Batch Processing > 1000 FBX Files - 3dsmax.exe issues

[SentientComputingAU]

Hi

I have over a thousand fbx files which have to be processed and optimised for use in a Unity3d game. I have a single maxscript that performs all the actions I need without any user interaction. 

The script performs an FBX import, assigns materials based on name, combines geometry, adds UV mapping, fixes transforms, and finally an FBXExport. The 3dsmax process ends after that when using the -mxs command line argument, as expected.

I've also written a program that executes 3dsmax.exe with the arguments, so the maxscript is executed once per input file. The program supports running multiple max processes (limit set by user) to improve the speed at which they are processed.

It works well, but I have continuous issues with the licensing popping up and interrupting the process, even if I run only 1 instance at a time, and introduce delays between when the last process (3dsmax.exe) finishes, and a new one is started.

It's really disrupting the workflow. I've had to add a timeout mechanism for each file 

These are the arguments I'm using

-u MAXScript "<Path to script file" -silent -vn -q -mip -mxs "print \"Finished\""

Using max 2018

[SentientComputingAU]

This is a licensing issue, however I'm also wondering if there is a better approach to take to process these files.

[kevinvandecar]

Hi dougb,

Yes, this is likely some sort of licensing failure. I can move it to the licensing forum if you would like. However, before we go there, I would say regardless of the approach you are using, the licensing should not be impacted. So, your approach, even if not the perfect solution, should not trigger the licensing issue if your software is licensed properly. There is probably some other issue, as you suspect, with licensing.

After the adlm dialog, do you have another error following about a connection to the internet? If so, I would suggest to follow this AKN article suggestions:

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/search-result/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Meta-licensing.html

Let me know if you would like me to move it.

thanks,

kevin

[bernard.lefebvre]

You might want to make sure that you install this hotfix:

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/search-result/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Product-crash-when-commu...

[SentientComputingAU]

Hi Bernard

I installed the x64 hotfix but the issue is still occurring. I have AutoDesk app signed into the licensed account, with max 2018 updated. If I use max like a normal person I do not encounter any problems with licensing.

I've found this gets printed every time I get the license error in the adlm log file (C:\Users\<My User>\AppData\Local\Autodesk\3dsMax\2018 - 64bit\ENU\2018_en-US_adlm.log)

14576 2017/06/03 13:29:53 Reason=Fatal error
14576 2017/06/03 13:29:53 ComputerName=NOSTROMO
14576 2017/06/03 13:29:53 OS=6.2.9200.
14576 2017/06/03 13:29:53 File=AdlmIntUTHandler.cpp,Line=177
14576 2017/06/03 13:29:53 VendorID=11 [ADUT]
14576 2017/06/03 13:29:53 VendorError=-104 [Error in accessing PI_UD folder or PI_UD config file]

For every license error popup, those same 6 lines get appended to that log file (attached to post)

This issue is reproducible by simply running 3dsmax.exe in cmdprompt a bunch of times. Most times it works fine without problem. When the error does occur, each following 3dsmax.exe you launch will get that same error. I haven't tested to see how long it takes to recover.

[SentientComputingAU]

Hi Kevin

> After the adlm dialog, do you have another error following about a connection to the internet?

No further dialogs or errors are shown

Further testing I've found the issue is reproducible without any command line arguments, by simply running it in command prompt many times:

I can reproduce it on two different PC's that I've tried through Command Prompt without any cmd args. I cannot do it in a predictable manner, i usually brute force it. Usually involves me pressing up, enter, up, enter, ect.  to run max from cmd prompt quickly

[bernard.lefebvre]

Hi,

Thank you for the details.

I tried to repro the issue and I could not.

What kind of license are you using?

I tried start a few instances rapidly either using trial, network or stand-alone license and I could not repro.

Anything that could help me reproduce the issue would help.

Thanks,

Bernard

[SentientComputingAU]

Hi Bernard

Sorry for the delay, I appreciate you looking into this.

I've managed to create a .bat file that continuously launches and closes 3ds max instances until it encounters the licensing error window. It is attached to this post, and changed to .txt extension due to forum restrictions. Rename to .bat and run. It will keep repeating until a "Licensing Error" window is detected.

> What kind of license are you using?

I am using a subscription standalone license.

Versions 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015

Platforms Win 32/64, Win 64

Seats

1

License type Standalone

> Anything that could help me reproduce the issue would help.

I'm hoping the bat file reproduces the error for you. It doesn't seem predictable in any way. Sometimes it happens on the second loop, other times it takes 4 or more loops.

[bernard.lefebvre]

Thank you very much. I was able to repro using your script. I hope this will allow our licensing team to find the problem.

[SentientComputingAU]

That's good to hear!

What's the best way to be notified when the fix hits, or should I just keep an eye out for updates through the Autodesk desktop app?

[kevinvandecar]

Hi Doug, the 3ds Max team is good at providing a list of issues fixed in the readme files that come with each update. You could also think about joining the beta to perhaps watch for a potential fix, and then even test it in a beta build.

Hope it helps,

kevin

[SentientComputingAU]

Hi

I've updated to 2018.2 and I am still encountering licensing errors intermittently.

[bernard.lefebvre · Accepted solution]

I would suggest using the new batch feature of 3ds Max 2018 that has been introduced with update 2.

http://help.autodesk.com/view/3DSMAX/2018/ENU/?guid=GUID-48A78515-C24B-4E46-AC5F-884FBCF40D59

[SentientComputingAU]

Hi Bernard

I noticed that after posting my comment, and after testing it's working beautifully. Very glad for your teams' efforts.

Thanks