Target Architecture (Modern Windows + Modern AutoCAD)¶
Last Updated: February 13, 2026
Status: Architecture validated | Gap analysis COMPLETE | WiX development NOW ACTIVE
Note: This plan reflects actual analysis of v3.60 installer and v7.0(patch) source files (Jan 13-20), multi-OS installation testing (Feb 10), Win10 32-bit full stack validation (Feb 13), and manual v11 installation success (Feb 13). P1 InstallShield sprint ABORTED Feb 13 — proceeding directly to WiX.
Goal¶
Create a 2026-compatible delivery that:
Runs on modern Windows natively (Windows 7 through Windows 11)
Loads reliably in modern AutoCAD (R14 through AutoCAD 2026)
Is distributable and upgradable via multiple channels
Leaves clear seams for cloud + AI integration
Current State (Validated Feb 13, 2026)¶
Based on inventory analysis and Win10 testing:
Component |
Status |
Files |
Architecture Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
LSP Source |
✅ Complete |
77 files |
Core business logic, fully readable |
DCL Dialogs |
✅ Complete |
43 files |
UI definitions, portable across versions |
Menu System |
✅ Complete |
5 files |
Both classic (mnu) and modern (cui) |
VLX Package |
✅ Validated |
1 file |
Works on Win10x32 without recompilation |
ARX Extensions |
⚠️ Non-critical |
2 files |
csv.arx fails (Bug 4) but CV works without it |
Installer |
✅ Bypassed |
setup.rul |
P1 sprint aborted; WiX NOW ACTIVE |
File Deployment |
✅ Validated |
152 files |
Total Uninstall inventory (5.5 MB) |
Auto-Config |
✅ Created |
PowerShell |
|
Version Comparison: v3.60 vs v11.0 (Feb 12, 2026)¶
Based on diff study comparing XP-TEST (v3.60) and XP-CV-V11 (v11.0):
Aspect |
v3.60 |
v11.0 |
Implication |
|---|---|---|---|
Install Location |
Inside ACAD2000 |
Standalone folder |
Fresh install required for upgrade |
Architecture |
Monolithic (14 files) |
Modular (100+ files) |
More maintainable |
File Count |
~11 MB |
~615 MB |
Significantly expanded |
Manual Format |
RTF (7.8 MB) |
PDF (882 KB) |
More compact documentation |
Menu System |
MNU format |
CUI format |
AutoCAD 2006+ compatible |
Key Finding: v11.0 moved ConstructiVision to C:\Program Files\ConstructiVision\ (standalone) from C:\Program Files\ACAD2000\ConstructiVision\ (v3.60). This architectural change means:
Fresh install required (cannot upgrade in-place)
Configuration migration needed
Better isolation from AutoCAD
See: installer-testing/XP-CV-3.6-to-11-Diff-Study/ (archived)
Proposed Target Shape¶
Phase 1: Legacy Desktop ✅ BYPASSED (P1 Sprint Aborted Feb 13)¶
Original Plan: Rebuild InstallShield installer from setup.rul
Decision (Feb 13): P1 InstallShield sprint ABORTED — low ROI, proceed directly to WiX
Reason: Win10 compatibility validated through manual installation + auto-config script. Rebuilding legacy InstallShield 5.x provides no value over modern WiX MSI.
What Works Now (Manual Install + Auto-Config):
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ v11 XCopy (152 files, 5.5 MB) + PowerShell Script │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 1. Copy v11 files to C:\Program Files\ConstructiVision\ │
│ 2. Run Configure-ConstructiVision.ps1 │
│ - Adds CV folder to AutoCAD support path │
│ - Configures Startup Suite (csvmenu.lsp, csv.vlx) │
│ 3. Restart AutoCAD → CV menu loads automatically │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Validated Platforms (Feb 13):
✅ Windows XP SP3 + AutoCAD 2000
✅ Windows Vista + AutoCAD 2000
✅ Windows 7 + AutoCAD 2000
✅ Windows 10 32-bit + AutoCAD 2000 + COM automation
⚠️ Windows 10 64-bit: AC2000 runs, CV works, but COM fails (needs 64-bit AutoCAD)
Phase 2: Modern Desktop (WiX Target: Mar 31, 2026) 🚧 NOW ACTIVE¶
Status (Feb 13): WiX development STARTING. Foundation work begins immediately.
