Scripts are missing after closing 3ds max

[sepehr.arzjani]

Hi, I installed the 3ds Max on my pc, but there is a problem, all the scripts that I install work normally until I close the software, as soon as I re-open the software, all the scripts are missing and I have to reinstall them again. I searched a lot about this issue but I didn't find any solution. I would appreciate it if someone can assist me with this problem. 

[Mr.Mxyzptlk]

You have his current version and installed the right way?

https://colinsenner.com/relink-bitmaps/

EDIT: You can also use connector or project manger for relinking.

https://www.designconnected.com/connecter

https://3d-kstudio.com/product/project-manager/

[sepehr.arzjani]

Hi, thank you for your quick reply, yes I’m using the latest version that is available but the problem is not just about the relink bitmap, I just took a screenshot from that one as an example. Any script that I install is missing after closing the software. 

[sepehr.arzjani]

All the scripts are present in the ENU folder, but it seems that for some reason they are failing to start with 3ds max and this result in missing scripts. I searched for a solution but I couldn't find anything about this one as well, I have uninstalled 3ds max and then reinstalled it again, I uninstalled all the plugins, and I even removed all the Autodesk software from my PC including Autodesk folders, but nothing helped. This is a big issue for me now since I have to reinstall all the scripts every time that I open 3ds max. 

[Mr.Mxyzptlk]

To me it sounds like some kind of administrator rights issue.

[jon.bell]

Hi @sepehr.arzjani ,

I'm sorry to hear this -- as someone here noted, this sounds as if it could be an Administrator rights issue (something is preventing Max from re-loading these scripts, or they're being removed from your ENU folder after a Max restart). It  could possibly be an antivirus/firewall setting.

Are you able to make changes to your own machine, or do you have to go through an IT department? In addition, have you tried moving the scripts from your ENU folder to your C:\program files\autodesk\3ds Max 20xx\Scripts\Startup folder instead?

Please let us know if this helps, and we hope to hear from you soon!

[sepehr.arzjani]

Hi @jon.bell 

Thank you for your reply, I managed to solve the issue by copying all the contents of the Startup folder from the ENU folder and paste in a new folder on the desktop. then I changed the path in 3ds max to this new folder and it worked. As you said I think it is an Administrator rights issue but I have no idea how I can solve it. The issue appeared suddenly and I don't recall changing any of the PC settings that can lead up to this issue. This is my personal computer and the only thing that has changed is the windows that I updated recently. Maybe it has something to do with the windows update. 

Thank you for your support and best regards

[pruszkowskipawel]

Hi @sepehr.arzjani 

I have the same problem. I followed the same steps as you but I have the same problem all the time. Did you change paths like in the attached pictures?

I will be grateful for your help because I have no idea what I can do more:/

[darawork]

Hi,

While not having this exact problem myself, I am using an office PC where I do not have admin rights, so installing some scripts is prohibited in some locations. As far as I know we lowly users should always have access to our documents/pictures/videos and desktop folders (although some companies go as far as to even lockdown the Desktop usage). 

I have kept my 'User and System' paths (under the Configure User and Systems Paths) as factory standard.
The only thing that I have added is a new entry into the '3rd Party Plug-Ins' tab pointing to my /downloads/scripts folder.

All other scripts I run off a custom list that I created in a really handy 'ScriptList' script:
https://www.scriptspot.com/3ds-max/scripts/list-scripts-in-folder. This can be invoked from a single button on the standard toolbar. And if I'm migrating to a new version of 3DSMax (or if something breaks), I only have to create one button to get all my scripts back up and running. It's a very handy way to access lots of scripts at once:

It's very easy to set up, with one custom folder location (It should do four custom locations, but the script needs to be updated for 3DSMax 2019-> to work fully). As a work-around in situations like these, it works fairly well.

A windows update might well be your problem, considering that you should have full read/write privileges under your account level and windows group policy (if they have not been messed with), and I'll be watching this thread to see if it gets resolved. Sorry I could not be of more help.

Regards,

[pruszkowskipawel]

Thanks @darawork for reply.
Maybe it's not a solution what I was asking for. @sepehr.arzjani managed this and it's work for him and I did the same but without success. I'm wondering what I did wrong.

But still, @darawork your proposition is some solution so thanks a lof for sharing with your script.

Best regards!

[sepehr.arzjani]

Hi  @pruszkowskipawel, Sorry for my late reply, I just saw the conversation, I looked at the screenshot that you sent, technically it's exactly what I did to solve the issue but with one difference, I didn't copy the Macro folder to the desktop, I just copied the content of Macro folder to a new folder on the desktop and then changed the path in 3Ds max to that new folder and it worked. I really don't know if this is the cause of the issue, but it's the only difference I could find between your method and mine, so maybe that's the issue. 

Best regards

Sepehr

[sepehr.arzjani]

I forgot to attach the screenshot, Here is a screenshot of user and system paths. 

[pruszkowskipawel]

Nop:/ unfortunately still have problem. I did the same like you @sepehr.arzjani but no satisfactory result. However thank you for your efforts!

[nikosevigny]

I have the same problem, i need to reinstall every script everytime, all files are there, its like 3dsmax doesnt want to recognize them, 3ds max is always run as admin. I even tried to make a new path with a new folder, doesnt work also. This is infuriating and shouldnt be happening at all. 

[darawork]

Hi all,

I just thought of something else that might be of help;

When I have my GUI, Custom buttons and Shortcuts set up, I go into the top right hand corner of the screen in the Workspace dropdown and 'Manage Workspaces'. Inside there I save my custom workspace, save it to My Documents and then delete all the others by pressing the little red 'X' beside the other defaults. This way I know I, or Max won't be able to pull any funny business whether be it intentional or not.

I also make sure to periodically make a backup of my working ENU folder in case unexplained stuff like this happens.

Regards, 

[mylesmontgomery]

Hi All,

I've been having this problem and have been going through an update to 2023 for our studio and found this was still happening.

I found in the release notes for max 2023 found here  that max 2023 'Fixed issues with loading scripts from hidden 3ds Max installation folders. MAX...

I don't think it has as were running 2023 build 03.

By unhiding our User/username/AppData folder in properties we have been able to get the scripts loading on startup.

I hope this helps

[pruszkowskipawel]

Hi Mylesmontgomery, it works!!
Small detail: I had to unhide also User/username folder. But in the end scripts are not missing anymore!

@mylesmontgomery Thank you!!

[mylesmontgomery]

Brilliant, glad it works for you and hopefully others.

[darawork]

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/3ds-max-ideas/product-customisation-tied-to-log-in-credentials/idi-p/...

Yet another way my idea would prevent users getting problems with this sort of thing.

Vote now, vote often. 

Best regards, 

[cesarponce_d]

Hi guys, I still have this problem even though I unhid the folders you mentioned. 

I'm thinking that maybe you had done something besides that, that later combined with the visible folder, brought you to the result? Not sure what else to try.