Fatal Error + AutoCAD Architecture 2014 & 2012 + Geforce Video Card

When running AutoCAD Architecture 2014 or 2012, as soon as you right mouse click on the grid, you may get a FATAL ERROR.  If you have been following our blog, FATAL ERROR's are very difficult to resolve.

AutoCAD Architecture 2014 - FATAL ERROR:  Unhandled Access Violation Reading 0x0040 Exception at 401f19beh

In terms of licensing, the software was setup to be a network version so the first thing I was thinking about is the video card. As soon as I saw that it was a Geforce Card, it made me think of this blog post:

http://upandready.typepad.com/up_and_ready/2013/08/autodesk-software-activation-freezing-on-laptops-with-geforce-gt-series-cards.html

As soon as we changed the software to launch as an Intergrated graphics (default), the error when away. Once the software runs, you can typically switch it back and forth to the High-performance Nvidia processor mode.

Please note that we have a limited selection of certified Geforce Cards that will run Autodesk products so please review our recommended hardware list below:

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/syscert?id=18844534&siteID=123112

Thanks to Kyle Davis for confirming that this solved the problem.

Bonus tip:

http://upandready.typepad.com/up_and_ready/2013/04/autocad-spacenavigator-for-notebooks-freezes-the-grid.html

Comments

[Robin Beales]

FYI - Also causes a huge problem with Autodesk Showcase in that it crashes on opening with a similar Fatal Error. Choosing to use the Nvidia processor through the Optimus settings doesn't work - only workaround I have found is to disable Nvidia Optimus in the bios, making the laptop always use the Nvidia Chip.

Seems like Showcase picks up the existence of the Intel Chip and regardless of the Optimus setting, crashes out.

[Adam hamilton]

Unfortunatly optimus is not always able to be disabled in bios.

Please note on these 2 reports that it is specific to laptop usersand not desktop.