Civil 3D install and initialize process (WisDOT only)

Last updated: 2025-12-10

WisDOT only: This topic is for internal WisDOT users only.

Total video time: 3:16
Warning:

If, for any reason, any of the process does not complete all the way through to the end of the defined process, contact CAE Support. Do not restart the process from the beginning.

VERIFY BEFORE CONTINUING: If installing multiple versions of Civil 3D, install order matters. Install Civil 3D in version order. If a previous version of Civil 3D is needed after a more recent version has already been installed, the more recent version must be uninstalled before installing the previous version. Installing in the reverse order damages the Civil 3D installs severely, likely leading to a machine reimage.

VERIFY BEFORE CONTINUING: User should request the following installs through the DOT IT Service Portal:

  • New and rebuilt devices
  • Devices without a version of Civil 3D installed

Devices that fail to install Civil 3D using Software Center, described in this section, will need to contact IT support staff so they can install Civil 3D from the local distribution point.

Civil 3D Software Center installation

All devices that currently have a version of Civil 3D installed, can use Software Center to install the latest WisDOT version of Civil 3D. This can be done by the user without assistance from IT support staff.

Prepare for the installation

  1. Close any important work prior to following the rest of these instruction. The final process for the install requires Windows to restart. There is not much time to save work once you receive the Windows restart warning message. The install is expected to take up to 30-45 minutes, depending on network connection speed.

  2. Reboot your computer. Reboot your computer before attempting an installation of Civil 3D. This assures there are no other pending reboots from other application installs or updates.

fil-sftwr-mgt-wisdot-c3d-instl-01.mp4 1:42

Begin installation

  1. Open the Software Center
    1. From the Windows Search Bar, Type Software Center
    2. or Start > Microsoft System Center > Software Center
    3. In the Software Center Applications, select Civil 3D 20XX

    4. Install

  2. Civil 3D 20XX will begin to install.
    1. At first it will download the Civil 3D package. This might sit at 0% for some time, even though it is working.
    2. Once the download is complete, the installation process will begin. This is estimated to take 30-60 minutes.
  3. The final step of the installation process requires Windows to be restarted. A warning message will appear briefly to notify you Windows will restart. Please allow the restart to occur.
  4. After the restart, installation can be verified in the log file.
    1. In File Explorer, navigate to C:\tagfiles\Civil 3D 20XX.log and open it.
    2. Scroll towards the bottom of the file. Look for the string "Should report to SCCM as success." This indicates a successful installation.

  5. If Software Center indicates that the installation has failed, restart your computer and retry the installation in Software Center. If it still fails, contact the IT Service Desk.

BITS staff will need to review their own application installation documentation to install the Autodesk Civil 3D application.

Information about how to initialize the WisDOT add-on configuration is provided here in full detail for the user to perform. The initialization and configuration processes are automated with group policies and an update app that is all included in the Civil 3D installation package.

The IT staff performing the Civil 3D installation have no post install processes that need to be completed.

fil-sftwr-mgt-wisdot-c3d-instl-02.mp4 1:34

  1. Requirement: This process requires the device to be connected in a DOT office (recommended) or connected remotely through VPN.

  2. After the computer has restarted, log in as the intended Civil 3D user.

  3. A short time after the desktop is displayed, the Update WisDOT Civil 3D system tray application will display a notification. A browser with these instructions will also open.

    1. Tip: Drag the icon from the hidden icons area onto the taskbar so it is visible at all times.

    2. Set up Civil 3D by Right-click Civil 3D Update icon > Run Update

  4. Civil 3D will initialize for the first time.

  5. WisDOT standards files will be downloaded and installed to the computer. Do not interrupt. A notification will appear when the configuration is complete.

  6. Verify that the Civil 3D 20XX WisDOT icon exists on the desktop.

  7. Open Civil 3D by double clicking the Civil 3D 20XX WisDOT icon. If Civil 3D does not launch, apply group policies. From the Windows search bar, type gpudpate /force Enter.

  8. You will be prompted twice to sign in using WisDOT e-mail and password.

  9. When asked if you would like to stay signed in, check the "Don't show this again" box and click Yes.

  10. Click Go to product and you will be redirected back to Civil 3D.

  11. If you receive the following dialog box, select Always reassociate DWG files with AutoCAD.

  12. Once Civil 3D opens, verify that the WisDOT ribbon is loaded in the workspace. Civil 3D 20XX opens at the Start tab so a dwg must be opened first to see the ribbon. Start tab > New > design-start.dwt.

  13. When the first drawing is opened, a welcome message may appear. Click Don't show this again.

  14. There will be a notification to restart Civil 3D so WisDOT system variables can be initialized. Click the provided link to exit Civil 3D.

  15. Civil 3D is now ready to use.

  • The Update WisDOT Civil 3D application will check for updates at each login and every 4 hours.

    Right-click Civil 3D Update icon > Check Now will manually check for updates at any time.

  • Right-click Civil 3D Update icon > Settings > Reset Profile on Update will reset the Civil 3D user profile when running an update.

  • Right-click Civil 3D Update icon > Help > Reset Civil 3D will reset Civil 3D to factory defaults and re-install the WisDOT Civil 3D configuration.

Configuration is complete. Contact CAE Support for any questions.

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