That is clearly a serious problem. Please try this and tell me if it does not work as expected:
1. Start CVI and open a sample project.
2. Build>>Distributions>>Manage Distributions... and click New... to bring up the New Distribution dialog.
3. Note the "Settings file" path (this is next to the .cws file by default) and click OK.
4. Click OK on the Edit Installer dialog that comes up.
5. Click OK on the Manage Distributions dialog.
6. Close CVI.
7. Browse to the "Settings file" path and ensure the .cds file is present.
If the file is not present, then please let me know the path and if there is anything special about the directory. If the file is there, then please try to determine if there is something different about your other project/workspace, or something different in the steps you usually take from the steps listed above.
Mert A.
National Instruments