SimpleStruct

ConstructiVision Modernization 2026

Status Report | February 25, 2026 | Chad Weidert


Project Health

Schedule

Scope

Budget

Quality

Resources

Phase

Complete

Target

🟢 Ahead

🟢 Baselined

🟢 Under Budget

🟢 Validated

🟡 Solo Dev

P1c✅/P2

80%

Dec 31

Schedule Impact: ~2 months ahead of schedule. P1 (Analysis) ✅ complete. P1c (Integration & Bug Fixing) ✅ complete — 17 bugs found and fixed, all tracked via GitHub Issues. P2 (Design) ▶️ active — alpha testing running, several GUI improvements already shipped. Installation validated across ALL operating systems (XP through Win10 x64) with AutoCAD 2000; Win10 x64 is compatible with Win11 x64 — no additional work needed. WiX installer development permanently sidelined — Autodesk App Store accepts compiled VLX uploads directly with a wizard-based submission process, eliminating the need for a standalone MSI installer. Total Uninstall continues to handle VM deployment. NanoCAD integration attempted but failed (incompatible extension mechanism). AutoCAD 2000 running on Win10 x64 via WoW64 registry fix — an unsupported path by Autodesk, but fully functional.


2026 Roadmap

Legend: 🟢 Complete | 🔵 In Progress | 🔴 Behind | ⬜ Planned | Today: Feb 25 ↓ | Variance: ~2 Months Ahead

💰 Budget Impact Update (Feb 25)

Key Discovery: Autodesk App Store accepts compiled VLX uploads directly with a wizard-based submission process. This permanently sidelines the WiX installer effort — no standalone MSI needed.

Code Signing is still required for App Store submission:

  • Installer Tool: WiX = NOT NEEDED — Autodesk App Store handles distribution

  • Code Signing: OV = $200/yr | EV = $400/yr (required for App Store)

Total 2026 Distribution Cost: $200/year (OV signing only — no installer tool needed)

Phase

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

‘27

P1: Analysis

🟢

🟢

P1B: Installer

P1C: Integration

🟢

🟢

P2: Design

🔵

🔵

P3: Security

P4: Release

Web Dev

❌ P1B Permanently Sidelined: Autodesk App Store accepts compiled VLX uploads directly — no standalone MSI installer needed. Total Uninstall continues to handle VM deployment during development. This saves significant time and budget previously allocated to WiX development.


Milestones by Phase

P1: Analysis & Setup (Jan 21 - Feb 24)

Date

Milestone

Deliverable

Status

Jan 20

Installer decompiled

setup.rul (4,163 lines)

✅ Done

Jan 21

Legacy environment baselined

XP VM + InstallShield 5.x running

✅ Done

Jan 21

Architecture decisions documented

Target state defined

✅ Done

Feb 3

v3.60/v7.0 gap analysis complete

Unified source inventory

✅ Done

Feb 9

Nero installer analysis complete

isDcc vs wizard validated

✅ Done

Feb 10

Multi-OS testing (XP/Vista/Win7)

All 3 pass, 8 bugs cataloged

✅ Done

Feb 13

Win10 32-bit validation

Full stack working with auto-config

✅ Done

Feb 13

P1 InstallShield Sprint

ABORTED — low ROI, proceed to WiX

✅ Done

Feb 16

v3.60 source recovery

12 modules recovered, 3 crashes fixed

✅ Done

Feb 17

Win10 64-bit validation

Wow6432Node COM fix — crash-free

✅ Done

Feb 17

TB11-01x32/x64 architecture docs

Docs 28 + 29 published

✅ Done

Feb 18

Alpha tester access

Terry + Tai on VM 201, Dat on VM 202

✅ Done

Feb 24

Analysis Complete

Requirements locked + v11 spec

✅ Done

Key Discoveries (Week 3: Feb 3-9):

  • Nero Study Complete: Validated InstallShield wizard approach generates clean 606-line .rul that compiles

