How to configure and get started with Vault

Autodesk Support

Feb 11, 2025

Products and versions covered

Issue:

How to best setup and implement/install Vault Server and Client, along with Inventor or AutoCAD? Who can help with implementation for new Vault environments? 

Solution:

Installing and configuring Autodesk Vault can be complicated and daunting if you are new to this product. A new or inexperienced user can install and configure Vault, but they will probably encounter multiple hurdles before discovering what works and what doesn't. The steep learning curve could be expensive for them. Our Autodesk Partners have a wealth of experience installing and configuring Vault. Invariably they will charge for this service; but it will be money well spent. To find a partner use the PARTNER LOCATOR.

If you do decide to "go it alone", (which is not something that Autodesk recommends) the Online Vault Help and the System requirements for Autodesk Vault products are invaluable resources for Vault users at any level.

Note: The following steps refer to implementing Vault Basic Edition. Vault Professional has significantly more functionality. 

Before setting out on the Vault journey, It is recommended to perform the following steps:

  1. Understand that Vault is a Client and Server solution:
  2. Download the software from the Autodesk Portal then start by installing Vault Server:

  1. Create a Vault (or restore an existing Vault) in the ADMS Console:

  2. Create users in Vault.

  3. Install the Vault Client software:
  4. Check the installed supporting components for client software (Vault Add-ins) (for example, 'Inventor add-on'), Add-ons are installed based on the currently installed software, so install the Vault Client last.
  5. Check that the latest updates for Vault Server and Client are installed. If upgrading, verify that the server updates are installed before migrating any databases.
  6. If using Inventor, set up Vault for using a 'Default Inventor Project File' and to enforce a 'Consistent Client Working Folder':
    • See "Vault 2025 Help | Setup Vault with Inventor"
    • The workspace should be local and not on a remote network share. Multiple users using the same network share allows others to modify files when they are checked out, which can result in data corruption. Opening files over the network also increases the chances of data corruption. 
  7. Use Autoloader to upload existing Inventor assemblies, parts, and libraries:
  8. After bulk loading historical data to the Vault, turn on "Enforce Unique File Names". (Vault client drop-down, "Tools" > "Administration" > "Vault Settings")
    • ​​Vault setting to Enforce Unique File Names
  9. Leave "Disable Check-in of Design Files" ticked. Enabling this option prevents users from dragging and dropping CAD files into the Vault. Upload all data to the Vault using Vault Add-ins for client software to check in new files to Vault:
  10. Administrators, Back up your Vault. Lightning can strike. It might be critical data for your business, don't get caught out. Develop a Disaster Recovery Plan:
  11. Administrators run a SQL Maintenance plan once per week. This enforces that the database is always optimized for performance. The article contains steps for SQL Standard and Express editions.
  12. Administrators Plan for future growth of the server and avoid the 10GB database size limit by monitoring the database or upgrading to SQL standard
 
 

Products:

AutoCAD; Inventor; Vault Basic; Vault Professional;

Was this information helpful?

Need help? Ask the Autodesk Assistant!

The Assistant can help you find answers or contact an agent.

Ask the Assistant

What level of support do you have?

Different subscription plans provide distinct categories of support. Find out the level of support for your plan.

View levels of support