Unable to Install AutoCAD because it’s already installed

I have posted about Microsoft FixIt before. However, I found that many people are not aware about it yet, so let’s cover about it again.

What is the relation with AutoCAD or other Autodesk products?

I’ve seen people tried to reinstall their products. After uninstall and try to install it again, they see in installation page that AutoCAD is already installed. Therefore they can’t install it.

This can’t be resolve even if you try clean uninstallation procedure, because it doesn’t remove installation registry key.

You can repair this by manually removing registry key that save installation information. Jimmy Bergmark covered it on JTBWorld here.

However, most people are not comfortable working with registry. This is why I suggest FixIt.

Microsoft Fixit

Microsoft FixIt is a great tool to fix many Windows problem, including installation problem. You can use it to clean Autodesk products that remains in registry after installation.

1. Go to Microsoft FixIt here.
2. In ‘what are you trying to do’ area, choose ‘install or upgrade software or hardware‘.
3. Find in ‘view or run solutions for install or upgrade software or hardware‘ for ‘fix problems with programs that can’t be installed or uninstalled‘. Click run now.

Update: You can directly go to FixIt uninstaller tool by clicking this link. If you use Windows 8 or 8.1. you need to use this link, the FixIt home page is only for Windows 7 or older

Your browser will download a small utility for that specific problem. Run that utility. Try to uninstall AutoCAD (or other product you can’t uninstall before).

After you successfully uninstall the product, try to run installer again. Now you should be able to install it.

Please be advised that Microsoft FixIt doesn’t support Windows 8 yet.

Fixit can optimize your PC too

Microsoft FixIt has many tools. Fixing installation and uninstallation is just one of it’s capabilities. You probably want to try the other tools it has. You probably want to check your system to improve the performance!

About Edwin Prakoso

I work as a Solution Consultant in Datech Solutions, Tech Data Indonesia. I've been using AutoCAD since R14 and Revit since Revit Building 9. I occasionally write for AUGIWorld magazine and I am also active in Autodesk discussion forum. I'm a member of Autodesk Expert Elite, an appreciation for individuals who give contributions to the Autodesk community.
Connect with me on twitter or LinkedIn.