  • isDcc Limitation: Bytecode output (10,031 lines Nero, 4,163 lines ConstructiVision) won’t compile

  • Decision: Use wizard for ConstructiVision rebuild; VLX recompilation pushed to Week 6 (Feb 24-Mar 3)

Key Discoveries (Week 4: Feb 10):

  • CV3.60 + AC2000 installed on XP, Vista, AND Win7 — no UAC issues as Administrator

  • 8 installer bugs cataloged — Bug 1 (profile detection) CRITICAL, Bug 2 (UAC) downgraded to LOW

  • Complete v11 installer specification — 41 files, exact registry entries, 6 “do NOT” rules

  • 9 monitoring data files captured via Total Uninstall, Inctrl5, Regshot across all 3 VMs

Key Discoveries (Week 5: Feb 13):

  • Win10 32-bit: FULL STACK WORKING — AutoCAD 2000 + CV + COM automation

  • Auto-config script createdConfigure-ConstructiVision.ps1 handles HKCU registry setup

  • P1 InstallShield Sprint ABORTED — Low ROI on .rul recompilation; proceed directly to WiX

  • Total Uninstall restore validated as deployment method for both install and payload source

Key Discoveries (Week 6: Feb 16-17):

  • v3.60 source recovery COMPLETE — 12 missing .lsp modules recovered from v3.60 archive

  • 3 crash paths FIXED — wd_dlg (Standard Opening), wc_dlg (Weld Connections), wall_dlg (Wall Line)

  • TB11-01x32 deployed — 134 → 195 files, nightly auto-pull on 4 VMs (108, 109, 201, 202)

  • Win10 64-bit: FULL STACK WORKING — Wow6432Node COM fix (103 CLSIDs, 104 Interfaces, 6 ProgIDs)

  • Both x32 and x64 crash-free — program runs and loads drawings on both architectures

  • Architecture docs published — Doc 28 (TB11-01x32) and Doc 29 (TB11-01x64) with full registry footprint

  • 📌 Alpha testing ACTIVE — GSCI engineers (Terry, Tai) on VM 201; Dat on VM 202

Key Discoveries (Weeks 7-8: Feb 18-25):

  • 17 bugs found and fixed — complete bug fixing sprint during alpha testing (see 32-tb11-bug-tracker)

  • 2 critical serialization bugs — savelay.lsp ENAME/XData filtering + layout.lsp index bug (Bugs 16-17)

  • 3 latent PB11 bugs discovered — existed in original production build but never triggered until new workflows

  • GitHub Issues infrastructure — 17 issues created, 18 custom labels (severity, autolisp, serialization, version, build, arch, phase), automated sync workflow

  • TB11-01x64 fully synced — x64 fork updated with all x32 patches including missing inspanel.lsp

  • Autodesk App Store accepts VLX directly — wizard-based submission eliminates need for WiX/MSI installer entirely

  • Win10 x64 compatible with Win11 x64 — no additional work required for Windows 11 support

  • P2 Design already active — drawing type dialog, file browser fix, vla-open workflow, dirchk fix shipped

  • #| |# block comments NOT supported — AutoCAD 2000 (load) can’t parse them; reverted to ;;

  • 📌 XData refactor plan created — systematic approach to ENAME/XData filtering across all serialization modules

P1b: Installer Development — ❌ PERMANENTLY SIDELINED

Date

Milestone

Deliverable

Status

Feb 13

Win10 32-bit validated

Full stack working with auto-config script

✅ Done

Feb 13

Total Uninstall payload validated

152 files, 5.5 MB as WiX source

✅ Done

Feb 16

v3.60 source recovery complete

12 modules recovered, TB11-01x32 deployed

✅ Done

Feb 17

Win10 64-bit COM fix complete

Wow6432Node registry fix, both arches crash-free

✅ Done

TBD

WiX installer development

Deferred to end of P3 (Security)

❌ Not Needed

Impact: Autodesk App Store accepts compiled VLX uploads directly with a wizard-based submission process. This permanently eliminates the need for a standalone WiX/MSI installer — saving significant development time and the Pluralsight WiX training budget ($29). Total Uninstall continues to handle VM deployment during development. Distribution will use Autodesk’s built-in App Store packaging instead.

