Reset Utility

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Reset Utility Video Tutorial

The following video DC Video Icon provides a comprehensive guide on how to reset the Desktop Connector. However, keep in mind that there might be additional information in the subsequent text that is not covered in the video. We recommend going through the listed steps after watching the video for a complete understanding of the content.


About the Reset Utility

If unusual syncing behaviors are present, the Reset Utility can help users reset their Desktop Connector installations. While it is less invasive than uninstalling Desktop Connector, it will require you to reselect all your projects. Therefore, consider the following alternatives before using this tool.


Determining if you should use the Reset Utility

Before Resetting Desktop Connector, review these steps that may resolve your issues before performing this more aggressive step.

  1. Review Troubleshooting Guide for known problems and solutions.

  2. Collect Diagnostic Logs through the Collecting Diagnostics Logs process.

    • Collecting logs will capture information in case this is a recurring issue.
  3. Back up any unsynced files outside your Desktop Connector Workspace.

  4. Submit the diagnostic logs to Autodesk.

    • This will help Autodesk troubleshoot the issue you are having.
  5. Add and Remove your projects from the Desktop Connector Home Screen.


Choosing the right version of the Reset Utility

There are two versions of the Reset Utility.

  1. With version 16.x family of products the utility is packaged with the install and on your hard drive at this location:

    C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Desktop Connector\Reset\ResetDesktopConnector.exe

  2. With version 15.x family and below you have to download the utility from a ZIP file and run the utility. Download the ZIP file from this link: DC Reset Utility for v15.x. The following guidance provides you additional information on which version to use.

Note:

Running the utility for v16.x or v15.x does not require administrator mode; the current user can run it without the need for administrative privileges.


If you have Desktop Connector v15.x Installed

If you are on a version 15.x or prior you will need to download the utility for that version of Desktop Connector. The tool is intended to help users reset their Desktop Connector installations. Download the ZIP file from this link: DC Reset Utility for v15.x.

If you have Desktop Connector v16.x Installed

The Reset Utility is already on your computer and no additional downloads are required.

For versions 16.x, the Reset Desktop Connector utility can be accessed at the following location:

The following steps guide you through the process of using the Reset Utility.


Before Running the Utility

Before running the utility there are some simple steps that may fix the problem without having to perform a reset. Follow the steps as shown.

  1. Check your internet connection.

    Network not connected

  2. Confirm that there are no changes made locally which have not been synced to the cloud before following these steps.

  3. Check for unsynced data by referring to Collecting and Viewing Sync Data in Desktop Connector.

Important: Running the utility will only remove files from the local machine and will not delete data in the cloud.

Running the Utility

Open the File Explorer File Explorer Icon and locate the Reset Desktop Connector utility here:

C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Desktop Connector\Reset\ResetDesktopConnector.exe

Double-click the utility and follow the on screen instructions. You have three options as shown.

  1. Reset Desktop Connector: This is the main command that will reset the connector back to a clean state.
  2. Open online help: This will open the help page for all content including an instructional video on how to use the tool.
  3. Cancel: This will close the window and take you back to the windows folder.

Check Installed Version

Selecting 1 you will be prompted with the following warning to remind you of backing up your files. After you review and backup selects y to continue.

Check Installed Version

You will also need to check that Desktop Connector is not running or you will receive the following error. Press any key to exit the utility then exit Desktop Connector and restart the procedure.

Check Installed Version

Once the utility has completed the process you will receive verification that your workspace has been reset to default settings.

Check Installed Version


Utility command line Parameters

Note: The utility can also be run through a Command prompt window with administrator privileges. Command line parameters for the utility are not required for resetting Desktop Connector for the local user.

Command Command Switch Description
Help -h Displays help page to the user
Promptless -p Skips displaying user prompts and moves straight to reset logic

IT Administrator Reset Tools

The Reset Utility for Desktop Connector is designed to put one's current install back into a clean state, and may help with some sync-related issues. However, if you prefer to manually perform certain steps instead of using the full capabilities of the utility, the following section provides a comprehensive breakdown of each step.

Important: For advanced users, select Expand this Section for extra Details to reveal the individual steps that you can manually execute for troubleshooting Desktop Connector.

Expand this Section for more Details
Warning:

Before Uninstalling, Reinstalling, or Resetting Desktop Connector, review these steps that may resolve your issues before performing more aggressive steps. Resetting Desktop Connector should be your last resort after performing the following steps.

  1. Review the Troubleshooting Guide for known problems and solutions.
  2. Collect Diagnostic Logs through the Collecting Diagnostics Logs process.
  3. Back up any unsynced files outside your Desktop Connector Workspace.
  4. Submit the diagnostic logs to Autodesk.
  5. Add and Remove your projects from the Desktop Connector Home Screen.
Note:

Resetting the Autodesk Desktop Connector can sometimes resolve sync issues. The following steps are also provided to reset the Desktop Connector and put the install back into a clean state.


The following steps will only remove files from the local machine and will not delete data in the cloud. Confirm that there are no changes made locally which haven’t been synced to the cloud before following these steps.

  1. Exit/shut down Desktop Connector following these steps:

    • Right-Click the Desktop Connector icon Desktop Connector Tray Icon in the status tray.
    • Select the gear icon Desktop Connector Tray Icon in the upper right corner.
    • Select Exit to close the program.

    Exit Desktop Connector

  2. In Windows Explorer navigate to the cleanup utility tool by going to this location.

    C:\Program Files\Autodesk\Desktop Connector\ShellCleanup.exe

    ShellCleanup Path

  3. Double-click to run the ShellCleanup.exe script to unregister the Desktop Connector drive.

    • Running the shell cleanup script will remove the Docs, Fusion, and Drive connectors from File Explorer.
    • The connectors will appear again the next time the Desktop Connector is started.
    Important: Running the ShellCleanup tool will only work if logged in as a Windows user (it does not support SYSTEM account).
  4. In Windows Explorer navigate to the following folder as shown and delete any of the following Desktop Connector workspace cache locations if they exist:

    Important: Confirm that there are no changes made locally which haven't been synced to the cloud before deleting the workspace. If you suspect that new data or edits to data on the local machine have not been uploaded you should move/copy the data before deleting the workspace.
    - %userprofile%\DC\ACCDocs.
    - %userprofile%\DC\Fusion.
    - %userprofile%\DC\ADrive.
    - %userprofile%\ACCDocs.
    - %userprofile%\Fusion
    - %userprofile%\ADrive
    

    Desktop Connector Local Cache

  5. Manually delete existing Desktop Connector databases found at the path shown. Delete the entire "Data" folder to remove local databases.

    C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Autodesk\Desktop Connector\Data

  6. Delete the folders or folders that start with “DesktopConnector.Applicat_Url_” found at this path.

    C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Autodesk\DesktopConnector.Applicat_Url_xxxxxx)

    Use the Microsoft® Registry Editor at your own risk. Remember to back up the registry, system.dat, and user.dat files as guided in the Microsoft Knowledge Base and.

    View Hidden Items

  7. From the Windows start menu start the Desktop Connector.

    A. Type Desktop in Windows Search bar.

    B. Select Autodesk Desktop Connector.

    Restart Desktop Connector

  8. If the user is a BIM 360 or ACC Docs project member, go to Select Projects and select the projects to use. (select the gear icon Desktop Connector Tray Icon on the Home Screen).

  9. Select your projects Save and Close the dialog box.

    Select Projects

  10. Open File Explorer and navigate to %userprofile% and you should now see the projects that you selected in the following location: %userprofile%\DC\ACCDocs.

    File Explorer


Related Concepts: