Issue:
After changing the location of Bitmap files, the error "Missing Map Files" may appear in 3ds Max.
Causes:
Changing or replacing a bitmap location can cause the Missing Map error when the machine's name, folder, or directory structure of the new bitmap location is different from the old bitmap location.This happens because some or all of the materials in the MAX scene have textures applied to them which are pointing to invalid bitmap paths.
Solution:
To fix this error, do the following:
Use the Asset Tracking Tool
The following steps redirect the bitmap's path:
- Load the MAX scene file.
- Select 'Continue' to get through the "Missing Map Files" dialog.
- Once the file is open in 3ds Max, go to the main menu on the top left of the window.
- Navigate to References.
- Choose Asset Tracking Toggle.
- Right-click the full bitmap path this is presently missing and either:
- Set Path. This option will allow another path to be set for the new bitmap location.
- Remove Missing Asset. This option removes the missing bitmap or asset completely from the scene.
- Strip Path. This options removes the current bitmap path for further changes.
Download the Relink Bitmap Plugin
Download and test the Relink Bitmap Plugin from the Autodesk App store, made by Colin Senner.
Add Project Folders or Sub-Folders
In some instances, adding a folder or sub-folder locations via the Configure Project Paths > External Files dialog can allow 3ds Max to enhance its supplemental locations for the MAX project file to look for missing bitmaps.This essentially helps 3ds Max 'see' new locations where bitmaps may be when updating a single path for a bitmap in the Asset Tracking dialog. 3ds Max can then more easily find other bitmaps in those newly added folder locations.
Additionally, see: "Missing External Files" appears when opening, merging or rendering 3ds Max scenes