P1c: Integration & Bug Fixing (Feb 18 - Feb 25) — ✅ COMPLETE

Date

Milestone

Deliverable

Status

Feb 18

Alpha testing started

GSCI engineers testing GUI and functionality

✅ Done

Feb 18

Path analysis complete

40 menu paths + 20 toggles — all functional

✅ Done

Feb 18

Legacy architecture documented

Menu → LSP → DCL mapping for entire application

✅ Done

Feb 22

Bug fixing sprint

17 bugs found and fixed, tracked via GitHub Issues

✅ Done

Feb 25

GitHub Issues infrastructure

Automated sync workflow, 18 custom labels

✅ Done

Feb 25

TB11-01x64 source sync

x64 fork synced with all x32 patches

✅ Done

Feb 25

Stable baseline achieved

All 17 bugs fixed, ready for P2 Design

✅ Done

Summary: 17 bugs discovered and fixed during alpha testing — including 2 critical serialization bugs, 3 latent PB11 bugs, and multiple crash-path fixes. All bugs tracked via GitHub Issues with automated sync from the bug tracker markdown. TB11-01x64 fork fully synced. Originally scheduled for April — completed ~2 months ahead.

P2: Design & GUI Improvement (Feb 25 - May 31) — ▶️ ACTIVE NOW

Date

Milestone

Deliverable

Status

Feb 25

UI/UX review started

Alpha testers providing feedback on all dialogs

▶️ Active

Feb 25

Drawing type dialog added

New choice dialog for project type selection

✅ Done

Feb 25

File browser fix

Project browser shows .dwg files correctly

✅ Done

Feb 25

Drawing open workflow

vla-open ActiveX integration for existing projects

✅ Done

Apr 21

Dialog modernization

Updated DCL files with improved layouts

⬜ Planned

May 8

Code refactoring complete

Modernized LSP/DCL where needed

⬜ Planned

May 22

Documentation complete

User guide, install guide

⬜ Planned

May 31

Design Improvement Complete

v26 baseline locked

⬜ Planned

Focus: P2 is now active — several GUI improvements already shipped during alpha testing: drawing type choice dialog, file browser fix, vla-open drawing workflow, dirchk fix, and formatting refactors. Alpha testers (Tai, Terry, Dat) continue providing feedback. Originally scheduled for May — started in February, ~2 months ahead.

P3: Security, Testing & App Store Prep (May 1 - Sep 30)

Date

Milestone

Deliverable

Status

May 15

AutoCAD 2026 license active

Testing environment ready

⬜ Planned

Jun 15

Multi-version testing complete

Works on 2024, 2025, 2026

⬜ Planned

Jul 15

Security audit complete

Vulnerability scan passed

⬜ Planned

Aug 15

VLX compilation & packaging

Compile CSV.VLX from TB11 source

⬜ Planned

Sep 1

ADN Developer membership

App Store access + submission wizard

⬜ Planned

Sep 15

App Store package validated

VLX + metadata ready for upload

⬜ Planned

Sep 30

Security & Testing Complete

Ready for signing and App Store submission

⬜ Planned

P4: Final Release & Demo (Oct 1 - Dec 31)

Date

Milestone

Deliverable

Status

Oct 15

VLX signed with OV certificate

Code-signed VLX for SmartScreen trust

⬜ Planned

Nov 1

App Store submission via wizard

VLX uploaded with metadata

⬜ Planned

Nov 15

App Store review complete

Approved and listed

⬜ Planned

Dec 1

Direct download available

Website + App Store distribution

⬜ Planned

Dec 15

Owner demo complete

Handoff presentation

⬜ Planned

Dec 31

🎉 App Store Live

v26 available

⬜ Planned

2027 Q1: Web Development (Post-Revenue)

Date

Milestone

Deliverable

Jan 15

Web developer hired

Begin .js/.NET conversion

Mar 31

Web prototype

Cloud version PoC


This Week’s Progress (Feb 18-25)

