AutoCAD Fatal Error: Unhandled Exception - Troubleshooting Guide
Encountering the dreaded "AutoCAD Fatal Error: Unhandled Exception" can be incredibly frustrating, disrupting your workflow and potentially leading to data loss. This error typically indicates a problem within the software's core functionality, often triggered by a corrupted file, outdated drivers, or conflicts with other applications. Here's a practical guide to help you diagnose and resolve this issue.
Common Causes and Initial Steps
Several factors can contribute to an unhandled exception. Before diving into complex solutions, try these quick fixes:
- Save and Close: If possible, save your current drawing immediately to prevent data loss. Then, close and restart AutoCAD.
- Restart Your Computer: A simple reboot can often resolve temporary software glitches.
- Check for Updates: Ensure AutoCAD and your operating system are running the latest updates. Autodesk frequently releases patches to address known bugs and improve stability. Go to "Autodesk Access" or your Autodesk Account to check for updates.
- Disable Hardware Acceleration: This can sometimes resolve conflicts with your graphics card. Type "GRAPHICSCONFIG" in the command line, and then disable "Hardware Acceleration."
Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques
If the initial steps don't resolve the error, consider these more in-depth solutions:
- Repair AutoCAD Installation: Navigate to "Control Panel" -> "Programs and Features," select AutoCAD, and choose "Repair." This process attempts to fix corrupted installation files.
- Update Graphics Card Drivers: Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers are a common culprit. Visit your graphics card manufacturer's website (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and download the latest drivers for your specific card model. Pay close attention to installing the correct version for your operating system (32-bit or 64-bit).
- Check for Corrupted Drawing Files: If the error occurs only with a specific drawing, the file might be corrupted. Try opening the drawing in recovery mode by starting AutoCAD and it should automatically prompt you for recovery. Alternatively, use the "RECOVER" command within AutoCAD to attempt to repair the file.
- Disable Add-ins: Add-ins can sometimes cause conflicts. Disable them one by one to identify the problematic add-in. You can typically manage add-ins through the "APPLOAD" command. After typing "APPLOAD", unload the add-ins one at a time and restart AutoCAD to see if the error persists.
- Reset AutoCAD to Default Settings: As a last resort, reset AutoCAD to its default settings. This will remove any customizations and potentially resolve conflicts caused by modified settings. Search for "Reset AutoCAD to Default" in Windows search bar, and run the appropriate utility. Note that this will revert all customizations, so back them up if needed.
By systematically troubleshooting these potential causes, you can often identify and resolve the "AutoCAD Fatal Error: Unhandled Exception," restoring your AutoCAD environment to a stable working state. If the problem persists, consider contacting Autodesk support for further assistance.