Compatibility problems with AutoCAD 2011 and 2012

[Xpat]

I'm running AutoCAD Civil 3D 2011 and 2012, both as C3D and AutoCAD on a 64 bit windows 7 computer.

I worked in both applications yesterday and this morning successfully installed CadTools Build 660. After the installation I can't start AutoCAD any more, in 2011 (both C3D and vanilla) shows the normal start up for about ten seconds and then just disappears without any message boxes or further information. In 2012 (both C3D and vanilla) it goes through the normal start sequence and then pops up a message box saying it can't find the Softlock Licence Manager, after clicking the OK button it just closes down.

I deinstalled CadTools and rebooted, but the problems just persist. It's a serious problem as I can't work any longer in AutoCAD.

Has anyone had any similar experiences or know what the problem is.

[Lars]

Hi!

Your problem can't be blaimed on CadTools. CadTools is an out of process software. It doesn't run inside AutoCAD. CadTools communicates with AutoCAD through AutoCAD's COM object and runs in a separate process.

I suggest you google on "Softlock Licence Manager"

Good luck!

[Xpat]

I wasn't blaming anyone or any program, I just stated the facts and asked if anyone had similar experiences. If I'd been looking to blame anything it would have been AutoCAD, what with all the problems associated with it over the years. I've been around long enough to have seem some weird connections between some completely unrelated events in computers.

Don't take it personally Lars I was just looking for help. And I guess that you have more experience with CadTools than anyone else, so if you have nothing to help then I must look elsewhere.

PS - its a great piece of software, I used a previous version on another computer.

[Lars]

I’m sorry but I got the impression because you said that you uninstalled CadTools to get the other stuff working.  One of the reasons for me using the slower COM-object while developing CadTools was to not get to “tight” with AutoCAD.

If you run a software inside AutoCAD and AutoCAD crashes you don’t know if it was your application or AutoCAD itself that caused the problem.

Again I’m sorry if my answer offended you, that wasn’t my intention.


Here’s a possible solution to your problem (If you haven’t found it already)
http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/Installation-Licensing/softlock-license-manger-error-message/td-p/3002214

/Lars

[Xpat]

No, I wasn't offended Lars, frustrated yes.

Thanks for the link, I had already found it too. I think it is a purely AutoCAD problem that I have and next week I'll first try a repair install and if that doesn't work it will have to be a full reinstall.

[Xpat]

I sorted out the AutoCAD problem and reinstalled CadTools. Both are working now.

I did have one problem with Multiple Offset. When I was finished I couldn't exit the command by pressing Esc. The cross hairs showed but when I moved the mouse they were replaced with the pick box and the information on the command line to pick another object or press Esc to cancel.

[Lars]

Great that you solved your problem!

I haven't noticed any problems with multi offset myself. Sometimes same thing happens to me but in other commands.

I don't know if this is due CadTools or AutoCAD itself. Usually I hit ESC a couple of times to be sure. I'm using InRoads with AutoCAD and with that combination it's critical if commands get stacked on top of each other.

/Lars

[Xpat]

Its a long time since I did any roads and sewer design, I do exclusively surveying now, and its the 3D tools that I need mostly.

I have AutoCAD Civil 3D, but find the 3D functions that I need are either not there or spread all over the place. The surveying part of C3D slows down the site work and is too restrictive for working up the survey in CAD. I have written a lot of programs in VBA but it is going to disappear from AutoCAD in the near future, so I'll have to port all my stuff into VB.NET.

Keep up the good work Lars.