How do i delete the ten files I need to remove from the QCAD Professional Trial to convert it to the free version?

QCAD Community Edition QCAD Community Edition
1

I am using Windows 10 64 bit. I have asked this question at least three times and never get a reply. Can’t anyone help me INSTALL THE FREE COMMUNITY VERSION?

I followed the online instructions to convert to the free Community version, but I always get stuck at the same place. The instructions say that I should just follow the prompts after I click REMOVE, but THERE ARE NO PROMPTS THAT APPEAR on the screen.

After I install the free trial of the professional version and launch QCAD, I click on the button that says REMOVE as instructed. That is when I see the list of the ten files I have to remove from qcad in order to convert to the free version. I copied down the names of those ten files, but there are NO INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT WHERE TO FIND THOSE TEN FILES OR HOW TO DELETE THEM. I HAVE NO CLUE.

The few bits of advice I have seen on this say things like “Just delete them” or “Simply delete them” but NO ONE SAYS HOW TO DO THAT. I tried searching for those files one by one, but I can’t even find them using File Explorer. I took measures to reveal hidden files but still didn’t find them.

When I click on OK, the drop down menu with the names of the files to be deleted goes away, but the files never get deleted as a result of clicking OK. I know this because I always find myself back in the free trial for the professional version, and it times out shortly after I start using it, requiring me to stop working on my design.

I know there is another way to install the Community version using a zip file, but I have NO experience with zip files and NO IDEA how to do that. The instructions are not clear enough or specific enough, so it isn’t really an option for me.

I like QCAD so far but would like to use it more before I purchase the professional version. So far I have just used the professional trial for a few minutes at a time until it closes (over and over), which is frustrating.

I need QCAD RIGHT NOW to design a new front porch and ramp that I want to have built. Later this year I will have to buy a new laptop with Windows 11 when Microsoft stops supporting Windows 10 and issuing updates. My Windows 10 cannot be upgraded to 11. I don’t want to install the professional version of qcad on a computer that is about to die. When I have a new laptop, THEN I will purchase and install the professional version of QCAD. Right now I can’t afford a new laptop on which to install this software. Thank you.

2

How is that possible with only one post, so far, in this forum … e_confused

To get a free Qcad version try to follow this tutorial:

Removing the Trial Add-Ons

3

e_confused Thank you, Husky. (smile)
I did indeed TRY to post my question here at least 3 times and thought I had done so. I remember typing it over and over and pressing submit, but it apparently went elsewhere in cyberspace, not here. This is the first time any notice of a reply came to my email. This is ALL new to me, forum and software and CAD, so your patience is appreciated.

I also appreciate the January 2017 post you forwarded pertaining to my question about deleting files.
However, I HAD ALREADY SEEN that post while searching for a solution last week. I (perhaps mistakenly) dismissed it as being outdated due to some discrepancies. Please enlighten me.

I found it insufficient then and now to answer my main question and found it troubling for the following reasons:

  1. There are three to-be-deleted files in that 2017 list that WERE NOT included on the drop-down list that appeared on my screen when I clicked on the word REMOVE as stipulated in the instructions for reaching the Community Version.

Two of those were for QCAD CAM only, so I won’t bother listing those here, but in addition to those, the 2017 list shows
qcaddarkstyle.dll, which wasn’t on the drop-down list that appeared after clicking REMOVE. Does that still need to be deleted?

  1. Perhaps more troubling, there were three other files which WERE on the drop-down list that appeared when I clicked REMOVE but which are NOT included on the 2017 post on this topic. Can I simply assume that they are more recent than 2017 and should be deleted? They are as follows:

qcad.proxies.dll
qcad.shp.dll
qcad.trace.dll

  1. While examining both lists I wondered about the file qcad.pdf.dll. If I delete that file (as it seems I must), will I then be UNABLE TO SAVE MY DRAWINGS AS .PDF FILES?

If so, in what format will I be able to save them so as to later view them, print them, download them to my laptop, and share them with the contractor who will be building the porch I am designing?

  1. Assuming we sort out the matter of exactly which files I have to delete, having compared the new pop up list of ten with the 2017 list, my remaining frustration when I saw that 2017 post last week was that it was still not clear to me HOW TO FIND the necessary files and HOW TO DELETE THEM.

