Error: “Please install DirectX before installing AutoCAD”

While installing AutoCAD you may run into a blocking issue whereby the DirectX runtime (which AutoCAD relies upon for its hardware 3D capability) fails to install for some reason (Error 1603). Solutions posted on Autodesk website show how to edit the setup.ini file to try and solve this issue, however, upon doing so you get a new error, for instance…

“Error: Please install DirectX before installing AutoCAD MEP 2013”

You can easily solve this issue (and others) by installing your AutoCAD using the Longbow Converter App. It manages the install and bypasses all issues like these automatically so you can be up and running again. You will need V11.19 or newer of the Converter App). But be aware of these caveats:

  • The Converter will allow you to ignore the DirectX failure and allow AutoCAD to correctly install, but DirectX won’t be installed. This means that:
    • 2D will work fine
    • 3D will fine, but only in Software mode (slower)
    • Everytime you start AutoCAD you will get a Heidi error, like this one…

      “…the configured heidi driver cannot be loaded…

      to stop this, in AutoCAD, right click the Command Line->Options->System->Graphics Performance->HardWare Acceleration: Turn off

Copyright 2019 (c) Longbow Software

Install 32bit AutoCAD 2019 on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10



These instructions solve issues around installing/running 32bit AutoCAD 2019 on 64bit Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10. Some common issues are error messages like these…

  • “This operating system is not supported by AutoCAD® 2019”
  • “You cannot install this product on the current operating system”
  • “You are attempting to use a 32-bit installer on a 64-bit operating system”
  • “This is a 32-bit AutoCAD® 2019. It cannot be installed on 64-bit Windows”

You can automatically solve these problems using our Longbow Converter App, it fixes and manages the AutoCAD 2019 installation so that you can be up and running again… Follow these instructions:

How to install AutoCAD 2019

  1. Obtain your purchased copy of the Longbow Converter here
  2. Start the Converter App and note the user interface
  3. Select the 1st tab named “AutoCAD 32bit Installer Converter
    1. Using the “. . .” button, selection your AutoCAD installation CD
    2. Next, click the “Convert button and follow the instructions
  4. Once the conversion process is complete
    1. click Install/Run Setup to start setup
    2. Simply install as normal, remembering to…
      1. Close the setup program when the installation is complete.
      2. Do not reboot if prompted to do so.
      3. Back in the Converter app and make sure it has completed the final stage of processing using the “Old AutoCAD Program Reviver” tab
  5. Now run your AutoCAD as normal  

Troubleshooting

No issues at this time

Copyright 2019 (c) Longbow Software



Install 32bit AutoCAD 2018 on Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10

These instructions solve issues around installing/running 32bit AutoCAD 2018 on 64bit Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10. Some common issues are error messages like these…

  • “This operating system is not supported by AutoCAD® 2018”
  • “You cannot install this product on the current operating system”
  • “You are attempting to use a 32-bit installer on a 64-bit operating system”
  • “This is a 32-bit AutoCAD® 2018. It cannot be installed on 64-bit Windows”

You can automatically solve these problems using our Longbow Converter App, it fixes and manages the AutoCAD 2018 installation so that you can be up and running again… Follow these instructions:

How to install AutoCAD 2018

  1. Obtain your purchased copy of the Longbow Converter here
  2. Start the Converter App and note the user interface
  3. Select the 1st tab named “AutoCAD 32bit Installer Converter
    1. Using the “. . .” button, selection your AutoCAD installation CD
    2. Next, click the “Convert button and follow the instructions
  4. Once the conversion process is complete
    1. click Install/Run Setup to start setup
    2. Simply install as normal, remembering to…
      1. Close the setup program when the installation is complete.
      2. Do not reboot if prompted to do so.
      3. Back in the Converter app and make sure it has completed the final stage of processing using the “Old AutoCAD Program Reviver” tab
  5. Now run your AutoCAD as normal  

Troubleshooting

No issues at this time

Copyright 2019 (c) Longbow Software