose the type of installation to deploy based on the type of software license
you purchased: stand-alone license or network license.
A product with a stand-alone license is registered and activated for an individual
computer. While your software can be installed on multiple computers in
your facility, a stand-alone license allows only one AutoCAD to be operational.
If you need to run AutoCAD on more computers, you need to either purchase
more stand-alone licenses or convert to using network licenses.
With network licenses, AutoCAD can be installed and run on multiple
computers, up to the maximum number of licenses you've purchased. The
Network License Manager utility "checks out" licenses until they are all in use.
No additional computers can run the program until a license is "checked in."
For more information, see the Network Administrator's Guide.
How do I know if I have enough disk space for the installation? | 7
What is the purpose of a client log file?
A client log file contains detailed installation information for each workstation.
This information may be useful in diagnosing any installation problems.
The client log file is located in your Windows "Temp" folder.
How do I register and activate my software after I have finished the installation?
After you've installed your software, the easiest way to register and activate
your software is with the Product License Activation wizard. You can navigate
to the wizard from the Start menu. Alternatively, you can send an email
message, fax, or postal mail with registration information to Autodesk.
What are the additional products available for installation?
The following additional products are available to install:
■ Autodesk Design Review — Allows users to review, measure, redline, and
annotate DWG, DWF, and DXFx files without the original Autodesk
creation software.
■ Autodesk Inventor Fusion— Digital prototyping technology that unites the
control of parametric, history-based modeling with the speed of direct,
history-free modeling, enabling users to choose the modeling approach
that is right for the task at hand.
Note: To effectively install Inventor Fusion, you must install both the Inventor
Fusion product and the Inventor Fusion plug-in listed in the configuration
area. Click on the Autodesk Inventor Fusion band to reveal the configuration
area.
8 | Chapter 2 Installing AutoCAD on a Single Computer
Where do I customize my installation?
Click on the AutoCAD band of the Install > Configure & Begin Installation page
of the Installer to reveal the configuration area. Optional features are listed
there, many of them pre-selected for installation.
How can I install medium resolution Material Library images?
In addition to the Material Library images installed by default with AutoCAD,
you may also install the Medium Image Material Library if you plan to perform
large renders or create close-ups of objects which require high quality textures.
Installation takes place after you've installed AutoCAD. When you invoke
either the RENDER or RENDERCROP command from within AutoCAD, a task
dialog will appear to provide an opportunity for downloading the Medium
Image Material Library.
How can I be sure available service packs are included in my installation?
You can include a service pack for your installation in the Service Pack section
of the Installer configuration page. Three options are available:
■ Download the available service packs from Autodesk.
■ Install a service pack from your local network drive.
■ Do not install a service pack.
Where do I customize my installation? | 9
If you select the option to download and apply a service pack from Autodesk,
it will be downloaded automatically. If your installation is up-to-date, a message
will tell you that a service pack is not available.
What features can I customize?
Most features are pre-selected for installation with AutoCAD. However, you
can de-select any feature you choose not to install or select one of the few
features that have not been pre-selected. To do so, you must first reveal the
feature tree, which is hidden when you choose a Typical install in the
configuration area. To reveal the feature tree, choose the Custom install option.
Here are the features available when you install AutoCAD:
■ Model Documentation: Interface for Autodesk Inventor Server, a
programming component that allows you to open and query the geometry
and feature information of an Autodesk Inventor part file or other imported
models and to create the corresponding data within AutoCAD.
■ CAD Standards: Tools for managing design files for compliance with
your standards.
■ Database: Database access tools.
■ Dictionaries: Multi-language dictionaries.
■ Drawing Encryption: Security tool for protecting drawing files with a
password.
■ Express Tools: Productivity tools to extend AutoCAD functions for
dimensioning, drawing, object selection, and object modification. These
tools are not supported by Autodesk.
■ Fonts: AutoCAD fonts and TrueType
■ Autodesk Content Explorer: Interface for quick browsing of DWG files
on local and network drives and on Autodesk Seek. Note: In order to search
network folders, the Autodesk Content Service utility must also be installed
from the Tools & Utilities component of the Installer.