Emphasis on the HOW in both cases. Please be specific and don’t assume I know anything. I am not in the habit of deleting files because I normally have no reason to do so. As I mentioned, clicking on OK at the bottom of that drop-down list apparently did not get rid of them.

  1. If I manage to get the Free Community Version installed on my current laptop and use it to design several versions of my porch, will I be able to save or somehow transfer those free-version drawings to the qcad professional version when I buy it and install it on the new Windows 11 laptop that I hope to buy later this year? I would hate for all my current work to be lost and inaccessible on my new computer, especially if my porch isn’t built yet by then!

Many thanks for any insight you can provide.

4
  1. qcaddarkstyle.dll is not listed as a Plugin under Help .. About
    Probably because I don’t use the Dark mode … Have a look yourself.
    I assumed that this was by selecting a Theme.
    You can safely remove the file.

Hint: If you were that unsure to remove things … Why not rename them to *.kill ? :wink:

  1. All three files are part of the QCAD Professional extension.
    QCAD is constantly enhanced, so yes, the 2017 list can be outdated at this point. :wink:
    I may recall that this was already mentioned earlier.
    Remove/rename them.

  2. qcadpdf.dll is reported as a QCAD Professional PDF import plugin.
    Remove/rename the file.
    If I remember correctly, PDF export with CE has a watermark.
    Drawings are best stored in the DXF or DWG format.
    PDF is a digital paper copy without cutting down trees. :wink:

  3. On installation Windows asks you where to put the files.
    On Windows typically a folder in the “Programs Files” folder but it is not restricted to only there.
    For example: “C:\Program Files\QCAD”
    This is your application installation folder.
    On a Windows system you need to have Admin rights to alter content under “C:\Program Files”.

  4. Yes, QCAD CE uses the R15 (2000) DXF format.
    This is also supported by QCAD Pro, at current state up to R32 (2018).

Regards,
CVH

5

This can happen sometimes, especially with long posts.
After submitting you should see your new topic or your reply.
Previewing your post on regular base may be a fix.

If something went wrong, then don’t panic … Don’t close the current Browser page.
Your entry is cached (for a while) … Simpy hit the Browser Back button.

Regards,
CVH

6

Thanks, CVH, for your valiant attempt to answer my questions, but most of what you wrote (even or perhaps especially your humor) went WAY, WAY over my head. It’s like reading a foreign language that I’ve never studied, where I can pick out a few cognates but little else. I’m afraid you vastly overestimate my knowledge and experience.

I can tell from your reply how basic and effortless all of this is for you. The idea of deleting ANY files from my hard drive simply terrifies me (even if I could find them and even if I had a clue as to HOW to delete them). I am no less clueless about how to rename them. I need left mouse right mouse step by step directions.

I’m afraid that whoever dreamed up this system for accessing the free Community Version either intended it to be vexing or had no idea how vague the instructions seem to mere mortals–and how intimidating the process feels. Couldn’t they just give us a button to click on instead? I can draw quite well on my own, and I feel confident that I’ll be able to learn to use the software, but getting to the starting line is an obstacle course.

Reading your response last night was an epiphany. I will try to find a way to rephrase my questions to better clarify the degree of my uncertainty or even bewilderment. e_confused

Or maybe I’ll just write a different set of pre-purchase questions and resign myself to buying the finished professional product, which indeed seems high quality compared to others I’ve seen. I consider myself tech savvy and computer literate for someone of my generation, but I am no programmer and just don’t feel qualified to perform major surgery on software with no detailed instructions.
Just one more question for the moment.
HOW MANY TIMES can I launch the free trial version before it becomes unavailable? Thanks again.

7

@ lamourbenaulim

When I read all this there is only one sensible solution for you what I can think of:
Buy the pro version, install it on your current pc, if you later buy a new Win11 pc or whatever install it there too which is allowed if you are the only user.
The advantages of this: No headache of deleting any files etc, instantly learning on the intended software product, instant start with the porch, ramp project design.

To your Qcad Trial question: The trial can be startet 100 times …
The Qcad free edition (CE) runs for ever.
The Qcad Pro edition runs for ever and has a 1 year free update bonus …

8

I can now understand your frustrations better. :wink:
Some basic skills are mandatory when using a computer.
At least you should know how to cut/copy, name and rename or delete files.
How to order them in file folders, create new folders and so on.
Even in the unrestricted area.
Even when saving or handling drawings with QCAD as with any other computer application.

