Professional Documents
Culture Documents
12809-010000-5010A
October 2003
toc
Contents
Introduction..................................... 1
System Requirements............................. 1
Program Maintenance................... 17
Repairing Components .......................... 17
Installation Troubleshooting........... 22
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Contents
Adding a Command-Line Switch to the Executable Line ......................... 22 Calculating the Appropriate Swap-File Setting.................................. 23 Possible Error Messages at Startup ...... 23
Support ............................................ 23
World Wide Authorized Discreet Resellers................................................. 23 Discreet Online Support World-Wide.. 24 Assistance from Discreet Authorized Resellers ........................... 24 Support Options from Discreet* ........... 24 30-Day Free Support* ............................. 24 3ds max Software Development Kit .... 24
install
Introduction
System Requirements
Before you begin the install process, make sure your system meets the minimum operating requirements for 3ds max 6. ComputerIntel PIII or later processor or AMD processor, running at 300 megahertz or better. 3ds max takes advantage of multiple processors. Recommended is a system running dual Intel Xeon or dual AMD Athlon processors. RAMMinimum 512 megabytes (MB) and 500 MB swap file size. Recommended is 1 GB RAM and 2 GB swap file size. The complexity of your scene impacts the amount of RAM you will need to maintain performance. DisplayGraphics card supporting a minimum resolution of 1024 x 768 x 16-bit color. Recommended is a 3D graphics accelerator, configured for DirectX 9 (DirectX 8.1 minimum) or OpenGL, with resolution set to 1280 x 1024 x 32-bit color. OpenGL and Direct3D hardware acceleration is supported with graphics
This guide provides information for installing and starting 3ds max 6 and character studio 4.2. In addition to describing steps to install the program quickly, it includes information about system requirements and troubleshooting. It also tells you where to find information to set up network environments, as well as how to uninstall the program. See Frequently Asked Questions (page 25) to address many common questions about, and issues with, the installation and use of 3ds max and character studio.
Important: This guide covers only installation of the 3ds max software for single users (standalone licenses). For information about installation and registration or authorization of network-licensed versions of the software, see the Network Licensing Guide. To view this file, go to the program CD, navigate to the \manuals folder, and open adsk_nlg.chm. You can also view this file from the 3ds max 6 Installer main panel by choosing Network Deployments.
cards having a minimum of 32 MB of memory. DirectX 9.0 is on the 3ds max 6 and character studio 4 Installation CD and can be accessed by clicking Additional installs on the main page of the installer.
Note: 256-color mode is not supported.
Primary Operating SystemsMicrosoft Windows 2000 (Service Pack 4), Windows XP Professional (Service Pack 1) or Windows XP Home (Service Pack 1). You must have administrative permissions to install the 3ds max software.
Note: Windows 98 and Windows ME are not supported operating systems.
Network (Optional)A TCP/IPconfigured network for use in network rendering. OtherTo authorize 3ds max and to view the online Help systems, you must have Internet Explorer 6 (or later) already present. Internet Explorer 6 is provided on the 3ds max 6 and character studio 4 Installation CD and can be accessed by clicking Additional Installs on the home panel of the installer.
Note: Internet Explorer is necessary
Free hard disk spaceTypically 650 MB of free hard disk space for installation. This varies according to the custom components you choose to install.
Important: The Windows swap-file size should be a minimum of 300 MB. Recommended swap file size is three times the amount of physical RAM on your computer. Depending on scene complexity, more Windows swap space might be desirable.
for registering your software over the Internet. You also need QuickTime 5 (or later) to run the QuickTime plug-in and Panorama Exporter. QuickTime 6.1 is on the 3ds max 6 and character studio 4 Installation CD and can be accessed by clicking Additional Installs on the main page of the installer. See QuickTime 6 (page 13) for more information.
CD-ROMRequired for loading software, and needed for access to tutorial and sample files. Sound card and speakersRequired for listening to sound tracks. Pointing deviceMicrosoft-compatible pointing device or Wacom tablet. 3ds max has special optimizations for a three-button mouse or Microsoft Intellimouse and has support for the scroll wheel.