■ Autodesk Seek: Web service for finding, previewing, and downloading
branded and generic building information modeling (BIM) files, models,
drawings, and product specifications directly into an active AutoCAD
session. AutoCAD users can also upload their drawings to Seek.
■ License Transfer Utility: Tool to allow users to transfer an Autodesk
product license between computers.
®
fonts.
10 | Chapter 2 Installing AutoCAD on a Single Computer
■ Migrate Custom Settings: Utility to migrate custom user settings and
files from a previous version of AutoCAD. When this utility is installed, it
will present a dialog box for migration on the first launch of AutoCAD.
You will also be able to run the utility later from Windows Start > All
Programs > Autodesk > AutoCAD 2012 > Migrate Custom Settings.
■ Reset Settings: Utility to reset AutoCAD to its original settings. This
function may be useful for users who have used the "Migrate Custom
Settings" utility and been dissatisfied with the results. If installed, the Reset
Settings program will be available from Windows Start > All Programs >
Autodesk > AutoCAD 2012 > Reset Settings.
■ Reset Settings: Utility to reset AutoCAD to its original settings.
■ Reference Manager: Utility that allows users to view and edit the paths
of externally referenced files associated with a drawing.
■ Samples: AutoCAD samples, DesignCenter samples, and Visual Lisp
®
samples.
■ Tutorials: Visual Lisp
®
Tutorials
What features can I customize? | 11
12
Creating a Deployment of AutoCAD
3
How can I prepare to create a successful deployment to multiple computers?
You can avoid problems and ensure a smooth deployment of AutoCAD by
employing the following best practices.
■ Confirm that your network, servers, and client workstations meet the
minimum System Requirements for AutoCAD. (Click "System Requirements"
at the bottom of the Installer.) Be sure that you have installed the .NET 4.0
Framework.
■ Understand the type of license you have purchased. For a network license
deployment, you should also be familiar with the type of license server model
you want to use, as well as the license server name(s).
■ Obtain Administrator permissions to create and install deployments.
■ Install the latest Windows
will be deployed and restart them.
■ Create a shared folder where deployments will reside. Create a subfolder for
each deployment you plan to create. Verify that all users have full read/write
access to the network share where your deployments will be located. Note:
If you create AutoCAD deployments in multiple languages, each language
requires a new deployment in a separate deployment folder.
■ Identify locations for your support content files and any additional files you
need.
■ Copy the entire installation from the product media to a local drive and
create the deployment from that location.
®
updates on all computers to which AutoCAD
13
■ Before you create the deployment, exit all applications and turn off
anti-virus programs.
How do I select a license type? What is the difference between a stand-alone license and a network license?
Choose the type of installation to deploy based on the type of software license
you purchased: stand-alone license or network license.
A product with a stand-alone license is registered and activated for an individual
computer. While your software can be installed on multiple computers in
your facility, a stand-alone license allows only one AutoCAD to be operational.
If you need to run AutoCAD on more computers, you need to either purchase
more stand-alone licenses or convert to using network licenses.
With network licenses, AutoCAD can be installed and run on multiple
computers, up to the maximum number of licenses you've purchased. The
Network License Manager utility "checks out" licenses until they are all in use.
No additional computers can run the program until a license is "checked in."
For more information, see the Network Administrator's Guide.
How can I choose the language in which the Installer instructions are presented?
If other languages are available, you can choose the language in which Installer
instructions are presented from the Installation instructions drop-down list on
the Installer Launch page. Note that this will also set the language for your
software, although later you can change that by selecting another language
from the Product Language drop-down list on the Install > Configure & Begin
Installation page of the Installer.
14 | Chapter 3 Creating a Deployment of AutoCAD
What is the benefit of a network licensed version of the software?
With a network license, you can use the Network License Manager to install
your software on more systems than the number of licenses you have
purchased. At any one time, you can run the software on the maximum number
of systems for which you have licenses.