It is not the fault of the developer of QCAD.
Any attempt to alter the related content from within the QCAD application will be guarded off by the Windows system.

Making an installation package for Windows is one thing.
That must be digitally signed and marked as a trusted source, otherwise it would be too easy for attackers to install malicious code.

Fiddling in the protected area of the Windows system requires at least Admin rights.
Again, it would be too easy for attackers if applications could grant themselves these rights.

That is why you might only get a list of DLL resources to remove on a Windows system.
QCAD hands are tied in this matter.

Not installed under “Program Files”, not using the MSI installer, things can be different.
But then an even better than basic knowledge of your computer system is required.


You need to open the Windows Explorer to browse through the content of your hard-drive.

  • Hit the Start icon (usually left-low).
  • In the search box start typing “Windows Explorer”.
  • Form the moment it is listed, you can start the ‘Explorer’ with clicking on its entry.
  • If possible, starting it in Admin mode would be easier in this matter.
    Right click on the ‘Explorer’ entry and select ‘Run as Administrator’.
    The ‘User Account Control’ will ask you to acknowledge that.

Now you know at least how to browse your files on your drive. :wink:


For the installation of QCAD, your best option is explained by Husky.
After buying a licence you get access to a personal download area (Limited to 1 year).
Preserve a copy of the installation file for installing it on your next computer.
Or access your download area with your new computer within the year.

Regards,
CVH

9

Thanks, CVH, for your prompt reply.
REGARDING YOUR COMMENTS:
“I can now understand your frustrations better. :wink:
Some basic skills are mandatory when using a computer.
At least you should know how to cut/copy, name and rename or delete files.
How to order them in file folders, create new folders and so on.
Even in the unrestricted area.
Even when saving or handling drawings with QCAD as with any other computer application.”

Just a partial response for now. There’s a lot here to sort through and digest.
Yes, OF COURSE I know how to do all those things for files that I CREATE MYSELF. That’s the essential difference for me. I regularly use Word and Excel and other programs. Have done so for years. I have no trouble creating my own files, organizing them in file folders that I create, naming and renaming and grouping them, sharing them with others, etc. etc. That goes without saying. I also had no trouble saving and naming and downloading my first qcad drawing and returning to work on it in later sessions.

What’s intimidating is having to find and delete unfamiliar files that I did NOT create when the deletion (or a mistake in the deletion) might have unintended consequences, when I don’t know the FUNCTION of each file I’m trying to delete and what the consequences of its removal might be, files that are part of a software package. I’m worrying about deleting them without damaging the rest of the software package or making a serious mistake and accidentally deleting some shared essential file that is necessary to make my PC run. That’s why I prefer detailed step by step instructions if I have to do that sort of thing. I am not sure what you meant by “Even in the unrestricted area.” Anyway thank you for your response. I will review the rest of it in detail tomorrow. Your effort will not go to waste.

10

Case A … Undo renaming, undo deleting (from the trash can) or simply re-install.

Case B … Although that it can be installed in the protected area of Windows …
… The sub-folder QCAD (or whatever installation path) only holds QCAD related files.

On installation you are free to put it anywhere, not under “C:/Program Files” but rather somewhere in the user area.
QCAD is a complete, self contained and stand-alone package.
It can also be installed by unpacking a ZIP file to anywhere on your system. (Without the fancy start icon, file type association and so on)

Fiddling around in the installation path will only affect QCAD.

Most space on your drive is for user storage. Access to that is mostly unrestricted.
Certain part of your drive is reserved for the Window system.
Critical locations are guarded by the Windows UAC.
Some files types are also guarded like *.exe, *.com, *.dll and so on.

And every time that certain individuals with malicious intentions find a backdoor … It is closed, locked or whatever.

You might think that the UAC or ‘User Account Control’ is only in regards with you.
‘SYSTEM’ is another main user, and then there are you, ‘Admin’ and a bunch of other so called users or services.
Beside all the individual accounts that you can create for other persons that use the PC.


Regards,
CVH

11

TO HUSKY AND CVH:
Thank you both for all your help in getting me started with QCAD. Husky, I did read your latest message last night but didn’t have a chance to respond. I realized that you were right, that the simplest thing to do was to buy the professional version and free myself from fretting over finding and deleting those files.

