Navigation:  Frequently Asked Questions > Program Issues > Solving DirectX Problems

The Design Editor, View Editor and Tent Wizard create 3D renderings using DirectX 8, a Microsoft technology. Most but not all machines running Windows XP or later have this technology, but if your art is being labeled "VR Module Failed to Create Picture" then your machine has a problem in this area.

DirectX Diagnostic Program.

If DirectX has been installed on your system, you will be able to use Microsoft's DirectX Diagnostic Utility to see if there is a problem that is keeping PartyCAD from working. Do this:

a. Stop PartyCAD and click the Start button on your desktop.

b. --- On Vista and Windows 7 machines: Enter DXDIAG in the search box and press the Enter key.  

   --- On XP machines: click Run and then fill in the Open box to read  DXDIAG. Click OK to start the utility.

c. You can answer No if there is a question about authenticating drivers when the utility begins.

d. Click the Display tab and look near the center of the screen for the section labeled Direct3D Acceleration. If the word Enabled appears next to this label, then so far, so good. If something else appears, your graphics board has an issue with DirectX and this must be resolved before you can use PartyCAD. This is a technical issue unrelated to PartyCAD, so talk to your tech person about possible solutions. Often, the easiest solution is to replace the graphics board with a more capable model.

e. Look at the Notes: section at the bottom of the screen. If it reads No Problems Found then that too is a good sign.

f. If everything appears to be OK in DXDIAG then try shutting down the utility and rebooting your machine. Try PartyCAD again and see if the problem has gone away.

g. If the problem persists, the last thing to try is to uninstall PartyCAD 12 and then reinstall by going to www.PartyCAD.net clicking Try and downloading the trial version. This will not hurt your saved projects and if you have a serial number for PartyCAD 12 you will be given the chance to unlock the trial the first time that you run the new version of the program.

If your problem persists, give us a call and we'll work on the problem together.

Changing the Color Depth of Your Display

If DirectX is not working and you are on an older machine, you might want to check your screen settings and default font size. These are very important and may be the cause of any problem. Click here to see how this is done.