What is the purpose of a client log file?
A client log file contains detailed installation information for each workstation.
This information may be useful in diagnosing any installation problems.
The client log file is located in your Windows "Temp" folder.
What is the purpose of a network log file?
A network log file keeps a record of all workstations that run the deployment.
The log lists the user name, workstation name, and the status of the
installation. You can refer to this file for status information and details about
problems (such as low disk space or inadequate permissions) that users have
encountered during installation.
What is the benefit of a network licensed version of the software? | 15
What is an administrative image?
An administrative image is a collection of shared file resources created during
the deployment process and placed in the shared network deployment folder
from which multiple workstations install the product.
Where should the administrative image of my deployment be located?
The administrative image for your deployment should be stored in a shared
folder (a network share) you have created before you launch the deployment.
Name the shared folder "Deployments" and put it on the Desktop of the server
where you will store deployments.
How will individual users find the deployed administrative image?
When you are finished creating the deployment, users can install their software
by using the shortcut located with the administrative image. The shortcut
name matches the deployment name that you specified when you created the
deployment.
Notify users of the location of the administrative image, instruct them to
double-click the shortcut, and provide any other necessary information.
What is 'silent' deployment mode?
A deployment running in 'silent' mode proceeds without input from individual
users, who receive no requests for interaction.
When silent mode is 'off', interactive entries may be made during the
deployment process.
16 | Chapter 3 Creating a Deployment of AutoCAD
What are the additional products available for installation?
The following additional products are available to install:
■ Autodesk Design Review — Allows users to review, measure, redline, and
annotate DWG, DWF, and DXFx files without the original Autodesk
creation software.
■ Autodesk Inventor Fusion— Digital prototyping technology that unites the
control of parametric, history-based modeling with the speed of direct,
history-free modeling, enabling users to choose the modeling approach
that is right for the task at hand.
Note: To effectively install Inventor Fusion, you must install both the Inventor
Fusion product and the Inventor Fusion plug-in listed in the configuration
area. Click on the Autodesk Inventor Fusion band to reveal the configuration
area.
Where do I customize my installation?
Click on the AutoCAD band of the Install > Configure & Begin Installation page
of the Installer to reveal the configuration area. Optional features are listed
there, many of them pre-selected for installation.
What features can I customize?
Most features are pre-selected for installation with AutoCAD. However, you
can de-select any feature you choose not to install or select one of the few
features that have not been pre-selected. To do so, you must first reveal the
What are the additional products available for installation? | 17
feature tree, which is hidden when you choose a Typical install in the
configuration area. To reveal the feature tree, choose the Custom install option.
Here are the features available when you install AutoCAD:
■ Model Documentation: Interface for Autodesk Inventor Server, a
programming component that allows you to open and query the geometry
and feature information of an Autodesk Inventor part file or other imported
models and to create the corresponding data within AutoCAD.
■ CAD Standards: Tools for managing design files for compliance with
your standards.
■ Database: Database access tools.
■ Dictionaries: Multi-language dictionaries.
■ Drawing Encryption: Security tool for protecting drawing files with a
password.
■ Express Tools: Productivity tools to extend AutoCAD functions for
dimensioning, drawing, object selection, and object modification. These
tools are not supported by Autodesk.
■ Fonts: AutoCAD fonts and TrueType
■ Autodesk Content Explorer: Interface for quick browsing of DWG files
®
fonts.
on local and network drives and on Autodesk Seek. Note: In order to search
network folders, the Autodesk Content Service utility must also be installed
from the Tools & Utilities component of the Installer.
■ Autodesk Seek: Web service for finding, previewing, and downloading
branded and generic building information modeling (BIM) files, models,
drawings, and product specifications directly into an active AutoCAD
session. AutoCAD users can also upload their drawings to Seek.
■ License Transfer Utility: Tool to allow users to transfer an Autodesk
product license between computers.
