1) How do I install or update NX?
a) Apply for a license here: http://www.rpi.edu/dept/arc/web/software/sw_available.html#nx
b) An email will be sent giving you instructions
c) Updating to NX 5.0.4.1mp02 only: follow the instructions from step 1 at the link
2) How do I check which version of NX I am running?
a) Once NX is open, go to Help > About NX (drop-down menu)
b) Select System Information button
c) At the top of the dialog will show which version and any patches that have been applied
3) I have an earlier version of NX. Do I need to upgrade to the latest release?
a) If you have NX 5.0.0.25: Yes. It is very critical that you update for stability. Constant improvements are implemented in each release, and the tutorials online are updated to the newest versions.
b) If you have NX 5.0.2.2: Not critical to update
c) If you have NX 4.x: Yes. We no longer support NX 4.x on campus
4) In Vista, running the .bat file for update to 5.0.4.1 or 5.0.4.1mp02 does not work. What is wrong?
a) Due to increased security in Vista, you will need to temporarily disable “User Account Control” when running the update
b) Start Menu > Control Panel > User Accounts
c) The last option will be turn User Account Control off. Re-boot the system
d) After installing the update: To protect your system, please turn back ON User Account Control, following the steps above
5) I cannot update to NX 5.0.4.1 via the network. A blue screen is displayed and the computer shuts down.
a) Download the nx-5.0.4-32bit folder to your local drive first, before running the update OR
b) See the coordinator for a DVD-installation
6) Can I run NX without a network connection?
a) No
7) How do I run NX off campus? You have 2 choices:
a) The first is to use the RPI dial up connection (telephone modem) and dial into the RPI system. http://helpdesk.rpi.edu/update.do?artcenterkey=11
b) If you have a cable modem or some other high-speed connection, you have a better alternative. You can download the VPN software from http://helpdesk.rpi.edu/update.do?artcenterkey=556 and use this to establish a valid RPI connection off campus. If you have an RPI laptop, the VPN software is already installed.
8) Where is the video codec for the lectures (codec error)?
a) Download and install this codec: http://www.rpi.edu/~morrij5/egcad/tscc.exe OR http://download.techsmith.com/tscc/tscc.exe
9) When I open NX 5, it tells me that the License Server node is “down or not responding”
a) You may not be connected to the RPI network.
b) You have entered the wrong license server name when you installed NX 5. To fix, right select on My Computer. Select Properties. Select Advanced System Settings (VISTA Users only). Select the Advanced tab. Select Environment Variables. Under System Variables, scroll down and edit the value of UGS_LICENSE_SERVER variable. It should be: 28000@licsrvr3.win.rpi.edu
10) When I open NX 5, it tells me that the module gateway is not my license file.
a) You have not added the license bundle to license yet. From the Start Menu, select All Programs, select on UGS NX 5.0 program group, then on the NX Licensing Tools and finally on the License Options.
b) From the menu, highlight the ACD bundle and select Add.
11) After updating, I cannot start NX, receiving the error “entry point not found” and a problem with a “*.dll” file.
a) There is a corruption with this file. It is due by having the update run over the network. Please download the update folder zip file, extract it locally on your drive, and run “Launch.exe.”
b) If the application still fails, e-mail morrij5@rpi.edu
12) Drafting: When I run the Drafting Application, there is an “unknown error code” shown.
a) See above #10.
13) Drafting: The UGS template still exists even though I have tried to copy the RPI B-size sheet templates into the UGII\templates directory.
a) The UGII\templates directory has read-only access. One solution is to copy the files after disabling User Account Control (#4 above).
b) Make sure BOTH templates (16.a.2.a/16.a.2.b below) are copied.
14) I am able to use the sketch function, but creating solids (usually with arcs/circles) returns a fatal error/ program crash.
a) You have a T43p Laptop or equivalent video card.
b) Go to your Control Panel > Display Properties > Settings tab > Advanced > Troubleshoot tab.
c) Move the “Hardware acceleration” slider left to “None”
d) Select “OK”
15) The resource bar is missing from my Interface. How do I display it?
a) Go to the View (drop-down menu) and select Show Resource Bar.
16) Where can I get pre-set user defaults for NX 5 and the drawing/modeling templates?
a) Customized Modeling and Drawing Templates
1. Go to http://www.rpi.edu/~morrij5/egcad/nx5_templates.zip
2. Download and Copy the following files to the following directory: C:\Program Files\UGS\NX 5.0\UGII\templates
b. b-noviews-sheet-template.prt
c. model-plain-1-inch-template.prt
3. You need to replace the existing files, when prompted.
b) Load Defaults
1. Go to http://www.rpi.edu/~morrij5/egcad/nx5_templates.zip
2. Extract the following file to the desktop:
a. nx5_rpi.dpv
3. Launch NX 5
4. File > Utilities > Customer Defaults (in case Utilities are not shown, select on the two down arrows below the exit)
5. Select the Upper Right button that looks like an eye (Manage Current Settings).
6. At the right, select the third button from the bottom (Import Defaults). Browse to the desktop folder and select the file: nx5_rpi.dpv
7. Close the information window and Select OK twice to exit NX.
8. Restart NX to load defaults.
1. Before starting this procedure, make sure you can connect to the RCS B Size printer in the VCC South. This is done by running \\pmanager\vcsoutb and connecting to this printer via the network.
a. For how to connect to public printers: http://helpdesk.rpi.edu/update.do?catcenterkey=74
b. NOTE: There is a B-Size printer on campus in the VCC Print room: \\pmanager\vcblw
2. Open the folder NXPLOT: C:\Program Files\UGS\NX 5.0\NXPLOT
3. Run nxplotadmin.exe
4. Select Add… under the Printers tab.
5. In Printer Name call it “VCBLW”
6. In Printer Model, find the model +HP:HP LaserJet 8000 Series PS
7. Check NT/Queue and make sure \\pmanager\vcblw is in the Local field
8. Select OK twice to save and exit the SDI Printer Master window
9. The above steps have to be done one time only.
To Print Drawings:
1. Open NX 5.0 and a drawing of your choice (B-Size)
2. File > Plot
3. Source Heading: Make sure your drawing sheet is selected.
4. Plotter Heading: Find the added RPI B-Size Printer (“VCBLW”) in the Printer drop down list
5. Actions Heading: Select the Advanced Plot Icon
6. For multiple sheets: Select Plot Sheets One by One
7. Select on the Print Setup tab. Paper size should be B(Ledger) – 11.0 x 17.0
8. Set Orientation to Landscape. Set Resolution to 600. Set Scaling to Fit to Width
9. Select on the Print Layout tab. Set Vertical and Horizontal alignment to Center
10. So you don’t have to set these settings each time you print, it is recommended you select Save Profile As at the bottom of the NX Print window and call it “VCC B-Size”. This profile will now be in the Printer Profile drop down list on the Printer tab, and on the drop-down list in the Plotter Heading of the Plot command, so you no longer need to enter Advanced Plot options.
If you have any questions or problems, please contact the Help Desk in the Voorhees Computing Center (276-7777, consult@rpi.edu) or Jeff Morris (morrij5@rpi.edu).