📊 Source: CHANGELOG.md — Weeks 7-8: Bug Fixing Sprint, GitHub Issues, x64 Sync, GUI Improvements

Date

Accomplishment

Impact

Feb 18

Drawing type choice dialog

🏆 New project type selection workflow — GUI improvement (P2)

Feb 19

File browser fix

✅ Shows .dwg files correctly instead of .tmp

Feb 19

vla-open drawing workflow

🏆 ActiveX integration for opening existing projects

Feb 20

dirchk fix

✅ No longer blocks folders with system-like names

Feb 20

Block comment revert

#| |# not supported by AC2000 (load) — reverted to ;;

Feb 21

Bugs 1-13 fixed

🏆 VLX detection, nil guards, ssget, walline, inspanel fast path, tiltup

Feb 22

Bugs 14-15 fixed (ENAME serialization)

🏆 inspanel tiltlist.txt + tiltup index bug (latent PB11 bugs)

Feb 23

XData refactor plan created

📄 doc 33 — systematic approach to ENAME/XData filtering

Feb 23

User manual expanded

📄 Site workflow sections with step-by-step instructions

Feb 24

TB11-01x64 source sync

🏆 x64 fork synced with all x32 patches + missing inspanel.lsp

Feb 25

Bugs 16-17 fixed (savelay + layout)

🏆 Critical serialization bugs — ENAME/XData filtering + index fix

Feb 25

GitHub Issues infrastructure

🏆 17 issues created, 18 custom labels, automated sync workflow

Feb 25

WiX permanently sidelined

🏆 Autodesk App Store accepts VLX uploads directly — no MSI needed

Feb 25

P1c Integration COMPLETE

✅ 17 bugs found and fixed, all tracked via GitHub Issues

Previous Weeks (Feb 10-18)

Date

Accomplishment

Impact

Feb 18

P1c Alpha Testing ACTIVE

🏆 GUI and functionality review by GSCI engineers (Terry, Tai, Dat)

Feb 18

Installer sidelined

✅ Total Uninstall handles deployment; WiX deferred

Feb 16

v3.60 source recovery COMPLETE

🏆 12 missing modules recovered, 3 crash paths fixed

Feb 16

Path analysis of every menu click

🏆 40 menu paths + 20 toggles all tested — legacy architecture mapped

Feb 17

Win10 x64 WoW64 integration COMPLETE

🏆 AutoCAD 2000 on x64 via Wow6432Node — unsupported by Autodesk

Feb 13

Win10 32-bit: FULL STACK WORKING

🏆 AutoCAD 2000 + CV + COM automation, auto-config script

Feb 10

CV3.60 + AC2000 installed on XP, Vista, Win7

🏆 All 3 OSes pass — no UAC issues as Administrator

Feb 10

8 installer bugs cataloged with severities

🏆 Complete root cause analysis (profile detection = #1 bug)

🔍 Weeks 7-8 Key Learnings (Feb 18-25)

Critical Success: P1c Integration COMPLETE — 17 bugs fixed. Bug fixing sprint discovered and resolved 17 bugs including 2 critical serialization errors, 3 latent PB11 bugs, and multiple crash-path fixes. All tracked via GitHub Issues with automated sync. P2 (Design) is now active with several improvements already shipped.

  • 17 Bugs Fixed: Complete bug fixing sprint — VLX detection, nil guards, ssget, walline recovery, inspanel fast path, ENAME/XData serialization, tiltup/layout index bugs. See 32-tb11-bug-tracker

  • GitHub Issues Infrastructure: 17 issues created with 18 custom labels (severity, autolisp, serialization, version, build, arch, phase). Automated sync workflow pushes bug tracker updates to GitHub Issues.

  • WiX Permanently Sidelined: Autodesk App Store accepts compiled VLX uploads directly with a wizard-based submission process. No standalone MSI installer needed — saves significant time and budget.

