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    • License Manager Connectivity

      • HOW TO - Test & Fix License Manager Connectivity Issues
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      • HOW TO - Manually Reset Your Specified License Servers File (ansyslmd.ini)
    • License Checkout Issues

      • HOW TO - Fix Ansys License Checkout Errors
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      • ERROR - Request Name 1 Does Not Exist in the Licensing Pool
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      • ERROR - Thermal Desktop Unable to Get a License
    • Application Functionality Issues

      • HOW TO - Fix Ansys Application Errors & Issues
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      • HOW TO - Test if Ansys is blocked by the Windows Firewall on a Client Computer
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    • Windows OS / Hardware Issues

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      • ERROR - Ansys Add-In Missing in SolidWorks
    • Project Specific Issues

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      • ERROR - Mechanical Database File Does Not Exist
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      • ERROR - System Argument Exception When Running a Simulation
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      • INFO - Ansys Diagnostic Logs Cheat Sheet
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  • Errors & Solutions

    • ERROR - Ansys License Manager Won't Start
    • ERROR - Capability ANSYS IcePak does not exist in the ANSYS licensing pool.
    • ERROR - ANSYS Electronics Desktop Will Not Launch After Windows Update
    • ERROR - Cannot return a borrowed license
    • ERROR - Black screen in CFX-Pre and CFD-Post
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    • ERROR - 93317 Microsoft JScript runtime error
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    • ERROR - License Server Lost for X Minutes
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    • ERROR - Cannot submit Ansys Cloud jobs
    • ERROR - Mechanical Crashes when using Image to File
    • ERROR - SpaceClaim Structure Tree Items Disappear
    • ERROR - Failed to stop the license manager
    • ERROR - An unexpected error has occurred: Failed to back up file XXXX\MECH\file.rst
    • ERROR - Fluent Launcher Crashes
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    • ERROR - LoadLibrary failed with error 87
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    • ERROR - Port number are not the same in all license files
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    • ERROR - "Unable to attach geometry file" (SolidWorks)
    • ERROR - Prerequisite error "MS ASP.NET Hosting Bundle 6.0.8"
    • ERROR - HTTP Error When Gathering Diagnostics
    • ERROR - Workbench plugin for Inventor does not work
    • ERROR - Request name disco_level1 does not exist in the licensing pool (-5,147)
    • ERROR - Request name cfd_solve_level2 does not exist in the licensing pool (-15,10032)
    • ERROR - Electronics Desktop opens as Twin Builder or another Desktop Configuration
    • ERROR - Switching Network Connections Checks Out Another License
    • ERROR - Failover Feature 'Ansys electronics_desktop' is not available
    • ERROR - Laptop battery drains excessively or gets very hot
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    • ERROR - Can't Edit Mech Contours
    • ERROR - Script Error When Opening Mechanical From Workbench
    • ERROR - No Customers Found in Licensing Portal
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HOW TO - Update Drivers & Software

Authored by Caleb Scharf April 12th, 2023 2852 views 1 likes KB1227846

Overview

Outdated drivers and windows updates can cause software compatibly issues with Ansys and other software. While video/GPU drivers are more often the cause for Ansys related issues than system drivers and windows updates, that is not always the case and we still recommend installing all updates below when troubleshooting an issue.

There are several main types of updates that your computer needs to maintain reliability, performance and security.

  • Windows Updates
  • System Drivers & Bios Updates
  • Dedicate Video/GPU Drivers
  • Office Updates (optional for Ansys related Problems)

Solution


Step #1 - System Drivers/Bios Updates

Delete

Video Drivers

If you have an engineering computer, install video drivers by following the section below AFTER installing the drivers provided by your computer manufacture.   


Microsoft Computers

Microsoft installs driver and bios updates for their computers automatically through Windows updates.  See the section above to install Windows Updates.

If you are an IT Professional and need to install them manually, see HERE.  


Dell Computers

  1. Verify your computer is plugged into power and DO NOT disconnect it during this process.  If you use a Dell docking station, connect it now, so it can be updated.
  2. Windows Search > search for and open Dell Command Update.
    1. If it's not installed, download and install it from HERE.
  3. Click Check.  
    1. Takes ~2min depending on the number of updates.  
  4. Click Install.  
    1. Note - If network or video drivers are being updated, it is common for your screen to flash several times and to for you to temporarily lose network connectivity (~30-60seconds).
  5. Restart your computer if prompted.
  6. Upon restarting, if a new bios/firmware was installed, your computer will take ~5min to start - this is normal and you will see a progress bar. 
  7. After the computer restarts, login and open Dell Command Update and check for updates again. If no updates are found, this means all updates were installed successfully. If updates are found, its likely they failed to install previously and will need to be manually installed.  Please contact IT Support for assistance in this case.


Lenovo Computers

  1. Windows Search > search for and open Lenovo System Update. 
  2. If you do not have it installed, you can download and install it HERE.
  3. Run the application and install all Recommended drive and bios updates.


HP Computers

  1. Windows Search > search for and open HP Support Assistant. 
  2. If you do not have it installed, you can download and install it HERE.
  3. Run the application and install all Recommended Driver & Bios Updates.

Delete

Step #2 - Video/GPU Drivers (Engineering Computers Only)

Delete

Note

Video drivers only need to be manually updated if you have an engineering computer with a dedicated GPU. 


While OEM vendors like Dell, HP, etc., provide Video drivers for their system, their updates lag noticeably behind what is released by Nvidia and AMD and we have directly seen issues that were still present with the most current OEM drivers that were fixed with the most current from the manufactures site.

Download GPU Drivers directly from the Manufacture. 

  • Nvidia Driver Download
  • AMD Driver Download

Note - To identify what model GPU you have, Right Click the Start menu > Device Manager > Expand Display Adapters. 

Delete

Step #2 - Windows Updates

Windows updates are typically installed automatically, however, updating them manually will make sure you have the latest bug fixes and security updates installed.  Installing upcoming feature updates that can sometimes resolve software bugs or reliability issues you may be experiencing.

  1. Windows Search > search for and open Check for Updates.
  2. Follow the picture below
Delete

Step #4 - Office Updates (optional for Ansys related issues)

  1. Save and Close all office applications. 
  2. Open Microsoft Outlook > select File > select Office Account > Update Options > Update Now.
  3. Follow the on screen prompts.  This process takes ~5-10min depending on internet speed and system performance.
Delete
driver setupinstall drivers

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