Previous versions of 3ds max let you choose a Typical, Compact, or Custom installation method. The new format of the installer is streamlined and is most closely related to the old Custom installation method, which let you select the components of the program you wanted to install. When the installer starts loading 3ds max, the core software is loaded first and then a series of silent installers load each component that you selected.
the 3ds max 6 and character studio 4 Installation CD into the CDROM drive.
2. If Autorun does not start the 3ds max
6 Installer, open the Windows taskbar, choose Start, then Run. Enter the CDROM drive letter, followed by :\CDsetup (for example: d:\CDsetup), and then press ENTER. You can also run the Setup program from My Computer or Windows Explorer by navigating to the CDROM drive and double-clicking CDsetup.exe. The 3ds max Welcome screen (page 3 ) is displayed. Your choices from here are described in the following sections.
Radio buttons accompany the list of components that you can set to add or remove. By default, the standard set of components that are added during an install are the core application, the reference and tutorial documentation, sample files,
Clicking the Remove button of any of these components causes the installer to ignore that component if youre installing for the first time, or to uninstall the component if the component has been previously installed. When you move your cursor over a component, a description appears in the Component Description section, below the list of components. To the right of each component, the Installation Action list tells you which components will be installed and which ones will remain uninstalled.
Install the components: 1. Choose the components you want to 4. In the next panel, in the User Information
install.
2. Click the Install button. The 3ds max 6
Agreement dialog, choose the appropriate country for your installation from the Country list, then read the Autodesk Software License Agreement. Click the I Accept The License Agreement button to continue the installation. Click Next.
in the 3ds max 6 Location group. If you want to specify a different folder destination, click Browse and enter a new drive and folder. The installer creates a new folder for you, if one does not exist.
Important: If youre upgrading a version of 3ds max 5.1 (or older), 3ds max 6 is installed into a new folder. It does not install over a previous version. 6. In the Configuration Information group,
3ds max product packaging. If you get an error message, retry, making sure you enter the Serial Number correctly. You can also choose to have the installer place a shortcut to start 3ds max on your desktop.
7. In the License Information group, specify
the type of license you want to install. Stand Alone is the usual license type. Choose Stand Alone to install a new stand-alone license of 3ds max 6 (including character studio 4). If youve purchased a network-licensed version of 3ds max, choose Network.
8. Click Next to display the next 3ds max 6
Setup panel, where you can verify your personalization data. If the data is correct, click Next to continue installing.
However, if you have chosen to install more than just the 3ds max software, youre not done yet. When you click the Finish button, the silent installer for each supplemental component you selected to install will start.
When the entire install sequence has completed, you will be informed on the 3ds max 6 Installer screen.
If information is incorrect, click the Back button to edit your information, and then repeat this step.
9. After the 3ds max core application is
installed, you will receive notification that the installation was successful.
backburner 2.2
backburner is the 3ds max 6 network-rendering management software, also used by combustion. On a system where 3ds max has never been installed, backburner is installed into a shared folder; c:\program files\backburner 2\. This is done so you can use the network rendering and command-line rendering features of 3ds max and so other programs, like combustion, can take advantage of backburner as well. If youre installing 3ds max 6 on a system that had installations of 3ds max 5 or combustion, an older version of backburner is already installed on the system. In this case, the newer version of backburner will install into the same path used by the previous version. This is done so the older version of 3ds max or combustion will still be able to use the newer version of backburner. It also means that any 3ds max 5 or combustion network-rendering jobs that are still in the queue will not be lost. They can still be assigned and rendered using the new version of backburner.
Note: 3ds max 5 can use the newer version
mode. Once 3ds max is authorized, you must purchase and authorize character studio in order to use it.
If you intend to use the character studio software, be sure to consult the associated reference and tutorial documentation. These documents are available from the 3ds max Help menu, under Additional Help. If you plan to use 3ds max network rendering, all network-rendering servers must be installed with the same version of character studio to ensure identical rendering results. The network-rendering servers do not require authorization of 3ds max or character studio. If you intend to use character studio on a 3ds max network floating license, you must purchase or transfer your single-user license to the character studio network version.
