Guide to Installing Artcut 2009 Without a CD Artcut 2009 is a classic graphic design and vinyl cutting software package used extensively with
, Redsail, and other HPGL-compatible plotters. While originally distributed on two physical discs—a setup disc and a license/graphic disc—modern users often need to install it on computers without optical drives. Installation Method: Digital Download and ISO Mounting
To install Artcut 2009 without the physical discs, you can use digital backup files and "mount" them as virtual drives. Download the Software Files
: Locate a digital backup of the Artcut 2009 installation package. These are often shared as zip files containing two folders or ISO images: (Graphic/License Disc) and (Setup Disc). Run the Setup folder and run
Follow the on-screen prompts, accepting the license agreement and choosing your installation directory (default is usually C:\ARTCUT6 Create/Mount a Virtual Graphic Disc
Because Artcut 2009 requires the second disc for licensing during startup, you must "mount" the folder as a virtual drive. Use software like or UltraISO to convert the CD1 folder into an if it isn't one already. Right-click the resulting ISO and select
to trick the software into thinking the physical graphic disc is inserted. Alternative: Portable USB Installation artcut 2009 installation without cd link
Some users prefer running the software directly from a USB drive to avoid registry issues on multiple computers. Install the software to a USB drive instead of your drive during the initial setup. Modify the Shortcut Properties
of the Artcut icon on your desktop so the "Target" and "Start In" paths point to the executable file on your USB drive. Important Configuration Steps
After installation, you must configure the software to communicate with your cutting plotter: USB Driver
: Install the USB driver for your specific plotter (e.g., Redsail or Jinka) so the computer recognizes the machine. Port Settings
: In Artcut, navigate to the device settings and select the correct COM port (often for USB-to-Serial connections). Sequential Control : Set the flow control to at a baud rate of for stable data transmission. Troubleshooting Common Issues "Insert Graphic Disc" Prompt
: This occurs if the virtual CD1 image is not mounted. Ensure your ISO mounting software is active. Missing COM Port Guide to Installing Artcut 2009 Without a CD
: If your plotter's port doesn't appear, restart your computer after installing the USB driver or manually add the port in Windows Device Manager. Extraction Password : Many common Artcut 2009 zip downloads use the password How to download and install artcut 2009 on USB drive
To install Artcut 2009 without a physical CD, the most effective "story" or method involves digital backup (ISO files) and a virtual drive to bypass the requirement for a physical disc . This software typically relies on two discs: CD1 (Setup) CD2 (Graphic/License Disc) Step-by-Step Installation Without a CD How to download and install artcut 2009 on USB drive
If you have exhausted all methods for Artcut 2009 installation without the CD link, consider modern alternatives that support old cutters:
These programs are easier to install, support 64-bit Windows, and do not require 2009-era CD checks.
Because distributing copyrighted software directly is prohibited, here is your legal and practical path:
archive.org. Many users have uploaded "abandonware" disc images. You can mount the ISO (right-click > Mount) and Windows will treat it exactly like the original CD.ArtCut2009_Setup.zip on their .../download/old/ directory.Artcut.exe (after installation) → Properties.You do not need the physical CD. You need the digital driver link and the correct installation order. Sure Cuts A Lot (SCAL) – Works with
Pro tip: Once you get ArtCut 2009 running, immediately go to C:\Program Files\ArtCut 2009 and copy the entire folder to a USB stick. In the future, you can run the portable version without any installer at all.
Have you managed to get ArtCut running on a modern PC? Or are you still fighting the "Please insert CD" error? Let me know in the comments below.
Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes regarding legacy hardware support. Please ensure you own a valid license for ArtCut 2009 before downloading alternative installers.
If you’re still running ArtCut 2009 (the classic cutting software for vinyl plotters like RedSail, Puma, or GCC), you likely fall into one of two camps: you love its stability, or you’re stuck with it because your plotter’s firmware refuses to play nice with modern software.
But there is a third, very stressful camp: The “I lost the installation CD” camp.
If you’ve just found an old plotter in the warehouse or rebuilt an XP/Windows 7 machine, you’ve hit the infamous wall. Without that green CD, how do you get the drivers and the core software linked together?
Don’t panic. You don’t need the physical disc. Here is the exact method to install ArtCut 2009 using a digital workaround.