disappointment with the installer

[ehren.addis]

I'm really disappointment with the quality of the MAX installers.  The 2021.2 update for some reason was installing in C:\program files\autodeesk\3ds max 2021\3ds max 2021\  I have no idea how that happened and the installers were unable to get past the errant registry entry.  Uninstalling and reinstalling did nothing as those entries were left in the registry.  The install process is completely missing the basics most any installer has like modifying, fixing, reinstalling...  It's an utter PIA when one program has how many individual installed entries in this windows program and features menu?

Autodesk should have a clean script that completely removes any trace of the product from  the host machine.

The scheduled phone support called the wrong number and chat support could only come up with "that's peculiar" after I repeatedly said it sounded like a registry issue.  I imagine it's another team responsible for the installers.  If that's the case, please look at how everyone else does it.

[jon.bell]

@ehren.addis ,

Thanks for your message on this, and I'm sorry for the confusion here.

The installer should allow you to simply click "Okay" to accept the defaults. We've seen some customers think they need to pick their C:\Program Files\Autodesk\3ds Max 2021 folder specifically, which then creates a second 2021 folder within, which is a mistake.

I'm passing along your comments to our Installer team and we'll look into making this process more user-friendly in the future. Thanks!

[Libei.Wang]

Hello @ehren.addis ,

As @jon.bell mentioned, the double "3ds Max 2021" folder can be quite confusing.  We are aware of this issue.

3ds Max 2021 installer has gone through a total rework.  It is much faster than the older installer.  There are may still be some rough edges to smooth out.

The uninstall is also different.  The recommended uninstall method is through the Windows Control Panel, Add & Remove Programs, uninstall Autodesk 3ds Max 2021.  This will uninstall 3ds Max 2021 and all the optional components you have installed.  If this method failed to uninstall it, you can double click the "AdskUninstallHelper.exe" in "C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\Uninstallers\Autodesk 3ds Max 2021" to uninstall it.  "AdskUninstallHelper.exe" will run uninstall scripts in a command line.  Once the uninstallation is completed, the command line window will close automatically.

Could you mind give us some details on which registry keys were not removed after uninstall?  Can you share the keys with us?

Thank you,

Libei

[ehren.addis]

I wish the support team new about AdskUninstallHelper.exe. Sounds exactly like what I was looking for. The deleted keys were under HKEY.local.software.autodesk.3ds max 2021. (I think) I found a key with the wrong path for the application. Despite the uninstall, the new install seemed to keep picking up on that key with the wrong location of C:\Program Files\Autodesk\3ds Max 2021\3ds Max 2021\. Removing the double folder fixed my issue. I suspect in some update or install previously may have asked for a path, or root path of the app that accidently lead to the double folder entry; have no idea how else it happened. I went wild and deleted a bunch of keys form every install of 3Ds Max that was ever on the system. It's a pain to uninstall every installed component individually for every version. The OS control panel is the only way I have ever uninstalled apps. Sucks to find parts left behind in the registry, local app data folder or anywhere else. When you remove something, you think it would all go and be clean.

[ehren.addis]

I agree with the default location. The update also had the default location... but it used the one in the registry rather than the default install location. Just wanted to be clear with that. Thanks again!

[Libei.Wang]

Hello @ehren.addis ,

Thank you for the details.  They really help us.

I will check the scenario on my side: do an update with double "3ds Max 2021" in the path, and keep you updated.

To prevent losing user data, Autodesk uninstaller removes only the files it installs.  Thus, user data in local app data folder, as well as in MyDocuments and other folders are not removed.  This is a common practice in most installers.

Have a good day.

Libei