What's still outstanding
Two things I can't do for you, because both need things only you can provide:
- AutoCAD & SolidWorks — licensed to you, not to the computer. You sign in and release them yourself. (Part 1.)
- Your business email + Google Workspace — nothing migrated yet. I need your domain and a few logins first. (Part 2.)
Part 2 is the one holding everything up.
PART 1 — Moving AutoCAD & SolidWorksGetting your two programs onto the new machine
⚠ Read this first
The old computer must not be wiped, reinstalled or repaired until SolidWorks has been deactivated off it.
SolidWorks locks itself to the machine it's installed on. If that PC gets reformatted with the licence still on it, the activation goes with it — and it's a call to your reseller to get it manually released. Two minutes now saves that headache.
1. SolidWorks — release it from the OLD computer
Do this while the old computer still works and is connected to the internet.
- Open SolidWorks on the old computer.
- Help → Deactivate Licenses…
- Tick your licence, click Deactivate.
- Choose Automatically over the Internet → Next → Finish.
- Confirm it reports the licence returned. It's now free for the new PC.
While you're in there — grab your serial number
Help → About SolidWorks. Write it down or photograph it. You'll need it to install on the new machine.
2. SolidWorks — install it on the NEW computer
- Go to customerportal.solidworks.com and sign in.
- Download the installer for the version your subscription covers.
- Run it and enter the same serial number.
- Activate over the internet. Done.
Your reseller will walk you through this on the phone — it's routine for them.
3. AutoCAD — sign out on the OLD computer
Tied to your Autodesk account, not the machine. Allowed on more than one computer, but only signed in on one at a time.
- Open AutoCAD on the old computer.
- Click your name / account icon, top right.
- Sign Out.
4. AutoCAD — install it on the NEW computer
- Go to accounts.autodesk.com and sign in.
- Products & Services → All Products & Services → AutoCAD → Download.
- Install, open, and sign in with the same Autodesk details.
- It picks up your subscription automatically. Done.
If something goes wrong
- SolidWorks won't activate — the old activation wasn't released. Ring your reseller; they can force-release it.
- Old computer won't boot — same fix, same phone call.
- Forgotten password — use "forgot password" before you sign out of anything.
- Anything else — call me. 021 161 4366.
PART 2 — Your email & Google WorkspaceWhat unlocks the whole setup
1. Your domain — the one thing holding everything up
The domain is the piece I can't do for you — it needs to be in your name and on your card.
Once it's bought and I have the login for wherever you bought it, I can build everything else remotely. You don't need to be involved, and it doesn't need to happen on your new computer. I set it up, give you a password, you log in and change it to whatever you like.
Do you want us to assist you in buying your domains?
More than happy to take care of it for you — just say the word.
2. Confirm these two things
- New brand name is Northern Custom Pools — correct?
- Your existing vibco.co.nz — I'll bring it into the same Workspace so your VIBCO email keeps working, just upgraded off the old system. Good?
3. The logins I need
The confidentiality agreement is already signed, so you're fine to hand these over.
| What | What it's for |
|---|
| Registrar login for the new domain(s) | To point them at your new email — once bought |
| Your 1st Domains login | Your existing vibco.co.nz |
| Your graham@vibco.co.nz mailbox password | To migrate your existing email across |
| Your Microsoft account login | To confirm your Office licence — so you're not paying twice |
| Old Xtra email login | Only if you still use it |
You do NOT need to send your AutoCAD or SolidWorks logins — those are Part 1, and you handle them yourself.
4. Your Google listing — four questions
I can't find a Google listing or a single review for VIBCO anywhere, so this is a clean start. Before I set one up fresh, a few things only you'll know:
- Has anyone ever set up or claimed a Google listing for the business? Under which email address?
- Any old Google accounts tied to the business — a Gmail, or an old "Google Workspace" / "Google Business" subscription?
- Did whoever built the old website set up a Google map, or anything else billing to a Google account? Just their name is plenty.
- Some directories still list VIBCO at 26 Neil Park Drive, East Tamaki rather than Mangawhai. Was the business based there, or did you take it over from someone? There may be an old listing stranded at that address worth claiming.
Your checklist
- Deactivate SolidWorks on the old computer — before it goes anywhere
- Photograph the SolidWorks serial number (Help → About SolidWorks)
- Sign out of AutoCAD on the old computer
- Buy your domains — or tell me you'd like a hand with it
- Send me the registrar login once they're bought
- Send through the logins in the table above
- Answer the four Google listing questions
- Install AutoCAD and SolidWorks on the new PC (Part 1, steps 2 & 4)