unknown exception MAX

[bjlv]

NI-MAX used to work on this computer running Win 7, but now every time it starts, I get an error message about MAX encountering an unexpected error since it last ran.  Clicking on "Continue" gives me a startup screen for MAX, but after waiting a minute or two, the same unexpected error occurs and MAX disappears.  Removing and re-installing MAX did not help.  Upgrading MAX did not help.  Now where do I look?

BJ

[JasoNI]

Hi BJ,

I have found a KnowledgeBase article that lists several different reasons why an unexpected error could occur. If this doesn’t resolve your question, a screenshot of the error may be helpful.

Causes of an “Unexpected Error” from MAX: http://digital.ni.com/public.nsf/allkb/6CA56E2DDBCCA06086257591006141EE?OpenDocument

Regards,

Jason D

Applications Engineer

National Instruments

[bjlv]

Hi Jason:

I had already looked at that webpage, and found it not much help since my problem is not benign, and not on the list.  The screenshot for my problem would look mostly like the one on the referenced webpage except if you look at the Details section, mine says the exception is unknown.  I have been on email support where the advice has been to rebuild the MAX database, but two varieties of doing that have not fixed the problem.  Still need a solution.

[JasoNI]

Hi BJ,

I contacted the Applications Engineer you were working with and found out that you were able to resolve the issue by upgrading from MAX 5.3 to 5.4. I posted this answer to the forum so that others that encounter the same issue can find it here.  I am glad to hear that we were able to get things working for you!

Regards,

Jason D

Applications Engineer

National Instruments

[bjlv · Accepted solution]

Actually, things weren't quite so simple as an upgrade from 5.3 to 5.4.  When I encountered the problem, I tried doing an uninstall of 5.3 followed by an install of 5.4, but my problem persisted.  MAX database rebuilds were tried next, but they also did not fix the problem.  At this point, checking with WIN7 told me that MAX was version 5.3 still, but the failed starts of MAX said it was 5.4.  Running the 5.4 Installer told me there was nothing to do since I was already at 5.4.  The fix came from doing a Repair on MAX.  That asked for older install disks that eventually reached back to Feb, 2011 that I did not have anymore.  Cancelling the Repair then led to a Reboot message, and after that Reboot, MAX was fine.  So the upgrade may have been the right thing to do, but for some reason my first upgrade seems to have been corrupted or incomplete somehow.  The Repair was the final solution.

BJ

[JasoNI]

Hi BJ,

Thank you for providing the expanded explanation for anyone searching the forums! If you wanted to mark your response as the solution, it would make it easier for those searching to find the answer more quickly.

Regards,

Jason D

Applications Engineer

National Instruments