Error msg starting Measurment and Automation

[Honda AEP]

Just loaded an XP PC with Measurement and Automation application.  Attempting to launch the program and getting the following error msg "NIMax has encountered a problem and needs to close".  The problem is also pointing toward a MXMAX.dll.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

[Jarrod_B.]

Hi Honda AEP,

Normally, Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) is installed as part of a driver installation such as NI-DAQmx.  If you got this error the very first time you opened MAX, it may be that something got corrupted during the installation.  I would recommend uninstalling MAX (which will require you to also uninstall drivers that depend on MAX) and then doing a clean installation of the driver that you installed originally. 

You can uninstall MAX by going to Start >> Settings >> Control Panel >> Add or Remove Programs.  From the list of software that comes up, go to National Instruments Software and click on Change.  This will bring up a list of all NI software.  Select NI Measurement & Automation Explorer and click on Remove.  The dialog box that opens will list any software components that depend on MAX.  Take note of these because you will have to reinstall them.  Click on the Remove All button to uninstall MAX and all dependent software. 

After everything has been uninstalled, do a fresh installation, and let us know if you are still having this problem.

Best regards,

[Warner]

I have the same problem. MAX version 3.1.1 worked fine but when I tried to upgrade to 4.0 I get the mxmax.dll error

AppName: nimax.exe AppVer: 4.0.2.3002 ModName: mxmax.dll

ModVer: 4.0.2.3002 Offset: 0002ac2c

The funny thing is I have MAX working properly on three other identical computers. I have tried removing all National Instruments software and reinstalling and I get the same thing. I suspect that one of the other programs I'm running is conflicting with MAX but I don't have any idea which one. Perhaps an errant registry entry?

Anyone have any ideas.

[Neil_S.]

Warner,

Thanks for posting to the NI Forums.  I have a few things to suggest.  First, while I think it is unlikely in this case, you can try to disable any firewalls or virus scanners to see if MAX will open properly.  Some of these programs seem to be incompatible with MAX.  If you don't want to expose your computer you can disconnect it from the network before testing this.  The second more likely solution will be to delete or rename your MAX data directory.  I have heard of a few instances of computer crashes or other issues causing the MAX data directory to become corrupted.  If this occurs customers have seen the behavior you are experiencing.  Uninstalling NI Software does not delete this directory so I could see this behavior remaining even after resinstalling software.  Try the following:

1. Shut down all National Instruments software
2. Rename c:\Program Files\National Instruments\MAX\Data as c:\Program Files\National Instruments\MAX\Data2.  If you get an error saying that certain files are in use you may need to restart in safe mode to rename it.
3. Restart you computer
4. Reopen Measurement and Automation Explorer
   

If this does not resolve the problem let me know.

Regards,

Neil S.
Applications Engineer
National Instruments

Message Edited by Neil S. on 01-11-2007 12:11 PM

[Warner]

Renaming the Data folder didn't work. I will try removing MAX, deleting all folders under MAX, turning off virus protecting and then reloading MAX. Will let you know how it goes.

[Neil_S.]

Warner,

I am surprised that the data directory trick did not fix the problem.  Your original idea of a errant registry key may be correct, although it is hard to know for sure without doing a complete reinstall.  After uninstalling all National Instruments software you will also want to delete the National Instruments directory at c:\Program Files\National Instruments, the VXIPNP directory at c:\VXIPNP (if it exists) and the appropriate registry keys.  The National Instrument registry keys are located at HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\National Instruments and HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\National Instruments.  Please, back up your registry before making any changes to it.  This way you can restore the registry if you do something wrong inadvertently.  After removing these items you can try a fresh installation.  I would recommend installing all of your development software before installing any drivers.

Let me know if you have any questions about taking this approach or if you would like more detailed instructions.

Regards,

Neil S.
Applications Engineer
National Instruments

[Warner]

Good news -> Uninstalling all National Instruments software, deleting the National Instruments folders and removing National Instruments entries from the regestry, shutting down the computer and restarting it, then doing a fresh install of all National Instuments software worked. I no longer get an error starting up MAX.