Re-installation of Revit 2021 from deployment results in missing SAMPLES folder

[Partenheimer]

Here is something I encountered while creating my firm's Revit 2021 deployment image:

Creating a valid deployment is an iterative process which requires testing at each step. Repeated installation, uninstallation, and reinstallation is part of our process.

I have confirmed a behavior on three different Win 10 computers and one Win 7 computer. After uninstalling Revit 2021 and then reinstalling Revit 2021, the "C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Revit 2021\Samples" (and content) is missing. 

The first time Revit 2021 is installed, "C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Revit 2021\Samples" (and content) is installed. This issue is new for the 2021 version. Repeated uninstalls/reinstalls of the previous 2020 version does not exhibit this behavior. Even signing in to Windows as a different Admin level user does not result in a 2021 Samples folder on a reinstall. 

I am unable to locate which installation log file tracks the Sample folder installation so I am unable to track this issue. I starting looking through several of the (over) 40 log files but finally gave up.

I kept a copy of the Samples folder from one of the successful first-time installs so I have rigged up a work-around in my deployment using an "if exist" script to copy over my saved (successful) Samples folder when necessary. While this solution works for us, my preference is a valid (re)installation without the need to intervene.

Has anyone else encountered this issue? And, have you found the cause?

TIA

Regards,

Michael Partenheimer

[natasha.l]

Hello @Partenheimer, 

There was a change in how the library content is installed with Revit 2021. 

Please review the Download and Install Revit Content for more information:

The Project Templates and core content are automatically installed, but some additional family content is no longer installed as part of the Revit installation. To load this content, open the download page using the Get Autodesk Content command (Insert Ribbon Tab | Load from Library Ribbon Panel) or directly from this link Autodesk Revit 2021 Content.

Please "Accept Solution" if a reply or replies have helped resolve the issue or answered your question, to help others in the community.

[Partenheimer]

Hello @natasha.l ,

I guess I'm a little confused...

As I mentioned, when I install Revit 2021 on 4 different computers (for the first time on each of the 4 computers), the "C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Revit 2021\Samples" (and content) is installed. 😀

It's only after I uninstall Revit 2021 that the issue occurs. ☹️

How does the new method account for including the content once... but then subsequently not including the content? 

As mentioned, I acquired the content by simply copying the "Samples" folder from one of my (4) first time installations. I did not have to download it. It was there at "C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Revit 2021\Samples".

I just want to understand why the installation is not consistent - first 1st time versus subsequent times.

My solution to the inconsistency is to add a batch script with an "if not exist" statement which skips the process on a first time installation, but adds the folder via my process on subsequent installations. ...so I've resolved the issue. I just don't understand why each installation attempt isn't the same.

Thanks.

Regards,

Michael Partenheimer

[m_latz]

Hello @Partenheimer ,

is it possible, to get the log files of the uninstall and reinstall of one of the problem pc's ?

I suppose in RCLCRVT.exe something went wrong

regards

Markus

[m_latz]

Okay,

I can reproduce the error, so the log files are not necessary.

The problem is, that the uninstall of the RCLCRVT.exe package is not correct.

How do you perform the uninstall of the revit deployment ?

regards

Markus

[Partenheimer]

Hello @m_latz 

Thank you for confirming the issue.

To uninstall I use:

Windows Control Panel-->Uninstall or change a program

I uninstall all of the components first and then Revit 2021 itself last.

Regards,

Michael Partenheimer

[m_latz · Accepted solution]

The "Autodesk Revit Content Core-RVT 2021" is hidden and not visible in the "Programs and Features" panel.

To uninstall correct check the entry in the registry:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\{1aa4d703-a089-48e4-b1d0-ae8e867add5f}

"C:\ProgramData\Package Cache\{1aa4d703-a089-48e4-b1d0-ae8e867add5f}\RCLCRVT.exe" /uninstall /quiet

regards

Markus

[Partenheimer]

Hello @m_latz.,

Markus,

Thank you.

I am now able to fully reinstall Revit 2021 fully without intervention.

Much appreciation.

Regards,

Michael Partenheimer

[natasha.l · Accepted solution]

Hello @Partenheimer, 

Thank you for re-clariying the issue. 

This issue was reported & it was determined that the root cause of the issue is that a much older build of Revit 2021 was installed at an earlier point in time and was not uninstalled correctly.  

Verified Solution:

1. Double click on the RCLRVT.exe > Uninstall, 

     2. Then run the RCLRVT.exe again

• 'Samples' folder under C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Revit 2021 is shown and sample models are in the folder
• Launch Revit 2021, sample files are shown on Revit Home page

Did a full uninstall again, these 3 items are shown as below after the uninstall is done.

3. Click Exit and check again, all items under Revit 2021 are removed.

— This may be the reason why sample files cannot be installed successfully.

Please "Accept Solution" if a reply or replies have helped resolve the issue or answered your question, to help others in the community.

[Tony_Michniewicz]

Just a note to say that the Revit delivery team is investigating this issue.  My current research indicates that Markus is correct that the reinstall issue occurs because the following registry key is not properly removed by the Revit uninstall:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall\{1aa4d703-a089-48e4-b1d0-ae8e867add5f}