RFSA / RFSG 2023 Q3 updates break RFSA/RFSG?

[RT-tap]

Hey I recently upgraded the drivers for RFSA and RFSG (PXI-5661 & PXI 5670 respectively) to the most recent 2023 Q3 update and now I cant run anything as I get the error:

```

IVI: The specified configuration store file could not be deserialized.

IVI Configuration Server C API: Deserialize failed. Parsing error number: -1072894421, Description: Illegal xml character.

Error status: -1074130432

```

I tried everything, including uninstalling EVERYTHING NI related, even the package manager itself, then reinstalling everything and still the same error nio matter how I try to use the devices, labview projects, ni grpc-device server, and even soft front panels.  I tried looking for the IVI configuration but I cant seem to find it either, I see C:/Program Data mentioned as the location but I don't even have a directory named that.

Any one else having this issue or seen it before?

[pholly]

I do not have advice on the root the root cause of your problem but I do have a couple suggestions related to IVI and the configuration store.

1. I think the IVI configuration data will persist even if you uninstall and reinstall everything.
2. To reset the IVI configuration I suggest using NI-MAX.
   1. Open NI-MAX.
   2. Click the tools menu
   3. Click Reset Configuration Data.
3. The IVI configuration data is at C:\ProgramData\IVI Foundation\IVI. The C:\ProgramData directory is hidden by default. You can navigate to it by typing c:\ProgramData into the navigation bar of windows explorer. Or you can change the view settings of windows explorer to show hidden files and folders and navigate to it normally.
4. Uninstalling all NI software will not necessarily uninstall the IVI components. The IVI and related VISA components are third-party software which is installed as part of installing NI instrument drivers and instrument drivers from many other vendors. If you only ever installed NI instrument drivers then the IVI and VISA components will probably be removed after uninstalling all NI software. If you have installed instrument drivers from other vendors then the IVI and VISA components will probably remain even if you uninstall all NI software. In either case check the Apps & Features section of windows settings for any software with IVI or VISA in the name to be sure.