Note: A character studio 4.2 network license
can run when 3ds max uses a standalone license. In some versions of 3ds max, such as Educational and Not For Resale versions, character studio is included as part of 3ds max without additional authorization. In these cases, you will not be prompted for an additional character studio authorization code.
of backburner, but 3ds max 6 cannot use the older version of backburner. For more information on backburner, see the Network Rendering topics in the 3ds max 6 User Reference.
Network-Licensed Version
Choosing Network activates the Network License Server field, where you can specify a license server. If youve purchased a network-licensed version of 3ds max, network administrators can perform a network installation by installing the Autodesk License Manager tools. Refer to the Network Licensing Guide (adsk_nlg.chm) located in the \manuals folder on the product
character studio 4
One of the install components you can choose is character studio 4.2. You can choose not to install character studio by clicking the Remove button.
Important: character studio can be used in trial mode only if 3ds max is run in trial
CD. You can also view the Network Licensing Guide from the Network Deployments panel of the 3ds max 6 Installer. Network-licensed versions of 3ds max obtain authorization from a network-license server. Before activating the network-license server, you must upgrade to or purchase the network-enabled version of 3ds max. When using network licensing, you may also use network licenses of character studio. The character studio licenses function independently of 3ds max licenses. For example, you can purchase fewer character studio licenses than 3ds max licenses and float the character studio licenses among the 3ds max workstations, as long as all are floating licenses.
Note: Stand-alone licenses of character studio do not function with 3ds max floating licenses.
The Authorization Code dialog continues to appear when you start 3ds max until you have authorized the product. You can also start the Authorization Wizard while running 3ds max by choosing Help > Authorize 3ds max.
Important: If you encounter a licensing error that requires you to reauthorize your copy of 3ds max, you will be able to choose only the Authorize 3ds max option from the Authorization Code dialog. The other options are unavailable.
click Next.
6. Confirm your personal information, and
click Next.
7. Choose a registration method. You can
choose Connect Directly Via The Web, Fax Request, Email Request, or Mail Request to register and obtain your authorization code. Each registration method walks you through the procedure for authorizing 3ds max, depending on your geographic location. Refer to the Read This First card included in your 3ds max Media Folder for additional registration and authorization information. Until you properly authorize the program, the Authorization Wizard appears each time you start 3ds max. After you finish using the Authorization Wizard, the Graphics Driver Setup dialog appears.
If you have not yet authorized your copy of 3ds max, the Authorization Wizard appears.
2. Choose Authorize 3ds max 6, and click
Next.
3. Choose Register And Authorize, and
click Next. If you already have an authorization code, choose Enter Authorization Code, and click Next.
4. Enter the requested registration
button.
3. Click the Biped button. 4. Enter your eleven-digit character studio
click Next.
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If you already have an authorization code, choose Enter Authorization Code, and click Next. Enter the requested registration information, and click Next.
6. Enter your personal information, and
click Next.
7. Confirm your personal information, and
click Next.
8. Select a registration method. You can
choose Connect Directly Via The Web, Fax Request, Email Request, or Mail Request to register and obtain your authorization code.
Note: If you are a current character studio
4 customer, you may need to reauthorize character studio to work with 3ds max 6. Use your existing character studio serial number when following the registration outlined above. In some versions of 3ds max, such as Educational or Not For Resale versions, you will not be prompted for an additional character studio authorization code
SoftwareThis is the default driver. It works with any graphics card meeting the minimum requirements. OpenGLMany graphics cards now support hardware-accelerated OpenGL. This selection often gives you the best graphics performance. If your graphics card does not support OpenGL, the current Windows OpenGL driver will be used. The graphics-card manufacturers OpenGL driver gives better performance than the stock Windows OpenGL driver.
Note: To check the OpenGL driver, you
can start 3ds max and go to Help > About 3ds max. The About 3ds max dialog shows you what driver is configured. If you see OpenGL, followed by the card manufacturers name, your card has specific OpenGL support. Direct3DUses a driver from the hardware manufacturer designed to work with hardware accelerators. This works only if DirectX 8.1 or DirectX 9 is installed and the display driver for your card supports it. In addition, this option works only with cards having at least 32 MB of memory.