■ Migrate Custom Settings: Utility to migrate custom user settings and
files from a previous version of AutoCAD. When this utility is installed, it
will present a dialog box for migration on the first launch of AutoCAD.
You will also be able to run the utility later from Windows Start > All
Programs > Autodesk > AutoCAD 2012 > Migrate Custom Settings.
■ Reset Settings: Utility to reset AutoCAD to its original settings. This
function may be useful for users who have used the "Migrate Custom
Settings" utility and been dissatisfied with the results. If installed, the Reset
Settings program will be available from Windows Start > All Programs >
Autodesk > AutoCAD 2012 > Reset Settings.
■ Reset Settings: Utility to reset AutoCAD to its original settings.
18 | Chapter 3 Creating a Deployment of AutoCAD
■ Reference Manager: Utility that allows users to view and edit the paths
of externally referenced files associated with a drawing.
■ Samples: AutoCAD samples, DesignCenter samples, and Visual Lisp
samples.
■ Tutorials: Visual Lisp
®
Tutorials
®
How can I install medium resolution Material Library images?
In addition to the Material Library images installed by default with AutoCAD,
you may also install the Medium Image Material Library if you plan to perform
large renders or create close-ups of objects which require high quality textures.
Installation takes place after you've installed AutoCAD. When you invoke
either the RENDER or RENDERCROP command from within AutoCAD, a task
dialog will appear to provide an opportunity for downloading the Medium
Image Material Library.
How do I include Service Packs with my deployment?
You can include a service pack for your deployment in the Service Pack section
of the Installer configuration page. If you select the option to download and
apply a service pack from Autodesk, it will be downloaded automatically. If
your installation is up-to-date, a message will tell you that a service pack is
not available.
If you choose to apply a service pack from your local drive or a drive in your
network, you will need to choose between two options:
■ Append the service pack(s) onto the deployment by applying the pack
after your software is deployed. With this method, the service pack is
applied to the current deployment only; the Administrative Image MSI
file is not affected.
■ Merge the service pack(s) into the Administrative Image MSI file. With this
method, the service pack may not be removed from the image.
How can I install medium resolution Material Library images? | 19
What are support content folders?
Under Support Content, you can specify where your support content will be
installed.
You choose between four destination options for support content.
■ Local user profile folders: Default.
■ Program install folder: Content installed to your application
installation folder on individual user station.
■ Single shared folder: Allows for one unique local folder to be specified
for all content types.
■ Custom folders: Allows a unique path to be specified for each different
content type.
Here are the six categories of support content for AutoCAD:.
■ Support: Customization/menu files and palette, hatch, and line type
content.
■ Plotters: Plot styles and plot configuration files.
■ Data Links: Data link files.
■ Template: Drawing, sheet set, and publish to web templates.
■ Rendering: Hardware certification and web light files.
■ Help: User's Guide, Command Reference, Customization Guide,
Installation FAQ, and Licensing Guide.
What is the purpose of configuring additional files in a deployment?
You can configure your installation to include additional files to accomplish
the following tasks:
■ Specify script files to include with your deployment.
■ Install user files of any format and place them in any directory on a client
workstation.
■ Add subfolders under the installation folder.
■ Add sample files to the same location as program files.
■ Add files to the root of the installation directory.
20 | Chapter 3 Creating a Deployment of AutoCAD
What are the services of the Communication Center?
During a custom deployment, you can choose whether or not to activate user
preferences for Communication Center services.
■ Enable live updates: Allows users to check for updates when an internet
connection is established. If a product patch is available, notification of
its availability is received on the program's status bar; the patch can be
either downloaded directly from an Autodesk server or modified before
being copied to workstations.
■ Enable CAD Manager Channel: Controls the display of CAD Manager
Channels, allowing users to toggle CAD Manager Channels, define the
CAD Manager feed location, and set the CAD Manager Channel display
name.
What is Autodesk Exchange?