  • Win11 Compatibility Confirmed: Win10 x64 is compatible with Win11 x64 — no additional work required for Windows 11 support.

  • TB11-01x64 Fully Synced: x64 fork updated with all x32 patches including missing inspanel.lsp.

  • P2 Design Already Active: Drawing type dialog, file browser fix, vla-open workflow, dirchk fix, and formatting refactors all shipped during alpha testing.

  • Next Steps: Continue P2 GUI improvements based on alpha feedback → input/output validation → code refactoring

🔍 Week 6 Key Learnings (Feb 16-18)

Critical Success: Project is ~2 months ahead of schedule. P1c (Integration & Bug Fixing) and P2 (GUI Review) were scheduled for April-May but both phases are active or imminent in February. All 5 OS platforms validated. All crash paths fixed. Alpha testing running.

  • Path Analysis Complete: Every menu click (40 paths + 20 panel property toggles) tested end-to-end — revealed 3 crash bugs (all fixed) and fully documented legacy architecture (menu → LSP → DCL mapping)

  • NanoCAD is a Dead End: NanoCAD doesn’t support menugroup, VLX/ARX loading, or COM automation. Only basic LSP works. Not viable as an alternative CAD platform for ConstructiVision.

  • WoW64 Integration is a Win: AutoCAD 2000 on Win10 x64 works by copying registry keys to Wow6432Node. Autodesk does NOT support this path, but it’s fully functional. This was a novel approach — no documentation exists for it.

  • Installer Not Needed Yet: Total Uninstall fully handles install/remove across VMs. WiX installer deferred to end of security phase — focus now shifts to product quality.

  • Alpha Testing Active: GSCI engineers (Terry, Tai, Dat) doing GUI and functionality review. Input/output validation begins next — verify drawings, panel books, calculations produce correct results.


2026 Budget

Development Infrastructure (Monthly)

Item

Monthly

Annual

Status

GitHub Enterprise

$21

$252

Active

GitHub Copilot+

$39

$468

Active

AWS Hosting (website)

~$50

~$600

Active

Subtotal

$110

$1,320

Software & Licensing

Item

Cost

Date Needed

Status

Notes

AutoCAD 2026 License

$1,865

Jun 2026

Pending

Required for P3 testing

Autodesk Dev Network

$500

Sep 2026

Pending

App Store access

Code Signing (OV)

$200/yr

Q2 2026

Pending

Sectigo - builds SmartScreen reputation

Code Signing (EV)

$400/yr

Nov 2026

Optional

Instant SmartScreen trust, hardware token

Subtotal

$2,565 - $2,965

💡 Installer Tool Decision Update (Feb 25, 2026): WiX Toolset 4.x permanently sidelined. Autodesk App Store accepts compiled VLX uploads directly with a wizard-based submission process — no standalone MSI installer needed. This eliminates the WiX learning curve and development time entirely. See installer-modernization-decision.md for original analysis. (archived)

Code Signing Options Explained

Type

Cost/Year

SmartScreen Behavior

Notes

Unsigned

$0

⚠️ “Windows protected your PC” warning

OK for beta/pilot

OV (Organization Validation)

~$200

⚠️ Warning initially, builds reputation over downloads

Recommended for GA

EV (Extended Validation)

~$400

✅ Instant trust, no warnings

Requires hardware token

Staffing (2027 Q1 — Post-Revenue)

Role

Monthly

Months

Total

Status

Web Developer (Contract)

$8,000

3

$24,000

Planned Q1 2027

💡 Rationale: Defer web developer hiring until Q1 2027 to realize sales revenue from App Store launch (Dec 2026) before committing to new hires.

Training & Professional Development (Paid Only)

📘 Full training plan: See skill-development.md for complete learning roadmap including free resources.

Item

Provider

Cost

Timeline

Status

Pluralsight: WiX Fundamentals

Pluralsight

$29

P1B

❌ Not Needed

Autodesk Certified Professional

Autodesk

$300

Sep 2026

⬜ Optional

AWS Solutions Architect Assoc.