Note: Clicking the Advanced Direct3D button opens the Direct3D Driver Setup
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dialog, where you can choose the Direct3D version and device. To exit this dialog and revert from using the Direct3D driver, click Revert From Direct3D.
Important: You must have DirectX 8.1 or DirectX 9 installed to use the Direct3D display driver. DirectX 9 is included on the 3ds max 6 and character studio 4 Installation CD. CustomUses a driver that has been supplied by the graphics-card manufacturer. The file must first be copied into the \drivers folder under \3dsmax6. Note: Configuring for a Custom driver may
System date and time Making changes to any of these components can cause a license error that requires you to reauthorize your copy of 3ds max. Several recommendations to avoid breaking your license are listed below. For additional information, see Frequently Asked Questions (page 25).
License Folder
When you install 3ds max, the installer adds a hidden license folder named c:\documents and settings\all users.winnt\application data\macrovision\safecast\product licenses.
Warning: Do not tamper with the license folder or any files within the folder.
result in an error message: Interactive 3D Renderer Failed. This usually means the graphics card does not support a custom driver; you should try configuring for OpenGL or Direct3D. If youre not sure which option gives you the best performance, try different graphics configurations by starting 3ds max from Windows Start > Programs > discreet > 3ds max 6 > Change Graphics Mode. Once you find a driver that gives you the best performance, start 3ds max using your normal shortcut. After you choose the display driver, 3ds max starts and is ready to use.
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Before making changes to your system, you should use the Portable License Utility (page 12) to export the license from your system.
License Errors
If you do receive a license error, you will need to reauthorize your copy of 3ds max. You can use the Authorization Wizard to complete your request. Depending on the error, you may have a seven-day grace period, from the time of your license error, before you must reauthorize the product. After the seven-day grace period, you will not be able to use the software again, until you have entered a new authorization code. In certain cases, there is no grace period. If a new authorization code is needed, the Authorization Code dialog will appear when you start 3ds max. You can only choose to authorize the product if you encounter a licensing error.
Additional Installs
The second choice on the 3ds max 6 Installer Welcome screen lets you perform additional installs. On the Additional Installs panel, you are given four choices: Microsoft DirectX 9.0b, Autodesk License Manager, Internet Explorer 6, and QuickTime 6.1.
Additional Docs
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5.5 (or later) for you to view them. Therefore, weve provided an option to install Internet Explorer 6. To obtain more information about Internet Explorer, visit the Microsoft Web site at http://www.microsoft.com.
QuickTime 6.1
QuickTime 6.1 is required to run the 3ds max QuickTime plug-in. 3ds max software has the ability to read and write QuickTime MOV files only if the Apple QuickTime software is installed on your computer. Choose this option to install QuickTime support. If you want to run the QuickTime 6.1 setup program directly from the 3ds max program CD at a later time, go to the \qtime folder and run quicktimeinstaller.exe from there.
Note: During the QuickTime installation,
To install any one of them, click the name, then the Install button.
you choose to do a Recommended install in order to have read-and-write functionality of QuickTime files.
Additional Docs
The Additional Docs panel of the 3ds max 6 Installer gives you access to documents that are separate from the 3ds max online References and Tutorials.
Internet Explorer 6
The Internet Explorer 6 setup runs separately from the 3ds max installer. This allows you control of customization for Internet Explorer. Internet Explorer 5.5 (or later) is required for installing 3ds max. Also, the files installed for the 3ds max 6 User Reference, 3ds max 6 Tutorials, and MAXScript Reference require the HTML Help Viewer in Internet Explorer
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From this panel, you can access the following: 3ds max 6 Product Readme Installation Guide (an electronic version of this document) 3ds max 6 New Features Guide Network Deployment Guide Network Licensing Guide SAMreport-Lite Users Guide
Youre instructed to exit the 3ds max 6 and character studio 4 Installer and insert the 3ds max 6 Partner Resources CD into the drive. You can then install the plug-ins you want from there. See 3ds max Partner Resources CD (page 19) for more information regarding plug-in content.
Partners
The Partners panel displays a list of plug-ins and utilities you can install from the 3ds max 6 Partner Resources CD. On this CD, you will find evaluation versions of some of the Discreet Certified 3ds max Plug-ins, designed to bring you some of the most advanced plug-in solutions for 3ds max. You will also find Partner Plug-Ins that expand your modeling capabilities with 3ds max.