That was what I meant when I said that YOUR reply, CVH, was an epiphany. I suddenly knew I was in over my head or at least out of my comfort zone trying to install the free version; I saw the best way out of that situation and took the leap.

I am happy to report that I just now finished purchasing and installing the professional version and the e-book. I can’t wait to start using both. I even managed to retrieve the drawing I had created and saved using the trial version, and I now have it open on my screen in the professional version, so I don’t have to start my design over from scratch. As I was doing the download, a post from a furniture builder popped up on my local social media platform, and he said he can build me a porch when I’m ready, so I may even have found a contractor tonight!
Just two or three more questions, if I may.

PURCHASE QUESTION 1: I ordered two of the flash drives along with my two downloads, and I never did resolve the issue (my preference) of having the ebook downloaded onto ONE of them. I was just finishing a long letter about that to the QCAD store this evening when my email got deleted, and I didn’t have time to rewrite it. There was no option at all specifically for an ebook flash drive during the purchase process. When I added a second one, it didn’t ask me what I wanted ON it. If there is any way either of you can arrange to put the English e-book on ONE of my two flash drives before they ship out, that would be great.

If not, I will just have two of them with the QCAD Professional software on them, a double backup in case my old computer dies even before Windows 10 is phased out. It might. The battery will no longer recharge at all, so I have to keep the power cord firmly plugged in, and my wireless network adapter drops my Internet connection a dozen times a day, so I’m now plugged into my router with an Ethernet cable 24/7.

PURCHASE QUESTION 2: While I’m thinking of it. (Sorry, I know I’m supposed to limit myself to one question per post. I will try next time, but sometimes there are several that are related, so it makes sense to group them.) When I shop for a new computer later this year, is there any kind that will absolutely NOT allow me to run my QCAD software? What about a Chromebook? (I heard they’re cheaper.) Can I install QCAD on an iPad or other tablet? I’ve never had one so don’t know what they’re capable of.

PURCHASE QUESTION 3: I noticed in the installation instructions that I am advised to save a backup copy of these files (QCAD professional and the ebook) to something like One Drive (which I hated and no longer have access to on my laptop) or Google Drive. Can you possibly tell me HOW to save them to Google Drive?

I tried using the search box on my laptop to find out, but the instructions that came up wanted me to first switch my browser back from Chrome to Microsoft Edge, which I got rid of for reasons since forgotten, and I don’t want to do that.

I would appreciate ANY ADVICE OR GUIDANCE you can provide (the more detailed, the better, of course) regarding HOW to save backup copies of my new software in Google Drive just in case my laptop crashes. I know you will probably tell me to buy an external hard drive, and yes, it’s on my shopping list along with a million other things I can’t afford right now. I had to go into debt to buy this software, but I’m glad I have it! Thanks again to both of you.

12

We load all ordered software (including packages for all supported platforms and the e-book PDF file) on all flash drives that are ordered.

QCAD will not work on an iPad or other tablet running iOS or Android.
QCAD will likely not work on a Chromebook out of the box (I wouldn’t recommend to try unless you are a computer expert).

Since you have ordered two USB drives, you can use these as a backup.

13

Andrew,
Andrew,
Andrew, Thank you for your clear, concise, and helpful replies.

I will surely have more questions later, but for now I just want to say how pleased I am so far with your book. I stayed up late last night reading the first chapter and couldn’t put it down. Having worked for years as a writing instructor, I have a special appreciation for the clarity you have achieved.

My comments emailed to a friend were as follows:
“This book is well organized, thoughtfully presented, and easy to understand. It is going to be a real gem. Feels like someone is holding my hand each step of the way.”

I am convinced that I have chosen the right software and feel lucky to have found it. Thank you for making CAD accessible to novice users like me. I can’t remember when I last felt such enthusiasm for learning.

14

Hi, I’m with you, Word for Word! Please oh Please tell me that someone told you in layman terms, “How to Delete the ‘10’ Pro add-on files”? Regards, Kian.

15

Hi, I’m with you, Word for Word! Please oh Please tell me that someone told you in layman terms, “How to Delete the ‘10’ Pro add-on files”? Regards, Kian.