Support
Do I have to reinstall MDT when updating or changing CAD?
Summary
Yes. Every time the CAD version is updated or a different CAD is installed (for example, going from AutoCAD 2024 to AutoCAD 2025, changing from ZWCAD or BricsCAD to another version, etc.), MDT has to be installed again. The setup program needs to detect the brand and version of the installed CAD in order to copy the necessary files and register itself inside it; there is no way of recovering the add-on integration without reinstalling. This article explains the correct procedure (uninstall and install again on the already updated CAD) and solves the most common problems: the USB protection that does not work, the CAD that does not recognise the add-on after reinstalling, and network installation on an alternative CAD.
Applies to
MDT — cases documented on MDT 9 and MDT 25 (support mention).
MDT26 (current version): the same principle applies. According to the MDT26 installation manual, the previous MDT26 version must be uninstalled before reinstalling, and MDT 9, MDT 25 and MDT 26 can coexist on the same computer. CAD compatible with MDT26: AutoCAD 2019–2027, ZWCAD Pro/Enterprise 2021–2027, BricsCAD BIM/Pro/Ultimate V.19–V.26, GstarCAD Professional 2023–2026 and progeCAD Professional 2025–2026 (all 64-bit, Windows 10/11 x64; professional editions of the CAD only).
CAD appearing in the cases: AutoCAD (2021, 2024, 2025), ZWCAD (2026), BricsCAD and progeCAD (2025).
Symptoms
After updating or changing the CAD version, the MDT add-on is no longer installed in the new CAD, or the license is not detected correctly.
The new CAD has been installed but the MDT that was in the previous CAD version is still to be installed.
The USB protection of the program does not work after installing a new version of the CAD.
After updating MDT and reinstalling it, the CAD (for example, progeCAD) does not recognise the MDT add-on.
When installing over a network on an alternative CAD, a warning appears during installation and the program does not work properly, even after updating the CAD to a version believed to be compatible.
Cause
MDT integration depends on the specific brand and version of the CAD: the installer detects the CAD installed on the computer and copies the files and registry entries needed for that CAD. If the CAD changes or is updated, that integration is no longer valid and has to be rebuilt by reinstalling MDT.
If MDT is installed before having the new CAD available, the installation does not detect or configure it, and the protection (including the USB one) does not work.
If the CAD does not recognise the add-on after reinstalling, the most likely reason is that the installation did not detect the CAD correctly; in some cases an updated installer may be needed.
In installations on an alternative CAD, MDT requires a specific minimum version of that CAD; a lower version is not compatible even if the installation does start.
Solution
Case: reinstalling MDT after updating or changing the CAD version
First update or install the new CAD and leave it working.
Download the MDT installer corresponding to your license from your private area / customer area on the Aplitop website. If you do not have the credentials, you can request them using the corresponding form on the Aplitop website.
Uninstall only the MDT version you are going to reinstall. Do not uninstall the other versions you have installed (see the warning above).
Install the new MDT version on the already updated CAD. During the process, check that the installer automatically detects the installed CAD.
Case: the USB protection does not work after installing the new CAD
Check whether MDT was installed before having the new CAD: in that case the installation did not detect it and the protection is not configured.
Uninstall that MDT version —only that one, see the warning at the start of this section— and install it again once the new CAD is already installed, so that the installer detects it correctly.
Case: the CAD does not recognise the MDT add-on after reinstalling
Uninstall the affected MDT version —only that one, see the warning at the start of this section— and install it again.
During installation, check that it automatically detects the CAD installed on the computer (for example, progeCAD). It should detect it automatically.
If it does not detect it, an updated installer may be needed: contact support stating your license number.
Case: network installation on an alternative CAD
Check the CAD version compatible with the MDT version you are going to install. A CAD version lower than the minimum compatible one will not work (for example, in a documented case with MDT 9, progeCAD 2025 was required, not progeCAD 2024).
Use the specific network installer, uninstalling the previous version of the same product and only that one beforehand. Do not uninstall versions of other branches you have installed (for example, MDT v8.5 or v8): it is not necessary and, as a precaution, it is better to uninstall only the version you are going to install again (see the warning at the start of this section).
Extract the installer ZIP file completely before running the setup. Opening the ZIP and launching
setup.exedirectly from inside the archive does not work.
If the problem persists
If after reinstalling on the already updated CAD the add-on is still not recognised or the license does not appear, contact Aplitop technical support stating your license number and the brand and version of the CAD; an updated installer may be required.
For network installations, confirm with support the correct network installer for your MDT version before deploying it.
Category: Installation and updating · Level: Basic