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By specifying in a batch file such information as the type of software license you have and your serial number, you can script command-line instructions that will install or uninstall any of the components in 3ds max 6. When executed, the batch file will start the programmed silent installers and load the software to all the systems. Using a standalone-licensed version of 3ds max in a test lab or training environment can pose some unique problems when the systems need to be reset after tests are complete or classes are over. Special considerations need to be taken when installing and configuring. For more information, refer to the Network Deployment Guide. Also see the document, Step-by-Step Installation Procedure for Training Facilities at http://www.discreet.com/support/max. Search the knowledgebase for 612 (without the quotation marks; this is the number of that document).
Clicking the Next button performs a search for any updates to the current version of software. You will be informed when the check is complete.
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were not previously installed or you can uninstall components. To add or remove 3ds max or any of the components, you have to restart the 3ds max 6 Installer and choose to add or remove them from the 3ds max 6 install panel (page 4 ). When you restart the 3ds max 6 Installer, the installer checks for an existing installation of 3ds max. You will notice a subtle difference to the 3ds max 6 Install panel. The action list, at the right, shows you what components will remain installed or remain uninstalled.
Adding Components
To add a component after 3ds max has been installed, do the following:
1. Insert the 3ds max 6 and character studio
4 Installation CD. If Autorun does not start the 3ds max 6 Installer, browse the CD and double-click the CDsetup.exe file.
2. Click 3ds max 6 Install. 3. In the Component list, click the Add
is already set to Add. If you change a setting to Remove, that component will be uninstalled.
4. Click Install.
The selected component will be installed and available for your next design session.
Removing Components
Changing the Add or Remove status of the components updates the action list and tells you whether components will be installed or uninstalled when you click the Install button. Uninstalling components is similar to adding them. There are two ways of correctly uninstalling 3ds max 6 or any of its components. Choosing Remove on the 3ds max 6 Installer will uninstall the component from your system, removing most files and Windows registry entries from your hard drive. If you simply delete the 3ds max folders, you will not remove all program components.
Using the 3ds max 6 Installer 1. Insert the 3ds max 6 and character studio
4 Installation CD. If Autorun does not start the 3ds max 6 Installer, browse the CD and double click the CDsetup.exe file.
Program Maintenance
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2. Click 3ds max 6 Install. 3. In the Component list, click the Remove
button next to the components you want to uninstall. Note the change in status in the action list at the right.
4. Click Install.
The installer for the selected components will be removed from the system. The second method of uninstalling is by using Add/Remove Programs
Using Add/Remove Programs 1. Click Start > Settings > Control Panel. 2. Double-click Add/Remove Programs
Youll see an entry for each 3ds max 6 component that is currently installed.
system and reinstall it later, you will not have to reauthorize it. This is because the data file containing the code is safely stored on your local drive.
Program Maintenance
If you ever encounter a problem that prevents 3ds max 6 or any of its components from running, you can attempt to repair the problem without uninstalling and reinstalling the software. You should try to repair your software if you suspect some sort of file corruption, missing files, or corrupted registry entries.
3. Highlight the Component you want to
Repairing Components
You can only Repair components by opening the Windows Control Panel and starting Add/Remove Programs. From Add/Remove Programs, choose any of the 3ds max 6 components, and click the Change button.
sure you want to remove the component. The installation of the selected components will be removed from the system.
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User Reference
The 3ds max 6 User Reference documents the program. Once you have the program running, choose Help menu > User Reference. The User Reference has been updated for this version of the software.
Tutorials
To view the 3ds max 6 Tutorials online while you are using the program, choose Help menu > Tutorials. The Tutorials have been updated for this version of the software. Tutorial sample files are located on the Tutorial And Sample Files CD in the \tutorials folder. The 3ds max 6 Installer does not install any of the tutorial sample files to your system. As you need them, copy the files to your hard disk and then delete them when you have finished the tutorials. Suggested location: \3dsmax6\tutorials. For your convenience, a slightly smaller subset of the 3ds max 6 Tutorials topics is provided in a single printed volume that you can read offline.