Autodesk Exchange is a new central portal for Help, learning aids, tips and
tricks, videos, and downloadable apps. If you accept the User Preference default
to display Autodesk Exchange at startup, you will have access to a dynamic
selection of tools from the Autodesk community.
How do I modify a deployment configuration?
Once you have created a deployment, you can modify its configuration.
To modify a deployment configuration:
1 Locate and open the shared folder where your deployment is located.
2 Open the Tools subfolder within your deployment folder.
3 Locate the shortcut for Create or Modify a Deployment.
4 Double-click the Create or Modify a Deployment shortcut to launch the
Installer in Modify Deployment Configuration mode.
5 On the Modify Deployment Configuration > Settings page, enter information
about your deployment and select an option.
What are the services of the Communication Center? | 21
22
Maintaining and Reconfiguring Your Installation
How do I add or remove features after installation?
To add or remove features from AutoCAD, navigate from Windows Start to the
control panel for adding, changing, and removing programs. When you select
AutoCAD as the program you want to change, the Installer will open in
maintenance mode. Click Add or Remove Features and follow the instructions in
the Installer.
4
23
What if I accidentally delete or alter required files? Can I replace or repair them?
You may be able to fix a problem that stems from a missing or altered support
file by running the Installer to repair or reinstall AutoCAD. To launch the
Installer, navigate from Windows Start to the control panel for adding,
changing, and removing programs. When you select AutoCAD as the program
to change, the Installer will open in maintenance mode. Click Repair or Reinstall
and follow the instructions in the Installer.
After repairing my installation, is it possible to recover my settings?
Custom settings can be exported and later re-imported to the same system in
case you have to repair the installation of your program. For more detailed
information regarding exporting and importing custom settings, see the
Customization Guide.
How do I uninstall my software?
To uninstall AutoCAD and all of its components from your computer, navigate
from Windows Start to the control panel for adding, changing, and removing
programs. When you select AutoCAD as the program you want to change, the
Installer will open in maintenance mode. Click Uninstall and follow the
instructions in the Installer.
Note: AutoCAD installs a material library and base resolution image library
by default. These must be uninstalled separately through the Windows control
panel for adding or removing programs.
24 | Chapter 4 Maintaining and Reconfiguring Your Installation
What are the tools and utilities available for installation?
You can install the following products from the Tools & Utilities section of
the Installer.
■ Autodesk Network License Manager — Manages network licenses for
AutoCAD by "checking out" and "checking in" licenses.
■ Autodesk CAD Manager Tools — Utility to allow CAD administrators
to modify resource settings after a deployment is completed.
■ Autodesk Content Service — Utility (for installation on network server)
to build index and enable searching on shared network folders and in
Autodesk Seek. Works in conjunction with Autodesk Content Explorer
(preselected feature for installation with AutoCAD), which must also be
installed.
What are the tools and utilities available for installation? | 25
26
AutoCAD 2012 System Requirements
AutoCAD 2012 System Requirements
Here are the minimum system requirements for both 32-bit and 64-bit operating
systems.
Recommended requirements: In addition to the minimum requirements, these
system requirements also include recommended requirements for memory and
graphics cards. The recommended operating system is Windows 7 (64-bit).