AWS

$150

Q1 2027

⬜ Optional

GitHub Actions Certification

GitHub

$99

Mar 2026

⬜ Optional

Autodesk University (virtual)

Autodesk

~$99

Nov 2026

⬜ Planned

Budgeted Training: $0 required + $549 optional = $0 - $549

2026 Total Budget

Category

Amount

Notes

Infrastructure

$1,320

GitHub, AWS hosting

Software/Licensing

$2,565-2,965

AutoCAD, ADN, code signing

Installer Tools

$0

WiX Toolset is FREE ✅

Training (paid only)

$0-549

See skill-development.md

2026 Total

$3,885 - $4,834

💰 Cost Savings: Choosing WiX over InstallShield 12 saves $300-500 upfront. Choosing OV over EV code signing saves $200/year while still providing signed installers.

2027 Deferred

Amount

Web Developer (Q1 2027)

$24,000


Risk Register

#

Risk

Phase

Prob

Impact

Residual

Mitigation

Status

R1

Source parity gap (missing code)

P1

🔵

12 modules recovered from v3.60; 3 crash paths fixed

Resolved

R2

VLX decompilation impossible

P1

🔵

All 93 LSP source files now on disk

✅ Mitigated

R3

Build artifacts lost

P0

🔵

v3.60 + v11 archived and documented

✅ Mitigated

R4

Legacy installer unrecoverable

P1

🔵

setup.rul fully decompiled and analyzed

✅ Mitigated

R5

InstallShield rebuild fails

P1

🔵

Bypassed — proceeding directly to WiX

✅ Bypassed

R6

VLX won’t recompile

P1

🟢

🔴

🟢

All 93 LSP files available; CSV.VLX works as-is

⏳ Active

R7

WiX learning curve

P3

🔵

Bypassed — Autodesk App Store accepts VLX directly; no MSI needed

✅ Bypassed

R8

Windows compatibility issues

P1

🟢

XP/Vista/Win7/Win10x32/Win10x64 all validated; Win10x64 = Win11x64

Resolved

R9

UI/UX review reveals major gaps

P2

🟡

🟡

🟢

Alpha testing providing early feedback; budget buffer

▶️ Active

R10

Code refactoring breaks workflows

P2

🟡

🔴

🟡

Regression tests before refactor

🔜 Planned

R11

Documentation scope creep

P2

🟡

🟢

🟢

Prioritize install/user guides first

🔜 Planned

R12

ARX incompatible w/ modern AutoCAD

P3

🟡

🔴

🟡

Test early; may remove dependency

⚠️ Open

R13

AutoCAD 2026 API changes

P3

🟡

🟡

🟢

ADN support; test multiple versions

🔜 Planned

R14

App Store VLX packaging

P4

🟢

🟡

🟢

Autodesk wizard handles packaging; follow samples

🔜 Planned

R15

App Store security rejection

P4

🟡

🔴

🟡

EV cert; compliance checklist

🔜 Planned

R16

Web developer hiring delay

2027

🟢

🟡

🟢

Start recruiting Q4 2026; have backup

🔜 Planned

R17

Solo developer burnout

All

🟡

🔴

🟡

Phased approach; realistic pace; ahead of schedule

⏳ Active

R18

NanoCAD incompatible

P1

🔵

FAILED — no menugroup/VLX/COM support; AutoCAD-only path

Closed

Top 3 Risks to Monitor:

  1. R12 ARX incompatible w/ modern AutoCAD — csv.arx already fails on AC2000; need testing with modern versions

  2. R9 UI/UX review reveals major gaps — alpha testers now providing early feedback

  3. R17 Solo developer burnout — mitigated by being ~2 months ahead of schedule

Resolved (Feb 16-18): R1 (Source parity gap) — 12 modules recovered from v3.60. R8 (Windows compatibility) — all 5 OS platforms validated including Win10 x64 via WoW64; Win10 x64 is compatible with Win11 x64. R18 (NanoCAD) — attempted and failed, AutoCAD-only path confirmed.

