As the title indicates, I’m been having problems with runtime error 217 on startup for several weeks and have been stymied in finding a solution. I’ve researched it and tried almost every suggestion out there including every item here on this forum. Nothing has worked; RM is the only app I use that has exhibited this problem. The only suggested solution I’ve not tried (and won’t) is a complete fresh install of Win10. I run many complex apps (multiple CAD and graphics apps) and reinstalling/reconfiguring all of them is not acceptable.
I’ve seen mention of dll usage where one/some may be corrupted in some fashion that triggers the error. Where is the dll library that can be used to restore the critical component? If the problem dll is a third party function why is that function not part of the RM distribution so that its’ integrity can be assured?
If anyone has some new ideas I’d really appreciate hearing them as I’m just about out of patience with it.
attempted remedies:
sfc (multiple times)
dism
Reboot to Safe mode
reinstall Edge
downgrade to RM9
reinstall RM10.5
repair Visual C++
reinstall Visual C++
I’m doubtful that RM’s user community can provide much help with this problem. I know I can’t. I do get a runtime error 217 on occasion. But it’s very intermittent and it only happens for me when I’m shutting down RM. As such, it really does not have an adverse impact on my use of RM. That’s very different than the situation you describe. So I think you are going to need to work with the RM folks on this one.
With that scale of system, I’m sure you are running the 64-bit RM 10.0.5. Try uninstalling it and replacing it with the 32-bit version. Maybe that will use some different stuff and get around the conflict. Besides, it was found recently that it does not have a bug in its Relationship Chart that 64-bit has.
Before doing anything more, I’d suggest cloning your disk with a tool such as Acronis True Image, Norton Ghost, Macrium Reflect, or Clonezilla. In that way you’ll have a full snapshot of things as they are, in case something goes wonky and you need to recover. Note: you’ll need a destination with enough free space to hold the disk image.
You’ve mentioned sfc and dism. There’s another similar technique called a Windows “In-Place Upgrade” that you might consider. It’s not exactly the fresh install that you’re reluctant on, but it goes through most of the motions while still leaving your apps and data intact. This is why I suggested cloning your disk … try the In-Place Upgrade and if it doesn’t help you still have a system restore option to fall back on.
This video covers the process, if you’re interested.
You mentioned doing a fresh install but the reinstall does not replace the XML configuration file. I’d suggest doing an uninstall renaming the XML file and then reinstalling.
Write back if you don’t know where the XML file is.
Wow, thank you folks for all the replies - I really appreciate it! I’ve spent quite a bit of time today doing a full image backup (which was a bit overdue anyway) and testing suggestions.
Thanks so much to all of you for your thoughts and some great suggestions!
Here’s results so far:
the jerrybryan: I have a feeling I’m heading down that path, but wanted to get some community input first; often in situations like this the users often can pull up a solution much quicker than dealing with the CS folks.
MadDog: My wife’s computer is on the other side of our office here, but messing with that is potentially a risky thing to try and then only as a last resort. I’m not quite there yet… I do have dual boot Linux for recovery, but I’d rather not put her out for even a short time.
kbens0n: I booted the machine up in safe mode which should keep out most of the unnecessary stuff as the windows starts. I didn’t see anything questionable in the event log. What’s the “RM reset Ctrl+Shift+U” ? If that’s something from within RM, I can’t get it started at all to try it.
TomH: That’s one thing I had tried before getting on here. I need to go back and try it again with the XML file removed (below), but it didn’t help when the original XML was in place.
KimberlyGreen: Thank you! for the reminder on the In-Place Upgrade; I had forgotten about that option. Your tip is what prompted the image backup earlier in the day. I have the space (12TB RAID NAS) which is old and slow as is Macrium, but it got the job done. I haven’t had time yet to do the upgrade, that will probably be in the morning.
RichardOtter: I found the XML and and renamed/saved it. That didn’t help, but I need to go back and retry again with the 32bit RM instead of the 64bit. Again, that’s in the morning.
Thanks again everyone for the help, I appreciate it more than you know. So far I’ve struck out but there’s still a couple of options to try; with luck maybe one of them will work out. I’ll check back in when I’ve had another go at it tomorrow.
Hi @cdo. I just had to join the fray and throw my 2 cents in. My friends who have joined look like they are having just too much fun.
I don’t remember reading what anti-virus software you are running and if you have done a complete virus scan and checked for malware . In addition, sometimes virus programs can also cause nuances, but that may just be a long shot .
I might also suggest running something like Ccleaner. Have it check for inconsistencies in the registry and obsolete files. It also does a good job of checking what is loaded at startup, like the others already mentioned. I know that windows 10 support is going away in the future and you have probably already checked for updates, but I thought I would mention it as well. If that doesn’t help your right, it’s probably time to call the wizards at RM.
It’s been a couple of weeks and I wanted to follow up with info on how this has proceeded since I was last here…
kchalmers: I didn’t mention the virus scan and malware checks earlier, but that was done well before I tried all the other possible remedies.
The other tasks that were discussed were (1) a re-install of RM using the 32bit version and a new XML file, (2) an In-Place re-install of Win10, and (3) contacting RM support for help. Neither (1) nor (2) had an any effect on correcting the error. For the In-Place reinstall I downloaded a new up-to-date ISO from Microsoft that includes all current updates. It went well but didn’t help.
As far as RM support goes, they have not been much help. The mantra about removing Edge was discussed, but it was not ever removed even though I had made efforts to block it a couple of times in the past. Microsoft just re-enabled it on subsequent updates. The only advice from RM support was to do a complete system re-install; that isn’t going to happen.
In the last couple of weeks I’ve come to the conclusion that for me at least RM is fatally flawed, and I’ve been looking elsewhere for a good replacement which I have found. The more I use it the more I find that I’m really pleased to have been forced to make the change.
I just wanted to get back here and update and again thank those of you who offered assistance. May you all have a great day and continued joy with working with your past.