AutoCAD 2012 System Requirements for 32-bit Workstations (page 27)
AutoCAD 2012 System Requirements for 64-bit Workstations (page 29)
Requirements for GPO (Group Policy Objects) Deployments (page 31)
5
AutoCAD 2012 System Requirements for 32-bit Workstations
RequirementDescription
Service Pack 3 (SP3) or later of the following:Operating system
■ Microsoft
■ Microsoft
Service Pack 2 (SP2) or later of the following:
■ Microsoft Windows Vista
®
Windows® XP Professional
®
Windows® XP Home
®
Enterprise
27
■ Microsoft Windows Vista Business
■ Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate
■ Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premi-
um
The following operating systems:
■ Microsoft Windows 7 Enterprise
■ Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate
■ Microsoft Windows 7 Professional
■ Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
Internet Explorer ® 7.0 or laterBrowser
Windows XPProcessor
Intel® Pentium® 4 or AMD Athlon™ Dual
Core, 1.6 GHz or Higher with SSE2 technology
Windows Vista or Windows 7
Intel Pentium 4 or
AMD Athlon Dual Core, 3.0 GHz or Higher
with SSE2 technology
2 GB RAM (4 GB Recommended)Memory
1024x768 with True ColorDisplay resolution
Installation 2.0 GBDisk Space
MS-Mouse compliantPointing Device
Download and Installation from DVDMedia (DVD)
.NET Framework Version 4.0.NET Framework
28 | Chapter 5 AutoCAD 2012 System Requirements
Additional requirements for 3D Modeling
Intel Pentium 4 processor or AMD Athlon,
3.0 GHz or greater or Intel or AMD Dual
Core processor, 2.0 GHz or greater
2 GB RAM
2 GB free hard disk available not including
installation requirements
1280 x 1024 True color video display adapter with 128 MB (recommended: 256
MB for normal images and 512 MB for
Medium Image Material Library images),
Pixel Shader 3.0 or greater, Direct3D
capable workstation class graphics card.
AutoCAD 2012 System Requirements for 64-bit workstations
RequirementDescription
®
Operating system
Service Pack 2 (SP2) or later of the following:
■ Microsoft
Service Pack 2 (SP2) or later of the following:
■ Microsoft Windows Vista
■ Microsoft Windows Vista Business
■ Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate
■ Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premi-
um
The following operating systems:
■ Microsoft Windows 7 Enterprise
■ Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate
■ Microsoft Windows 7 Professional
■ Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
®
Windows® XP Professional
®
AutoCAD 2012 System Requirements for 64-bit workstations | 29
Enterprise
Internet Explorer ® 7.0 or laterBrowser
Processor
Additional requirements for 3D Modeling
AMD Athlon 64 with SSE2 technology
AMD Opteron™ with SSE2 technology
Intel Xeon ® with Intel EM64T support and
SSE2
Intel Pentium 4 with Intel EM64T support
and SSE2 technology
2 GB RAM (8GB Recommended)Memory
1024x768 with True ColorDisplay resolution
Installation 2.0 GBDisk Space
MS-Mouse compliantPointing Device
Download and Installation from DVDMedia (DVD)
.NET Framework Version 4.0.NET Framework
2 GB RAM or more
2 GB free hard disk available not including
installation requirements
1280 x 1024 True color video display adapter 128 MB (recommended: 256 MB for
normal images and 512 MB for Medium
Image Material Library images), Pixel Shader
3.0 or greater, Direct3D® capable worksta-
tion class graphics card.
30 | Chapter 5 AutoCAD 2012 System Requirements
Requirements for GPO (Group Policy Objects) Deployments
In addition to the minimum system requirements, addtional items are needed
for a successful GPO deployment. See the Network Administrator's Guide for
further information about GPO deployments.
Available on the product disc
Microsoft .NET 4.0
DirectX 9.0C
Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable (x86) for 32 bit and 64 bit operating systems
Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable (x86) for 32 bit and 64 bit operating systems
Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable (x86) for 32 bit and 64 bit operating systems
Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable (x64) for 64 bit operating systems
Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable (x64) for 64-bit operating systems
Microsoft National Language Support Downlevel APIs (for x64 only)
FARO LS
Autodesk Design Review 2012
Autodesk Content Service (Private or Public)
Autodesk Inventor Fusion and The Autodesk Inventor Fusion Add-in for AutoCAD 2012
Autodesk Material Library 2012
Autodesk Material Base Resolution Image Library 2012
Other
Microsoft Internet Explorer version 7.0 Service Pack 1 or later. You can download Microsoft
Internet Explorer from the Microsoft website by visiting www.microsoft.com .
Requirements for GPO (Group Policy Objects) Deployments | 31
Microsoft Installer Package (MSI) 4.5
Microsoft Windows Media Format 9.5 (prerequisite for 64-bit)
32 | Chapter 5 AutoCAD 2012 System Requirements
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