Python library "nidcpower" to NI PXIe-4163 SMU returns error on session open "-1074135040: IVI: (Hex 0xBFFA0000) Unrecoverable Failur"

[sh675]

Thanks for the updates. We've seen it a few times over the past few years.

We noticed this issue on Windows when using a 64-bit Python 3.11.9 interpreter sourced from Anaconda but not when using the interpreter from the Windows installer on python.org. When I encountered it most recently, I was already using the interpreter from python.org, so I was surprised to see it again. Hope this helps.

[sh675]

Just checking back in on this - any updates?

[ChetKnu]

I originally posted the issue.

No resolution on my side.

Still using 32 bit Python and its limitations.

[kirsch]

A few ideas that could shed some light. We know nidcpower_64.dll (the top level NI-DCPower API DLL) is loaded successfully and returns error 0xBFFA0000.

Without reproducing the issue locally and debugging the DLL, I can only speculate the cause. But I strongly suspect that loading other DLLs (something that happens during the first niDCPower_InitializeWithChannels() call) is failing.

1. Does Anaconda override PATH? This could explain the failure to load. Try printing the PATH variable from both the failing Python interpreter and the one from the store.

2. Is there security software installed on the system such as CrowdStrike, Defender for Endpoint, etc? This could block the loading.

3. nidcpower_64.dll using old Windows APIs for library loading? Less likely.

Ultimately, it might be best to contact NI Support so that a case is opened and a Technical Support Engineer can follow up.