How to Launch AutoCAD 2008

AutoCAD Stand-Alone Installation Guide > Quick Start to Stand-Alone Installation > How to Install and Run AutoCAD >

Assuming that you've followed all of the previous steps outlined in this Quick Start section, you can launch AutoCAD and start taking advantage of its new and updated features. For more information about the new features, see the New Features Workshop when you launch the product.

You can start AutoCAD in the following ways:

Desktop shortcut icon. When you install AutoCAD, an AutoCAD 2008 shortcut icon is placed on your desktop unless you cleared that option during installation. Double-click the AutoCAD 2008 icon to start AutoCAD.
Start menu. On the Start menu (Windows), click All Programs (or Programs) Autodesk AutoCAD 2008 AutoCAD 2008.
Location where AutoCAD is installed. If you have administrative permissions, you can run AutoCAD in the location where you installed it. If you are a limited-rights user, you must run AutoCAD from the Start menu or from the desktop shortcut icon. If you want to create a custom shortcut, make sure that the Start In directory for the shortcut points to a directory where you have write permissions.