MSI Installer Architecture:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ WiX Toolset 4.x │
│ (MSI Installer) │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Features: │
│ • File deployment (152 files from v11 inventory) │
│ • Post-install: Configure-ConstructiVision.ps1 │
│ • AutoCAD prerequisite detection │
│ • Windows Restart Manager integration │
│ • OV/EV code signed for SmartScreen trust │
│ • Group Policy / SCCM compatible │
│ • Clean uninstall support │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
WiX Development Schedule (Feb 13 - Mar 31):
Week 9 (Feb 13-20): WiX foundation, import file list
Week 10 (Feb 20-27): Core functionality, auto-config integration
Week 11 (Feb 27-Mar 6): Uninstall, code signing, error handling
Week 12 (Mar 6-13): 64-bit AutoCAD purchase and testing
Week 13 (Mar 13-20): Alpha/beta testing with internal resources
Week 14 (Mar 20-31): Polish, docs, GA release
Phase 3: Modern AutoCAD (Target: Q3 2026)¶
Plugin Bundle Architecture (.bundle format):
ConstructiVision.bundle/
├── PackageContents.xml # Autodesk manifest
├── Contents/
│ ├── csv.vlx # Compiled LISP
│ ├── pcms.arx # ARX extension (if compatible)
│ ├── *.dcl # Dialog files
│ └── Resources/
│ ├── Fonts/
│ ├── Plot Styles/
│ └── Templates/
└── Icons/
└── cv_logo.png
Benefits of .bundle format:
Auto-discovery by AutoCAD (no acad.rx editing)
Autodesk App Store compatible
Version management built-in
Clean uninstall guaranteed
Local (desktop) components¶
AutoCAD plug-in bundle (recommended packaging for modern AutoCAD)
77 LISP modules compiled to VLX
43 DCL dialog definitions
Menu integration (csv.cui for AutoCAD 2006+, csv.mnu for legacy)
Compiled extensions (binary compatibility required)
Visual LISP (
csv.vlx) rebuilt from LSP source ✅ARX extensions (
pcms.arx,CSV.ARX) - binary, test compatibility ⚠️
Cloud / subscription components (P4)¶
Minimal web service to support:
License entitlements / user org mapping
Template distribution / versioning
Project artifact storage (panel books, exports)
Telemetry (opt-in) + support diagnostics
Web deployment components (P5) 🆕¶
Three architectural options for web-based access:
Option |
Architecture |
Use Case |
|---|---|---|
JavaScript |
Browser-based utilities |
Form fillers, calculators, no AutoCAD needed |
APS Design Automation |
Headless AutoCAD API |
Heavy CAD processing, full automation |
.NET Web API |
Backend services |
Report generation, data services |
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Web Architecture (P5) │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────┐ │
│ │ Browser │ │ APS │ │ .NET │ │
│ │ (JS/TS) │ │ Design │ │ Web API │ │
│ │ │ │ Automation │ │ │ │
│ └──────┬──────┘ └──────┬──────┘ └──────┬──────┘ │
│ │ │ │ │
│ └────────────────┬┴─────────────────┘ │
│ ↓ │
│ ┌───────────────────────┐ │
│ │ Shared Data Layer │ │
│ │ (Project Storage) │ │
│ └───────────────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
AI components (P5)¶
“Assist” services that:
Auto-fill forms (complaints, submittals, job notes) from structured inputs
Generate a panel book package from validated data + templates
Produce integrated test outputs (traceable evidence)
Compatibility Matrix (Validated Targets)¶
Operating System Support (Validated Feb 13, 2026)¶
OS |
Priority |
Support Level |
Status |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Windows XP SP3 |
P3 |
Legacy only |
✅ Validated |
InstallShield or manual install |
Windows Vista |
P4 |
Legacy only |
✅ Validated |
Works as Administrator |
Windows 7 |
P2 |
Full |
✅ Validated |
Minor BHF bug (non-blocking) |
Windows 10 32-bit |
P1 |
Full |
✅ Validated |
Full stack + COM automation |
Windows 10 64-bit |
P1 |
Partial |
⚠️ COM fails |
AC2000 runs, CV works, needs 64-bit AutoCAD for COM |
Windows 11 |