Repair reinstalls the component (based on your current installation configuration), in order to replace any files, registry keys, or shortcuts that might have been damaged. If an existing file is newer than a file normally used to repair it, the existing file isnt changed. In other words, if youve applied a patch, a repair will not restore the system to an earlier state.
Note: Preferences stored in the registry
MAXScript Reference
To see complete information about MAXScript, choose Help menu > MAXScript Reference. The MAXScript Reference is provided online only, as a compiled HTML Help file.
Note: The MAXScript Reference has been updated for the most recent versions of the 3ds max and character studio software.
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Partners
The Partners panel of the 3ds max 6 Partner Resources CD gives you access to plug-ins and tools developed by some of the key Discreet key third-party partners. These plug-ins offer you the latest technologies a 3ds max artist would need, from detailing a scene, importing a model from another program, or seeing what a model will look like when exported to a gaming platform.
The following can be found and installed from the Partners panel: EASYnat, from Bionatics, offers a lifelike plant modeling solution that allows you to drop virtual seeds from
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the included samples and "grow" them in your model. Turbo Squid, from TurboSquid, is free software you can use to buy and sell digital assets. It provides access to a strong community of graphics professional and a growing library of over 70,000 models, motion capture files, maps, sounds, plug-ins and more. For more information, visit the Turbo Squid Web site at http://www.turbosquid.com. RPC, from ArchVision, lets you add photorealistic objects (such as cars, people, etc.) from the included ArchVision sample CD to your renderings. A demo version of PolyTrans, from Okino Computer Graphics, lets you evaluate dozens of CAD, DCC and VisSim data converters directly within 3ds max. PolyTrans OpenFlight Import and Export plug-in, from Okino Computer Graphics, lets you import and export OpenFlight data without any restrictions. Criterion 3ds max RenderWare Visualizers, from Criterion, enables artists who are creating content for Sony Playstation and Microsoft Xbox video game consoles to preview artwork on target development platforms.
designed to bring you some of the most advanced plug-in solutions for the software.
The following can be found and installed from the Discreet Certified Plug-ins panel: AfterBurn 3.0, from Sitni Sati, is a production-proven volumetric particle effects engine that has been used in producing effects for top rated cinematic productions and games. Absolute Character Tools 1.6 Pro, from Snoswell Design, is a sophisticated musculature system for 3ds max that helps you add extra realism and believability to characters that you create and animate. DreamScape 2.0, from Sitni Sati, is a unique plug-in tool for interactively creating and rendering realistic landscapes, seascapes, skies, clouds, outdoor lighting and more. finalToon, from cebas GmbH, is a fully featured cartoon and technical illustration renderer, with unparalleled line quality and rendering speed.
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HumanIK, from Kaydara, brings characters to life in minutes with this robust character animation tool that supports all MOCAP file formats allowing users to concentrate on the aesthetics of motion. Kaldera, from Mankua, is a powerful 3ds max texturing plug-in that gives users the ability to render full scene information into special texture maps based on scene information. finalRender Stage-1, from cebas Gmbh, is an outstanding rendering system which enables users of 3ds max to create rendering effects with unmatched global illumination, raytracing, and motion blur. Texture Layers, from Mankua, is an advanced mapping and texturing suite composed of a UVW Mapping layering tool and a powerful Compositor Map material for material blending between mapping layers.
can install it from the 3ds max 6 and character studio 4 Installation CD. To use any of the files on this CD, simply copy or drag them to your own computer. Files from the Tutorial And Sample Files CD are uncompressed and are not installed when you run the 3ds max 6 Installer.
Important: Sample files on the Tutorial And Sample Files CD have their file attributes set to Read-only, even if you copy them to your local drive. Attempting to save a sample file using the same name will result in an error unless you change the file attribute to Archive. Refer to your operating system documentation to learn how to change file attributes, if necessary.
When you want to use the 3ds max tutorials, we recommend creating a \tutorials folder under \3dsmax6 on your system and copying the related tutorial files into that folder. For character studio, you should create a \tutorials folder under \3dsmax6\cstudio. To free up disk space, you can delete these files from your system after youve used them. You also can access these files any time directly from the CD.
