Drafix CAD Pro for Windows 10 and Windows 11

[pcg]

Yes, it's possible. I've been using Drafix CAD since before Windows, and have run it on every version of Windows that MS has released, except for NT, which I never used. I am currently running it on Windows 11 Pro OS build 26200.7171 (current update as of 11/30/2025).

 

How to install and run Drafix CAD Pro on Windows 10.

1)      Create a directory on C:\Program Files called Softdesk.

2)      Copy all Drafix files (originally contained on four mini-floppy drives) to C:\Program Files\Softdek

3)      Search for “windows features”

4)      Check “Internet Information Services”, click OK and wait for IIS to install.

5)      Search for “IIS”.

6)      Select “Internet Information Services Manager”.S

7)      In upper left see desktop name. Expand this (click on >) and click on “Application Pools”.

Right click on DefaultAppPool

9)      Select “Advanced Settings”.

10)   Turn on “Enable 32 bit applications.

11)   Click OK

12)   Reboot

 

How to run on Windows 11:

If you didn't have it running on previous versions of Windows, then start from scratch and follow the directions for Windows 10 above. Some of the nomenclature may have changed?, but you should be able to get there.

Once you have done that, then you may need to replace ctl3232.dll, which was removed by a Windows 11 update in the fall of 2025. I'm not sure if a later update put it back, but Drafix will tell you if the file is missing. You can find it on an older Windows computer or I can provide it if needed.

 

Next, right click on DFX.EXE, then click on Properties and select the Compatibility tab. Then check the following two items:

-Compatibility mode: Run this program in compatilbility mode for: Windows 8

-Settings: Run this program as administrator.

 

[pgcpty]

Hi,

I likewise have been using Drafix Cad since 1993 originally installed in WinXP from  2 x 3.5 floppies (Version Windows Cad 2.IE) and subsequently in win7 XP mode. Following, on upgrading to Win10 I setup a virtual machine installing XP within, plus Drafix Cad and continued to use.

 

Being very keen to adopt your method method I set about following your procedure but alas Drafix wont install triggering the screen message "This app can't run on your PC
To find a version for your PC check with the software publisher." 

 

My attempted install method was to double click on > SOFTDESK > Drafix.CAD
Have you any suggestions to help me sort this out?

 

Much Appreciated

pgcpty

[BIGAL]

Given that you indicate pre 2000 it is maybe time to upgrade. There is alternatives to Acad like Bricscad, Intellicad, Gstar to mention a few and much cheaper.