Bypassed (Feb 25): R7 (WiX learning curve) — Autodesk App Store accepts compiled VLX uploads directly with a wizard. No standalone MSI installer needed.


Technical Findings: v3.60 vs v7.0 Comparison

Component

v3.60 (Legacy)

v7.0 (Current)

Gap Analysis

LSP Files

~60* (in CAB)

77

v7.0 has 17+ new modules

DCL Files

~35* (in CAB)

43

v7.0 adds 8+ dialogs

Menu Files

4 (.mnu)

5 (.cui) ✅

v7.0 uses modern format

VLX Compiled

1

1

Need recompile from LSP

ARX Binary

2 ⚠️

2 ⚠️

No C++ source either version

Installer

✅ InstallShield

❌ NONE

🔴 Critical gap

Lines (Inst.)

4,163

0

Reverse-engineered

* File counts inside CAB archives are estimates until full extraction

v3.60 Installer Bugs (Root Cause Analysis)

Bug

Severity

Root Cause

Fix Approach

User Profile detection failure

🔴 Critical

Writes to .DEFAULT/S-1-5-18 instead of HKCU

Write to proper HKCU profile

UAC file rename hack

🟢 Low

Works as Administrator; blocks standard users

Replace with process check (for non-admin)

(load "csvmenu") broken

🟡 High

Readme command doesn’t work in AC2000

Fix LISP load or automate _appload

csv.arx incompatible

🟡 Medium

ARX compiled for wrong AC version

Recompile or remove if VLX sufficient

Version key mismatch (3.2 vs 3.60)

🟡 Medium

InstallShield script never updated

Fix version constant

acad.exe crash on Vista/Win7

🟡 Medium

Menu compilation triggers crash

Pre-compile menus or skip launch

LOADCTRLS downgrade

🟡 Medium

Changes demand-load behavior

Investigate intent; preserve if needed

LocalServer32 path corruption

🟡 Low

Forward slashes in COM path

Preserve original path format

isDcc output won’t compile

🔴 Critical

Bytecode-level decompilation

Use wizard approach instead

Nero Study Findings (Feb 9):

  • isDcc Limitation: Generates bytecode-level code (10,031 lines Nero, 4,163 lines CV) that won’t compile

  • Workaround: InstallShield wizard generates clean 606-line .rul that compiles successfully

  • Decision: Rebuild CV installer using wizard approach; each OS needs targeted build OR migrate to WiX

Multi-OS Testing Findings (Feb 10-18):

  • CV3.60 installs on XP, Vista, AND Win7 — no UAC issues when logged in as Administrator

  • Win10 32-bit: Full stack working — AutoCAD 2000 + CV + COM automation + auto-config script

  • Win10 64-bit: Full stack working — AutoCAD 2000 running via WoW64 with Wow6432Node registry fix (103 CLSIDs, 104 Interfaces, 6 ProgIDs). Autodesk does NOT support this path — novel approach with no existing documentation, but fully functional.

  • NanoCAD integration FAILED — NanoCAD doesn’t support menugroup, VLX/ARX loading, or COM automation. Only basic LSP works. Decision: AutoCAD-only path going forward.

  • v3.60 source recovery COMPLETE — 12 modules recovered, 3 crash paths fixed, TB11-01x32 deployed

  • Path analysis of every menu click — 40 menu-level paths + 20 panel property toggles tested end-to-end, documenting legacy architecture (menu → LSP → DCL)

  • 8 bugs cataloged — see CV360-Installation-Analysis.md

  • 41 files + exact registry spec — complete v11 installer blueprint

  • All 5 OS platforms validated — XP, Vista, Win7, Win10x32, Win10x64

v26 Target Build Strategy

Component

Approach

Priority

Status

Source Code

Build from v11 LSP/DCL (TB11-01x32)

