Service Pack 2 for 2013 full AutoCAD and the LT version have been released. The links are below:

AutoCAD 2013 SP2: http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=21764214&linkID=9240618

AutoCAD LT 2013 SP2:  http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=21764300&linkID=9240818

There has been an issue reported where using multiple dropdown menus within AutoCAD 2013/2014 with Windows 8 will cause the program to freeze. Ending the process in task manager has been the only way to close the program. It appears as though the cause has been found. Evidently if you have a phone plugged in to your computer while running AutoCAD, this freeze can happen. Unplugging the phone causes AutoCAD to work correctly again. Please see the post below for additional information and the posts from the users who found the solution:

http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/AutoCAD-2013-2014-DWG-Format/AutoCad-2013-on-Windows-8-bug-missing-dialog-boxes-and-can-t/td-p/3761944

I want to share some tips for working with damaged AutoCAD files. It can be very frustrating if a file becomes corrupt and is no longer in working shape. There are some things you can try to do to recover those files, and some preventative tips as well to prevent them from getting to that state.

First, I want to share a technical solution with some good tips for recovering damaged files that may not even be opening:  http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=2896262&linkID=9240617

Usually, one of those steps will work to bring the file back to a state where it can be opened. Once you get it opened though, you probably want to do some cleanup to try and fix whatever the problems are that caused it to get where it was. Or you may just be working with a file currently that opens, but is slow and sluggish, or just isn't quite acting right and you fear there is corruption setting in. I'll put the steps below that I have had great success with in restoring these types of files back to a clean state.

First, open a blank DWG and run the RECOVER command. You can then browse to the problematic file, and AutoCAD will attempt to repair any errors it finds. Save the file, and then see if everything works as you expect it to. If not, continue on to the steps below:

1) Open the problematic file and make sure all layers are on and thawed.
2) Detach any XREF's.
3) Type in -PURGE at the command line (remember to enter the dash before the command). Type R for RegApps. Delete all RegApps in the file. It is not necessary to do them one by one because sometimes there can be thousands and it would take a very long time.
4) Type AUDIT, and select Y for yes to audit the file of any errors.
5) Type PURGE and purge the file of anything that can be purged.
6) Using the WBLOCK command, block out all the information in the file to create a new drawing. Select the objects by windowing them; do not just type ALL.
7) Open a blank DWG. Do not use any templates. (Set the STARTUP variable to 0, and then open a file if you are unsure if you are using templates)
8) Using the INSERT command, insert the file created in step 6.
9) EXPLODE the newly inserted information so it is not a block any longer.
10) Test to see if the file now works correctly. If it does, you can start to add in the Xref's again one by one. Test the file after each insertion. If the problem returns after inserting an Xref, you'll know that that file needs to be cleaned using these steps as well.

As a final note, I highly recommend running the AUDIT and PURGE commands before each save. This will keep the file clean and greatly reduce the chance of any corruption setting in. You too can have clean files by following these steps!

We have seen a number of issues recently where customers are able to open AutoCAD, but cannot do anything else at all after the program is opened. Everything will appear correct, but the cursor is not viewable and you are not able to click anywhere at all. After some research, we have discovered that most of these are tied into a setting inside Xfinity Constant Guard. If you are having this issue, likely you are using Xfinity Constant Guard and we have found a solution that has fixed this for most users.

1. Open up Xfinity Constant Guard and click on Options.
2. Click on ‘Manage my “Blocked Program” rules.’
3. Click “Allow” for all acad.exe and acadlt.exe in the list.

This will hopefully solve the issue for you and make AutoCAD usable again.

It used to be that if you were using core AutoCAD, and had a file from someone using a vertical product, you needed to install an object enabler to be able to see those objects. For some of the verticals, that is still the case. The link below will show which verticals need to be loaded separately:

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=2753223&linkID=9240618

Nowadays, most of the enablers are built into the product so you don't need to worry about it. The objects just show up without any action needed. However, there is still a scenario where you may not be able to see objects from a vertical product in core AutoCAD. For instance, let's say someone is using AutoCAD Architecture 2013, and they send one of their files to someone using Core AutoCAD 2012. If the AutoCAD user opens that file, they will not see any of those ACA specific objects, even though the enabler is built into the product. The reason for this is file format. Since the 2013 products started a new file format, there are a few steps needed to get a user on an earlier version to be able to see vertical specific objects. The steps to do this are below.

1) Open the file in its native program. So if the obejcts are ACA 2013 objects, then open the DWG in that program.
2) Set the PROXYGRAPHICS variable to 1.
3) Do a SAVEAS, and make sure to choose 2010 as the file format to save it in.

If a user using Core AutoCAD 2012 then opens that file, the objects will show up correctly.

Would you like to work at Autodesk? We are looking for an AutoCAD MEP specialist for our Product Support Team. Please see the details below:

Product Support Specialists provide frontline technical support of Autodesk products to our customers and partners through a variety of channels. Using troubleshooting, problem solving and communication skills, this role ensures technical problems are analyzed, documented and resolved, creating an outstanding customer experience and contributing to an environment of shared team knowledge. This role reports to a Support Manager.

As a global leader in 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software, Autodesk helps people imagine, design, and create a better world. Autodesk accelerates better design through an unparalleled depth of experience and a broad portfolio of software to give customers the power to solve their design, business, and environmental challenges. In addition to designers, architects, engineers, and media and entertainment professionals, Autodesk helps students, educators, and casual creators unlock their creative ideas through user-friendly applications.

3 to 5 years experience using AutoCAD MEP
Experience using AutoCAD
Functional knowledge of Mac OS X and network configurations
Proven customer service experience
Demonstrated exceptional team player skills
Strong written and verbal English communication skills
Familiarity of Knowledge Centered Support (KCS) practices & NPS (Net Promoter Score)

Preferred Qualifications:

Ability to read, write and speak fluent Brazilian Portuguese/Spanish or French would be considered a definite advantage in this role.

Would you like to work at Autodesk? We are looking for a Plant 3D / P&ID specialist for our Product Support Team. Please see the details below:

Product Support Specialists provide frontline technical support of Autodesk products to our customers and partners through a variety of channels. Using troubleshooting, problem solving and communication skills, this role ensures technical problems are analyzed, documented and resolved, creating an outstanding customer experience and contributing to an environment of shared team knowledge. This role reports to a Support Manager.

As a global leader in 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software, Autodesk helps people imagine, design, and create a better world. Autodesk accelerates better design through an unparalleled depth of experience and a broad portfolio of software to give customers the power to solve their design, business, and environmental challenges. In addition to designers, architects, engineers, and media and entertainment professionals, Autodesk helps students, educators, and casual creators unlock their creative ideas through user-friendly applications.
 
Job Title and Number: Product Support Specialist, #12WD12540
Location: Manchester, NH
3 to 5 years experience using Plant 3D, and/or AutoCAD P&ID
Experience using AutoCAD
Functional knowledge of Mac OS X and network configurations
Proven customer service experience
Demonstrated exceptional team player skills
Strong written and verbal English communication skills
Familiarity of Knowledge Centered Support (KCS) practices
Preferred Qualifications:
Ability to read, write and speak fluent Brazilian Portuguese/Spanish or French would be considered a definite advantage in this role.

If you are interested, please visit www.careers.autodesk.com and search for job number 12WD12540.