As with any operating system rollout, there is pain. Everyone is familiar with the old saying, “no pain, no gain.” However, when it comes to using CAD software, that pain may result in the software not being able to run at all. After all, when you bought that new PC, it came loaded with Windows Vista; you had no choice! Now, you cannot run the software for which you use the computer.

Thankfully, it’s not too late. A little planning can help you roll out of the new hardware, before you are faced with a productivity dilemma!

Will it run?
One question that should be the keystone of your computer and / or operating system upgrade is “Will it run?” You know what “it” is: The software that you use day in and day out to perform your job.

In the case of Autodesk software, the question is easily answered… NO! The current versions of Autodesk software do not work with Windows Vista. This list of software is not to be considered inclusive and just because you do not see your application on the list below does not mean that it will work. As of Feb. 1, 2007, the list of applications released by Autodesk looks like this:

Windows® Vista does not support the following versions of Autodesk software:

Autodesk Inventor Series 11
Autodesk Inventor Series 10
Autodesk Inventor Series 9
Autodesk Inventor Professional 11
Autodesk Inventor Professional 10
Autodesk Inventor Professional 9
Autodesk® Architectural Desktop 2007
Autodesk® Architectural Desktop 2006
Autodesk® Architectural Desktop 2005
Autodesk® Architectural Desktop 2004
Autodesk® Building Systems 2007.1
Autodesk® Building Systems 2007
Autodesk® Building Systems 2006
Autodesk® Building Systems 2005
Autodesk® Building Systems 2004
Autodesk® AutoCAD® Revit® Series—Systems Plus 2
Autodesk® AutoCAD® Revit® Series—Systems Plus 1
Autodesk® Revit® Building 9.1
Autodesk® Revit® Building 9
Autodesk® Revit® Building 8.1
Autodesk® Revit® Building 8
Autodesk® Revit® 7
Autodesk® Revit® Structure 4
Autodesk® Revit® Structure 3
Autodesk® Revit® Structure 2
Autodesk® Revit® Structure 1
Autodesk® FMDesktop 7.0
Autodesk® FMDesktop 6.5

As for plain vanilla AutoCAD, the information is a bit less black and white. The official statement is that “Autodesk will be conducting further testing to determine AutoCAD 2007 compatibility with Windows Vista.”

I need to buy a new PC...now!
If you buy from an integrator, and not a Web site or super store, ask for Windows XP Professional. You can always upgrade later. You will get your new hardware and have an operating system that does work with your CAD software. You can also contact Microsoft and see about running an older version (Windows XP) until your applications are supported. Of course, if you like being on the leading (bleeding) edge, you can upgrade now to Vista, but be aware that support for applications and workarounds may be non-existent while the application vendors determine if patches will be made or if support for Vista will only come with the release of new versions of their particular application software(s).

How can I get more information on this subject?
If you are looking for more information on Windows Vista and updates that Autodesk may post regarding application compatibility and this new operating system, you can visit www.autodesk.com and search under “Vista”. You can also contact your Hagerman & Company, Inc. account manager for current information. As always, when you are looking to upgrade, make sure your applications will run on the new operating system and hardware. After all, we all know what happens when we “assume!” If you have questions or comments about this article, contact me.

All product names / logos, company names / logos are copyrights of their respective holders.  John Boline is an MCSE, CNE, USE and a member of the Network Professional Association. The content herein is often based on late-breaking events. Much of the material is based on information from sources that are believed to be reliable. Hagerman & Company, Inc. disclaims all warranties as to the ultimate accuracy or completeness of the information. Hagerman & Company, Inc. and its employees shall have no liability for errors, omissions or inadequacies in the information contained within this article or for any interpretations thereof. The recommendations, positions and best practice policies outlined herein represent Hagerman & Company, Inc. initial analysis and therefore are subject to change as further information which may have bearing on these positions is made available. The reader assumes sole responsibility for the selection of these materials to achieve its intended results. The opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. Entire contents © 2007 Hagerman & Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this publication in any form without prior written permission is forbidden