.max files not opening 3ds Max 2011

[Anonymous]

Why do .max files not recognize my 3ds Max 2011 that is installed and working fine (Using Windows 7)? If I try to search for 3ds Max 2011 to "Open with..." it does not show up on the list to link .max files with 3ds Max 2011, and when I find the application 3dsmax.exe in Program Files it seems to be missing its icon. Selecting the application itself also does not link them. The only way I can work with .max files is to open the file inside 3ds max, which is less convenient. The shortcut icons are working and again the program itself works fine. How do I fix this?

[Anonymous]

Still looking for a solution, here is some more information:

I can certainly search for it and discover the application. If I try to select it and hit OK, it does nothing, normally it would show up on the list and you can make the file associated with that application from there on. However, that is not working. I also find it wierd that the actual 3dsmax.exe application in the 2011 (32 and 64 bit) folders in Program files have a generic "window-look" icon beside the file name instead of the normal 3ds max logo for its icon. Yet the shortcuts and shortcut icons work fine. Trying to browse for the program and selecting the shortcut comes with the same unwanted results. I attached an image for more clarity.

(I have the .max files linked to the max.ico which I know is incorrect however it visually helps me distinguish the file type for the time being. I also tried to Repair 64-bit Max, nothing changes).

[DouglasLauritsen]

I asked the 3ds Max support team about this their recommendation was to reinstall 3ds Max.

[Anonymous]

I uninstalled 3ds Max 2011 32bit, 64bit, components, composite (etc., everything installed on that initial install day). Then reinstalled just a 64bit set. Its as if nothing changed at all. Spent almost 1 hour doing this process, there are plenty of folders and content that remained after the uninstalls, removing as many "recognizable to be removed" as I could find. I'm completely lost in this situation.

[DouglasLauritsen]

What does windows say for .max in Control Panel > All Control Panel Items > Default Programs > Associate a file type or Protocol with a program?

It should say 3ds Max application.

 

[Anonymous]

Unfortunately, in my situation it doesn't work out that well. The first image shows that .max is assosciated with the max.ico which i set up.

Observing the max1.jpg image attached you will notice:

When attemping to choose the 3dsmax appliaction, the Open with window opens with those options (which are other programs that I changed the .max files program associated programs respectively as I was trying to test my options). Browsing for the 3dsmax.exe.

Observing the max2.jpg image attached you will notice:

The situation after Open 3dsmax.exe to try and set it as the default open with program. No changes are made in the Open with window.

I thank Autodesk for their continuing support.

[DouglasLauritsen]

Ok, you have somehow associated the file with an icon file for 3ds Max. You can change this:

1. Open the Windows Control Panel
2. Choose Default Programs
3. Choose “Associate a file type or protocol with a program”
4. Select the .max file type
5. Click the “Change program” button
6. In the “Open with” dialog click the Browse button
7. Browse to “C:\Program Files\Autodesk\3ds Max 2011”
8. Select “3dsmax.exe”
9. Click Open

[Anonymous]

I have done those steps many times, however, it just does not change anything after I select 3dsmax.exe from “C:\Program Files\Autodesk\3ds Max 2011”. Is there any way to find out if there is a conflicting or currupt file that I may need to change to get things working? Reinstalling has been done and it changed nothing.

[DouglasLauritsen]

Your file type associations are messed up in the operating system and I am not sure what else to do as I am not a Windows tech support person. This does however sound like there may be a permissions issue preventing you from changing the file type association.

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

I managed to fix the major problem after some hunting in Windows tech support forums after reading that last post. It was worth a try and indeed the problem was in the Registry. So I opened the Registry Editor and found that the open command to 3ds Max was pointed in the wrong location. If anyone has a similar problem view the attached image for step by step way of fixing this problem.

To open the Registry Editor: Run "regedit"

The only issue which isn't a big concern is that the icon for .max files is a generic window looking file icon. If there's a quick fix, it would be nice. But not much of a concern.

[DouglasLauritsen]

Thank you for your follow up on this. I marked your post with the fix as a solution for this thread.

[Anonymous]

I am having the same issue with max 2011 64. I also still have max 201064 installed.  Using the previous regedit solution didn't solve my problem... nor did uninstalling or reinstalling the software.  pointing the default file opening to 3dsmax.exe inside the max folder is also useless, as windows for some reason doesnt recognize it as a valid program...  this exact same thing is happening on my co-workers machine who has the same set up as me as far as having both programs installed.  I dont think this is a bug on windows end, as Ive never had this problem with any other piece of software, and its clearly repeatable.  

[Anonymous]

I had the same problem associating .max to 3ds Max Design 2011 instead of 2010. None of the above mentioned solutions worked.

However, I found an easy workaround that worked on my machines::

1. Change the foldername of the 3dsmax.exe file in the 2010 installation folder to something random, eg. from '3ds Max Design 2010'  to 'XXX'. The point is that the 3dsmax.exe file cannot be located by Windows at its usual location.

2. Do the standard procedure of changing the file association through windows Control Panel to 3ds Max 2011 (Control Panel ->  Default Programs ->  Associate File Type -> Choose .max -> select Change Program -> Browse -> Navigate to the 3dsmax.exe in the 3ds Max Design 2011 Folder- > OK - > Choose 3dsmax in the list

Now when double clicking a .max file it should open in 2011. Afterwards remember to change back the foldername of 3dsmax.exe 2010 folder.

[Anonymous]

Ten years laters, had the same issue with Max 2019, you are a life saver. Thanks.