To support the release of Microsoft® Windows® XP, Autodesk has been testing many of the latest versions of its applications to verify that they are compatible with this operating system. In the months leading up to the release of Windows XP, Microsoft and Autodesk have been working together to ensure the minimum of transitional problems as our customers move to this exciting new work environment. The questions and answers below address issues that affect a wide range of Autodesk® products. For product-specific issues, please visit the product centers on www.autodesk.com/products
When products are Windows XP compatible, it means that the product has been tested in the production Windows XP environment and has passed the Autodesk test suite. Patches and fixes may be required for successful execution in the Windows XP environment, or there may be known issues specific to the Windows XP environment. This product-specific information is available through our product support website at www.autodesk.com/support.
Questions and Answers
Get answers to frequently asked questions about Autodesk products and Microsoft® Windows® XP operating system.
Compatibility Matrix
Find out about the test results for specific Autodesk products. And, return here to find out about any status changes on these products and for information on newly released products.
Questions and Answers
1. Are Windows XP compatible products part of the Microsoft "Designed for Windows XP" logo program?
No, compatible means that Autodesk has tested the applications in the Windows XP environment; Microsoft logo certification is a separate process. As new versions of products are released, this may change, so please review the Autodesk XP compatibility web page for updated information on logo certified applications for Windows XP.
2. Why is Autodesk testing its products for compatibility only with the Professional Edition of Windows XP?
With the release of the XP operating system, Microsoft is making a strong statement on separating the professional user environment from the home user environment. This means some key features that Autodesk's products make intensive use of (such as binding to a domain name server) are disabled in the Home Edition of Windows XP. Microsoft has also lowered the price differential between its Home and Professional editions to encourage users to take advantage of Professional's advanced features for technically sophisticated products like AutoCAD. Based on these factors, Autodesk has made the decision to test the majority of its products only with the Professional Edition of Windows XP. There are some exceptions to this, based on price and target market, products such as AutoCAD LT®, Autodesk® QuickCAD, and AutoSketch® will be tested with both the Professional and Home editions. See the compatibility matrix below or visit the product centers on http://www.autodesk.com/products for more specific information.
3. What do I need to run my Stand Alone license manager locked product on Windows XP?
Your product may require an update to the Stand-Alone License Manager (SLM) to run under Windows XP. The SLM is also referred to as a software-lock.
Products that may require an update to the SLM include (but may not be limited to)
- Trial CDs
- Student Portfolio Versions
- 3ds max™
- Many products when purchased outside the US and Canada
The update for the SLM is available by visiting our
support site. This update must be installed before you run the software in the Windows XP environment. The update is not required if you are using the Network License Manager for any product.
4. Did Autodesk test both Windows XP 32-bit version and 64-bit version?
No, Many of Autodesk's applications are native 32 bit. These are tested with the 32-bit version of Windows XP only. Some of the DiscreetTM video and graphic editing applications are native 64 bit. Please see the Discreet website for more information: http://www.discreet.com/
5. Do you test older versions of Autodesk products on Windows XP?
No, only the latest versions of products have been tested on Windows XP. There are no plans to test any but the latest versions of Autodesk products on Windows XP. See the compatibility matrix below for the specific product versions that have been tested.
6. Why does the Microsoft Windows XP catalog list older versions of Autodesk products, but Autodesk does not?
Autodesk lists product versions that it has tested and is supporting. Microsoft makes an independent decision to list older product versions.
7. Can I upgrade to Windows XP over my existing installation of Autodesk products?
Yes, operating system upgrades are part of the compatibility testing process. For example, AutoCAD 2002 has been tested with an upgrade to Windows XP from Windows 2000, Windows NT®, and Windows 98. Please note, to ensure stability, it is always preferable to start with a fresh install of any new operating system before installing any software product.
8. Which Autodesk products are compatible with Windows XP?