AutoCAD Tip – Reset AutoCAD/AutoCAD LT to Default Settings

by Dennis Collin

Is your AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT ‘broken’ or not working as you would like it?

It happens to us all; you get your new shiny version of AutoCAD, and all seems well (once you’ve tweaked it to your own purposes!) Then, suddenly, clunk! A function within ‘ACAD’ stops working. Or perhaps your ribbon menu is lost, perhaps it’s a selection function, maybe it’s a non-performing command. You have tried all the ‘normal’ fixes and adjusted system variables to no avail. 

One might ask if, there not just a simple ‘Reset to factory’ setting? ‘I need this fixed as I’m in a hurry to get some drawings out’ etc.

Thankfully the answer to this question is YES!

This option has been around for several versions now and it saves the user from having to use Regedit in Windows and reset some software profile settings. Whilst Regedit may seem fun let’s use the easier and quicker AutoCAD (LT) Reset function instead!

Fig 1. Locating the Reset AutoCAD/LT settings to Default function within the AutoCAD program group.

This function is within the AutoCAD and AutoCAD LT program group and is rather obviously named; ‘Reset settings to default’ just browse to the ‘Start’ button to locate the command. Clicking on the reset function, results in the following image (dependent upon your platform and version)

Fig 2. Whether using AutoCAD LT or full AutoCAD the process is the same.

The user can then decide to back up the existing configuration and save in a Zip file or reset from scratch as desired. Of course, most sensible users would have *cough* done this already.

Once the process is complete the following confirmation is issued.

Fig 3. A newly reset AutoCAD is ready for use!

Then run AutoCAD and perform a few tests, in most cases the offending problem has been fixed. This process is certainly a lot quicker than trying to find your original install image and uninstalling and re-installing or the previously mentioned, Regedit approach!