P1 |
Expected |
⏳ TBD |
Expected to work (64-bit only) |
AutoCAD Version Support¶
AutoCAD |
Architecture |
VLX Support |
Menu Format |
Priority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
R14, 2000-2006 |
32-bit |
Original |
.mnu |
P2 |
2007-2009 |
32-bit |
Compatible |
.mnu/.cui |
P2 |
2010-2013 |
32-bit & 64-bit |
Test both |
.cui |
P2 |
2014-2026 |
64-bit only |
May need rebuild |
.cui |
P1 |
Security & Distribution Architecture¶
Code Signing Requirements¶
Phase |
Requirement |
Certificate Type |
Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
P1 (Sprint) |
Optional |
Standard |
$200-400/yr |
P1B (WiX) |
Recommended |
EV |
$400-700/yr |
P3 (App Store) |
Required |
EV |
$400-700/yr |
Recommended Vendors: DigiCert, Sectigo, Certum
Distribution Channels¶
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Distribution Architecture │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────┐ │
│ │ Direct │ │ Autodesk │ │ VM │ │
│ │ Download │ │ App Store │ │ Access │ │
│ │ (MSI) │ │ (.bundle) │ │ (Legacy) │ │
│ └──────┬──────┘ └──────┬──────┘ └──────┬──────┘ │
│ │ │ │ │
│ Full control 30% revenue Beta only │
│ No share Wider reach Retire P1B │
│ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Autodesk Developer Network (ADN)¶
Tier |
Cost/Year |
Benefits |
When Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
Developer |
~$500 |
App Store access, basic support |
P3 |
Partner |
$2K-10K |
Early SDK, co-marketing |
P4+ (optional) |
Observability & Support¶
Minimum instrumentation for supportability:
Local log file (versioned, rotating)
“Export diagnostics” button (zips logs + environment data)
Build metadata embedded (version, git commit, build timestamp, feature flags)
Enhanced for modern deployment:
Crash reporting (opt-in)
Update check mechanism
License status indicator
AutoCAD version detection and compatibility warning
Design Seam Architecture¶
We treat the legacy codebase as modular components with defined interfaces:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Component Layers │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ UI Layer (Replaceable) │ │
│ │ • DCL dialogs (43 files) - adapt for modern │ │
│ │ • Menu system (mnu/cui) - use cui for modern │ │
│ │ • Command interface - stable │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ ↓ │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ Core Logic (Keep) │ │
│ │ • 77 LSP modules - business logic │ │
│ │ • Calculation engines │ │
│ │ • Panel/column/footing design │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ ↓ │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ I/O Layer (Verify) │ │
│ │ • DWG read/write via AutoCAD API │ │
│ │ • Report generation │ │
│ │ • File import/export │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ ↓ │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ Platform Layer (Replace) │ │
│ │ • Installer (InstallShield → WiX → .bundle) │ │
│ │ • Build tooling (VLIDE automation) │ │
│ │ • Distribution (direct → App Store) │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Key principle: If we must recreate parts, we do it behind stable interfaces so we can swap implementations without redoing everything.
ARX Binary Status ✅ RESOLVED¶
Since pcms.arx and CSV.ARX are binary-only (no C++ source):
Feb 13 Finding: csv.arx fails to load (Bug 4) but ConstructiVision works perfectly without it. ARX dependency is non-critical.
Strategy |
Status |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
Use as-is |
❌ Fails |
csv.arx throws error on load |
Remove dependency |
✅ Working |
CV operates normally without ARX |
Recreate |
Not needed |
Core functionality unaffected |
Decision: Accept ARX as non-functional. Document any missing features (TBD). Lower priority than WiX development.