Windows 7: Autocad worked Ok in XP why not in W7?

I've been using AutoCad 2004 in Wxp for years. But it wont work in W7. I've tried installing Oracle virtual box but it still wont run. I'm at the end of what I know can anyone help. Thanks

Welcome to Seven Forums Ukdodger. AutoCad 2004 is considered quite old, and many old programs will not run on newer operating systems. Even AutoCAD 2007 required a service pack just to run on Windows Vista. If you had Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate or Enterprise, you could try to run in in XP mode.

In searching about running it in a virtual machine I see that AutoCAD is not a good candidate for virtualization. The virtual machine does not use the GPU in the physical machine. It uses a built-in emulated graphics card, which is not a high performance unit.

I see where some have been able to run it, some only on 32 bit machines, and some with buggy performance. Truth be told, it is just too old to run natively. Hopefully someone better versed in virtual machines can pipe in. A Guy

Thanks A Guy. Obviously you know what you are talking about. I had a feeling it might have something to do with the 32bit/64bit thing. I was hoping for a workaround. Looks like I'll have to buy a new version of AutoCad. They are really expensive but then they are really clever. Thanks again.

What is the exact error you get when trying to run AutoCAD in W7? Have you tried running it in Windows XP Compatibility Mode?

Hi Alonso. The answer is nothing at all. It installs successfully but attempting to run it does nothing. I've tried executing the file without the shortcut with the same result.

Dont know how to use XP Compatibility Mode?

Thanks for your help.

Right click your program shortcut, select properties, click the Compatibility tab, and check the box "Run this program in compatibility mode" and select Windows XP Service Pack 2.

If Alonso Chocano's suggestion does not work, you can also try installing again using compatibility mode while installing.

Compatibility Mode

Using the same method on the installers properties screen

A Guy

This software seems to be used for making program compatible on newer OS's.

Longbow Software Tips and Tricks

Use this if the above doesn't work.

Same thing Alonso. Cheers for trying. At least I now know about XP compat mode.

Check the post above yours.