P1c

🟢 93 modules on disk, 20/20 toggles working

Installation

Total Uninstall (VM deployment)

P1c

✅ Working — install/remove across VMs

Installer

WiX ToolsetNOT NEEDED

❌ Autodesk App Store accepts VLX directly

App Store Package

VLX direct upload via wizard

P4

🔜 Planned

Web Version

AutoLISP → .js/.NET

2027

⏳ Deferred

Why different installer? InstallShield 5.x / WiXAutodesk App Store VLX upload: InstallShield 5.x was:

  • ❌ No longer supported (20+ years old)

  • ❌ Not code-signable for modern Windows

  • ❌ Blocked by SmartScreen/Defender

  • ❌ Not compatible with Autodesk App Store


Project Charter

Last Updated: February 25, 2026 | Prepared by: Chad Weidert


Guiding Principles

  1. Prefer preservation over reinvention — Source recovery successful

  2. Minimize risky rewrites — Installer rebuild, not LSP rewrite

  3. Automate verification early — Regression tests in sprint weeks 4-5

  4. Phased approach reduces risk — Analysis → Integration → Design → App Store


Project Overview

Modernize ConstructiVision from legacy Windows/AutoCAD platforms to modern systems. Create a distributable product for Windows 7-11 and AutoCAD R14-2026, with a path to Autodesk App Store distribution.


Product Goals

Goal

Target

Status

Install on modern Windows

Win XP through Win 11

✅ XP/Vista/Win7/Win10x32/Win10x64 validated; x64 = Win11

Run on modern AutoCAD

R14 through 2026

🟡 AC2000 validated on x32+x64 via WoW64; modern AC pending

NanoCAD as alt platform

Free alternative to AutoCAD

❌ FAILED — no menugroup/VLX/COM support; AutoCAD-only path

Preserve critical workflows

Panel book, calcs, reports

▶️ 17 bugs fixed; alpha testing active — I/O validation next

Cloud subscription path

App Store distribution

🔜 P4 (Q4)

AI form automation

Future enhancement

⬜ 2027+


Scope

In-Scope (2026):

  • Q1: Installer rebuild + WiX migration → Alpha testing, bug fixing ✅ 17 bugs fixed (~2 months ahead)

  • Q1-Q2: GUI improvements based on alpha tester feedback ▶️ Active — several improvements shipped

  • Q2-Q3: Modern AutoCAD compatibility, code signing

  • Q3: WiX installer developmentNOT NEEDED — Autodesk App Store accepts VLX directly

  • Q4: App Store submission via wizard, World of Concrete demo

Out-of-Scope (2026):

  • Net-new features unrelated to modernization

  • Full module rewrites (use compatibility shims)

  • Web deployment (deferred to 2027)


Success Criteria

Category

Criterion

Target

Technical

Install success rate

>95% on Win 10/11

Technical

AutoCAD versions

R14 through 2026

Product

Onboarding time

<60 minutes

Commercial

Distribution

App Store + direct download


Documentation Index

Document

Purpose

01-portfolio-inventory

File inventory and gap analysis

02-architecture-target-state

Technical architecture

03-phase-plan-p0-p5

Detailed phase breakdown

04-2026-timeline-weekly

Week-by-week schedule

05-risk-register

Full risk register

06-testing-validation

Testing strategy

07-release-and-distribution

Distribution channels

08-demo-plan

White Cap & WOC demos

09-ai-enhancements

AI roadmap (2027+)

10-milestones-dashboard

Milestone tracking

11-weekly-updates

Weekly status updates

12-installer-modernization (archived)

Installer impact analysis

26-v360-source-recovery

v3.60 source file recovery

27-vm109-x64-registry-fix (sensitive)

Win10 x64 COM registry fix

28-tb11-01x32-architecture

TB11-01x32 architecture & registry

29-tb11-01x64-architecture

TB11-01x64 architecture & x64 fork

installer-rebuild-sprint (archived)

Current sprint plan

installer-decision (archived)

WiX decision rationale

skill-development

Learning roadmap