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Samples
The samples include maps and material library files. Sample files can be found on the 3ds max 6 and character studio 4 Tutorials And Sample Files CD. The total collection of sample files is quite large and you can manually copy them to your hard drive.
Read This First card 3ds max 6 Installation Guide Printed manuals and documentation, including: 3ds max 6 New Features Guide 3ds max 6 Tutorials Printable PDF files, in the \manuals folder: 3ds max 6 and character studio 4 Installation Guide 3ds max 6 New Features Guide
Note: Also refer to the 3ds max Documentation
Set topic in the online User Reference file for details regarding the documentation included with 3ds max.
Installation Troubleshooting
Adding a Command-Line Switch to the Executable Line
1. From within Explorer, My Computer,
or the Desktop, right-click the icon for 3ds max 6 or its shortcut. A shortcut menu appears.
2. Choose Properties.
command-line switch after the program path and executable file name. For example: c:\3dsmax6\3dsmax.exe -h.
4. Click OK.
The command-line switch takes effect the next time you run the program from the shortcut. To see a complete list of command-line switches and their functions, see Starting
Support
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Additional troubleshooting documentation is available in Diagnosing the Interactive 3D Renderer initialization failed error at http://www.discreet.com/support/ 3dsmax. Search the knowledgebase for 454 (without the quotation marks; this is the number of that document).
Error: TCP/IP error or Transport error The network protocol TCP/IP is not configured properly.
This error indicates an issue with your computers network configuration. Refer to the Setting Up TCP/IP topic in the User Reference for help, or http://www.discreet.com/support/max. Search the knowledgebase for 470 (without the quotation marks; this is the number of that document). For addition FAQ information, see Frequently Asked Questions on page 25.
Support
World Wide Authorized Discreet Resellers
Your local Authorized Discreet Reseller is an excellent source for support and information about 3ds max, as well as training and assistance on related hardware and software. To locate an Authorized Discreet Reseller near you, please visit the reseller look-up on the Discreet Web site at: http://www.discreet.com/resellers. You can also call 1-800-869-3504 (toll-free number for some international locations) or 1-514-393-1616, or send a FAX to 1-514-954-7399.
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Authorization Questions
Q. Will 3ds max 6 work without authorization, when first installed?
Yes, however, the product will only work without authorization during the initial 30-day trial period, which begins when you first start the program.
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Q. In case I need to reauthorize my copy of 3ds max, can I use the original authorization code?
No. The authorization code is unique in every instance and cannot be used more than once.
utility that loads with the DirectX drivers. From the Windows Start menu choose Run. In the Open field, type dxdiag.exe. This utility will display a dialog showing you which version of DirectX youve currently got installed. If its an older version, you can install DirectX 9 drivers from the 3ds max 6 and 3ds max Installation CD under Additional Installs (page 12).
General Questions
Q. Can a file created in 3ds max 6 be opened with an earlier version of 3ds max?
Not directly. Files saved in the .max format are only upwardly compatible. You can try File > Export from 3ds max 6.0 and use File > Import in an earlier version of 3ds max, but some data may be lost.
Q. Why do I receive an I/O error when I try to save one of the sample files?
The sample files are saved in an uncompressed format which allows you to copy them easily to your local drive. This requires that they are saved with Read-only attributes. There are two ways to solve this: Change the file attributes to Archive. To learn how to change attributes, refer to your operating system manual. Do not attempt to save over the original file. Use File > Save As instead, and specify a different file name or click the + button to increment the name of the file.
Q. I see that there is a Backburner 2.1 listed in Add/Remove Programs. What will happen if I uninstall Backburner 2.1?
Choosing to remove this component will uninstall all the backburner executable files, but the registry settings remain. You can perform a Repair of 3ds max from Windows Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add/Remove Programs. Choose the entry for 3ds max 6 and then click the Change button.
Q. My graphic card supports DirectX. How do I check the version of my DirectX drivers?
If your graphic card supports DirectX and you have drivers loaded, you can run a
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Q. After removing 3ds max 5.1 and backburner 2.1 from my system, installing 3ds max 6 is forcing backburner to be installed in a \3dsmax5 folder. Why?
