Issue:
When attempting to open a MAX scene file (*.max) that may have previously opened on the system, 3ds Max crashes during the load process, or immediately.
Note: A Windows dialog warning or Autodesk CER (Customer Error Report) may display upon crash.
Solution:
The solution may require one, or a combination of the following:
Update MSVC++
- Close 3ds Max.
- Download the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable (version 14.50.35719) and install.
- Start 3ds Max and test.
Reset 3ds Max preferences
See: How to reset 3ds Max user preference settings back to default.
Use the Import and Merge feature (See Also)
Test 1:
Merge the 3ds Max file into a new scene and exclude the render settings.
Test 2:
If the merge fails at any stage, merge the content in sections until the faulty object is found. Repair the object before merging again.
Use a newer version of 3ds Max
Try to open the file in a more recent version of 3ds Max. For example: If using 2023, try 2025.
Change the vcomp140.dll.
The Microsoft VS2026 update contains a vcomp140.dll that causes issues with 3ds Max.
Confirm the vcomp140.dll version currently installed:
- Close 3ds Max.
- Navigate to C:\Windows\System32 and find the vcomp140.dll.
- Right-click on the .dll and open the Properties.
- Go to the Details tab and confirm the version number shown. If the version number is 14.50.35710.0, proceed to the next steps.
- Download the previous version of vcomp140.dll from this link: vcomp140.rar
- Extract the .dll (using a program such as WinRAR) and place it in the root installation folder for 3ds Max. Example: C:\Program Files\Autodesk\3ds Max 2026.
-
Create a txt file alongside the vcomp.dll in the 3ds Max folder.
-
Rename to: 3dsmax.exe.local.Note: WinOS should ask to change the file extension. Confirm.
- Start 3ds Max and open a file that would normally crash.
Note: This .dll will need to be placed in the root folder of all 3ds Max versions currently installed.