can anyone tell me what this is and how do I resolve this error.  I am trying to install autocad 2004 on windows 7 and this message pops up...

Is this a 64-bit version of Windows 7 or a 32-bit version?Because of its age I'm confident that AutoCAD 2004 is 32-bit.What version of Windows 7 are you running?You might have to try running AutoCAD 2004 in XP compatibility mode.I have 2004 (32-bit) running under Win7 Ultimate (64-bit) strictly as an experiment.  In my day-to-day use I am running 2011 (64-bit).  I also have 2007 (32-bit) and 2010 (32-bit) loaded.

I am running Windows 7 (64bits).  I try to load the program and halfway through I get the error message - nothing works.  What are my alternatives since I cann't download the program?

AutoCAD 2004 is not supported under Windows 7. Either upgrade your AutoCAD (to the current version 2012), or downgrade your operating system (to WinXP - which was the OS for ACAD 2004).

can I not run in compatibility mode?

I know that AutoCAD 2004 is not supported under Windows 7 however I can assure you I have it loaded on my computer.CW123: What VERSION of Win7 are you using?

Yes, you can run it in XP compatibility mode.

windows 7 home

Read this: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/8247-windows-xp-mode-install-setup.html