When backburner is installed, it looks at the registry settings. Registry settings for previous installations of backburner remain on the system. In order to reset the path where backburner will get installed, youll have to edit the registry. Use the following steps.
1. From Windows Start > Run, type
find out what type of license you have, start 3ds max and click Help > About 3ds max. The About 3ds max dialog shows you information about your software and license. Most Commercial versions of 3ds max are authorized as Permanent while Educational versions are typically authorized with a Term Limit.
it to the path where you would like backburner installed. For example, if it currently reads c:\3dsmax5\backburner 2\network\nrapi.conf, changing it to c:\program files\backburner 2\network\nrapi.conf will install backburner to where 3ds max 6 would install it on a brand new system.
Note: You dont have to change the InstallDir
highlight the Machine Identification Code (MIC) of your PC, right-click, and copy it to the clipboard.
2. On the Pool page, click Add, enter a
name for your PC, then in the MIC field, right-click and paste in your MIC.
3. On the Export page, expand the + sign
registry entry. Resetting the CfgPath will update the InstallDir value.
under your license, highlight your PCs name, and click Export (youre forced to use the file method the first time).
4. Now, try to run 3ds max, and see the
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Q. I export back and forth from home all the time, and Im tired of writing floppy disks all the time. Is there another way?
Yes. The first time you export to another PC, you have to write the file (and it can be anywhere, on a floppy, or shared network drive). But after that, you can use the Transfer Code instead. Export normally, but instead of entering a file name, on the Export Type Selection dialog, choose the Transfer Code option. Write down the code and click Transfer. On the other PC, choose Transfer Code again on the Import page, and enter the code.
Note: Transfer codes cant be reused; youll
Q. Importing a license file, I get error 1291, The supplied import data is now obsolete. A more up-to-date version probably exists. What do I do?
The license file is continuously updated every time its exported, imported, or the product is run. You have to be using the very latest version of the license file at all times. Lets say on PC1 you export to a floppy. Now the floppy has the latest version. When you import that on PC2, the license on PC2 is now the latest version. If you tried to import that same floppy again, youd get a 1291 error, because its now obsolete. Otherwise, you could export to PC3, and then re-import from this floppy again: trying to make two licenses where you only have one.
Q. I exported my license, writing the file on a floppy disk, and now I lost the floppy disk (or its unreadable), and I cant run on either PC.
On the PC where you last worked, run the PLU and export the license again, and make a new floppy. This works because it remembers which PC you exported it to. You can only re-export to the same PC.
Q. On import, I get error 1290, The supplied data is not destined for this machine. Please check that the file has been transferred to the correct machine.
Heres how this can happen. On PC1, you select PC2 and export to it, creating a floppy. You take that floppy to PC3 and try to import. Sorry: it wasnt intended to go to PC3. This restriction is necessary for security reasons. If you want the license on PC3, youll have to import on PC2, and then export it, selecting PC3 as the destination.
Q. I exported my license by mistake to a PC that no longer exists, or to a PC that was lost or stolen, and cant run. My computer had a serious hard-disk or BIOS failure. What should I do?
Contact the Autodesk registration center directly by phone, fax, email, or online. A technician will help you re-initiate your 3ds max license.
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Q. Im going to make a major hardware modification to my PC, such as changing the main hard disk, the motherboard, or upgrading the BIOS. (Making a more serious change than just adding memory or changing the video card, which doesnt require reauthorization). How can I avoid breaking my license and having to reauthorize it?
You can save a support call by parking your license on another PC temporarily. Export your license to another PC, and then make your modifications. Before importing the license back, run the PLU on your modified PC, and on the Import page, double-check the MIC. If a drastic enough change has been made, the MIC might have been changed. If so, youll have to update the new MIC in the pool entry for this PC on the machine where the license was parked, before exporting back.
Note: Only the plug-in information is transferred. Not the actual license.
Q. My system had a major failure that required me to reload the operating system. There was no chance to park the license. What are my options for recovering my license?
If the hard drive is damaged beyond recovery, it is unlikely the license will still be retrievable. You will have to resubmit to get a new authorization code after the operating system is reloaded.