error: malformed string on input

[cmcleroy]

There were a few posts on this but no concrete solution.  I'm getting this error now and basically all electrical functions are inoperable.  Is there anything I can try before doing a complete uninstall/reinstall?

Thanks

[dougmcalexander]

Be sure you have all updates installed for your version of Electrical.  If all else fails, try a repair install or a complete re-install.

[cmcleroy · Accepted solution]

I went to add/remove programs and did a repair.  This did not correct the problem.  I did find this post which solved the problem:

"1. Close ACADE.
2. Browse to your user folder:

For example for ACE 2007, here is your user folder by default:
C:\Documents and Settings\\Application Data\Autodesk\AutoCAD
Electrical 2007\R17.0\enu\Support\User

3. Rename or delete the LastProj.fil file under this folder.
4. Restart ACADE"

Thanks, Cliff

[RobinShou-Autodesk]

Hello,

We have found the problem for this issue in AutoCAD Electrical now.

It is because the double quotation in the project description. Please check the following video about the issue, as shown in the video, remove the double quotation in the project description will resolve this problem.

http://autode.sk/20SQXis

We have put this issue in our issue system, will consider to fix it in the future.

Thanks,
Robin Shou
Senior Quality Assurance 
AutoCAD Electrical
Autodesk, Inc.

Facebook Page : https://www.facebook.com/AutoCADElectrical

Blog Page : http://autodesk.typepad.com/systemsdesign/

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_6ApchKwjN-0Wh8PzIjA_O0P6HRazOwH

AutoCAD Electrical App: https://itunes.apple.com/app/autocad-electrical/id736763190

[NickEng]

An easy fix for me was to:

1. Searched for all the lastproj.fil files on my C: drive,
2. Opened up the most recently modified one in the Notepad++  editor
3. Found the unmatched double-quote and added the missing one.
4. Saved the lastproj.fil file - and the problem was solved!

The Notepad++ editor does syntax highlighting, making it easy to find missing double-quote if you choose a language such as Perl.  Other languages selections in Notepad++ may also work.

This solution lets you preserve your project list as you don't have to delete the lastproj.fil.

Nick