To manually reset AutoCAD to its default settings, you need to delete two specific folders and a registry key. Follow these steps carefully:
First, exit AutoCAD 20xx.
If possible, export your current settings as a backup. To do this, navigate to Start > All Programs > Autodesk > AutoCAD 20xx > Transplant Custom Settings > Export AutoCAD 20xx Settings.
Next, delete the following folders depending on your Windows version:
For Windows Vista, 7, or 8:
C:UsersUsernameAppDataRoamingAutodeskAutoCAD 20xx
C:UsersUsernameAppDataLocalAutodeskAutoCAD 20xx
For Windows XP:
C:Documents and SettingsUsernameApplication DataAutodeskAutoCAD 20xx
C:Documents and SettingsUsernameLocal SettingsApplication DataAutodeskAutoCAD 20xx
Note: These folders are hidden by default. To view them, enable Show hidden files in your Folder Options.
Next, open the Run dialog by pressing Windows + R on your keyboard, type REGEDIT, and click OK.
In the Registry Editor, delete the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareAutodeskAutoCADRxx.xACAD-xxxx:40x
This registry path varies for each AutoCAD version. To identify which ‘ACAD xxxx’ corresponds to your installation, select the key and examine the details on the right pane of the Registry Editor. One of the values will show the installation path of the associated AutoCAD version. The number ’40x’ indicates the version and language of AutoCAD.
After deleting the folders and registry key, launch AutoCAD 20xx. This will regenerate the settings files with default values.
If you wish to restore your previous settings, you can use the import settings utility available in all AutoCAD versions. However, if you experience issues after importing, it’s recommended to repeat the manual reset process and avoid restoring the exported settings.
Note: Newer AutoCAD versions include a dedicated reset tool. Use this tool if the manual method fails or if you encounter runtime errors.
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