Sometimes files are corrupted or have missing elements which cause problems like crashes when using tools, erratic Viewport manipulation, loss of keyboard shortcuts, missing or damaged UI elements, scene item linking issues, and so on. This section tells you how you can selectively restore defaults to address these issues.
Restore Factory Settings
Corrupted or missing files can be caused by a variety of issues, such as 3ds Max plug-ins writing to those files, or multiple open copies of 3ds Max being closed quickly and attempting to write to the same files simultaneously. Often you can address these issues by restoring the default settings originally installed with 3ds Max.
To restore factory default setting
- Go to File > Preferences and select the General tab.
- Click
Restore Factory Settings... at the bottom of the window. The Restore to Factory Settings dialog appears with two options:
- Go to Settings Folder
- Restore Factory Settings
- Go to Settings Folder
- Choose this option to open the User Preferences file, where you can view the backup files.
- The User Preferences file is located here <username> > Appdata > Local > Autodesk > 3dsMax > <current version>
-
Important: Only edit the ENU folder when 3ds Max is closed. If you want to restore a backup ENU folder, rename the ENU folder while 3ds Max is not running, otherwise errors will occur.
- Restore Factory Settings
- Choose this option to restart with original 3ds Max defaults. You are asked to confirm the reset and then a window with a choice of user settings to preserve appears.
- Only edit the ENU folder when 3ds Max is closed. If you want to restore a backup ENU folder, rename the ENU folder while 3ds Max is not running, otherwise errors will occur. If Restoring Factory Settings does not solve your problem, it can be worth restoring your backup version to get your customisations back.