Expert: Bill DeShawn - 1/29/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi Bill, I hit an error of "There has been an unexpected error with the license management system. Please contact your system administrator or dealer. Error [436:4:1]", while installing ACAD 2002 on my new DELL PC Windows Vista. Can you please help? Another question, where can I find the C-Dilla of Win Vista?


ANSWER: You're not the only one, apparently that's had thie problem.  Try here:
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=2524942&linkID=
to download the latest license manager for ACAD 2002.

From what I can read, C-Dilla is a program that is used for license mangagement on software-locked versions of Autodesk products.  I am in the U.S. and am unfamiliar with software locks and dongles.  But here's another biggie.  When AutoCAD 2002 came out, Vista wasn't even in the minds of Microsoft yet.  Windows XP wasn't even out.  I truly don't think that Autodesk will stand behind using AutoCAD 2002 on VISTA.  You might be able to do it, however if you run it in compatibility mode for Windows 2000 or XP.  Check into that, while I ask around.

Keep in touch
Bill DeShawn
http://my.sterling.net/~bdeshawn


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Bill, many thanks for your prompt reply. I had tried installed the RTS_3_27_000 before this eventhough there was an error while I install the ACAD2002 on Vista. I had tried click on the XP compatibility mode on Vista too, yet not working too. I read somewhere in Autodesk discussion group to turn off the UAC (User Account Control), I tried and failed. Cheers!

Answer
JP.  I've got the question out on the AutoCAD 2000-20002 newsgroup.  But if you've tried all the recommended methods, I don't know what to say right now.  As soon as I hear something from them, I'll let you know.  I'll pass the info on your attempted fixes and see what results.

Bill DeShawn
http://my.sterling.net/~bdeshawn

OK, JP, Here's the scoop.  Windows XP is still for sale.  At least it is in the U.S.  It wasn't going to be, but Microsoft decided to come out with SP3, and continue support through 2009!  You don't have to use Vista.  You can downgrade and run Windows XP Pro.  Here is a U.S. company that has this available on their website:
http://shop1.outpost.com/%7B4jPsyxYjvtwDlOsV+NxHkg**.node3%7D/search?search_type
Or you can just go to http://www.frys.com and then you'll be redirected to Outpost.com where you can search for Windows XP.  It's kind of hard to get a long URL to work on this forum, so, the 2nd way is probably better.  The consensus out there is that Vista just isn't ready for prime time.  Nobody likes it, It cost too much money to buy all the other software out there because the old stuff won't run on it.  
So, if I were you, I think I'd take that big step backwards at this point and get a new copy of Windows XP Professional.   It does work well, and Autodesk still supports it for AutoCAD 2008, too.

Keep in touch
Bill DeShawn
http://my.sterling.net/~bdeshawn