MAXTerminatedServiceError When Using NI MAX

Updated Feb 1, 2023

Reported In

Software

  • Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX)

Operating System

  • Windows

Issue Details

While running NI Measurement & Automation Explorer (NI MAX) I get the following MAX Database Error:
 


The MAX database exited abnormally.
Visit ni.com/info and enter the info code MAXTerminatedServiceError if the problem persists.


I may also not be able to:
  • See my software under the Software tab in NI MAX
  • Expand the Data Neighborhood or Software tab without receiving this error in NI MAX
  • Use Test Panels with my devices
  • Use DAQ Assistant in LabVIEW
  • See one of my devices in NI MAX
  • Scan for GPIB devices

Solution

There could be several causes for this error including:
  • NI Service crashes.
  • Unexpected PC shutdown or crashes.
  • Software or registry corruptions.
  • Conflicts with 3rd party software or drivers.

Follow the steps below to resolve this error:
  •  Make sure the NIMAX.exe has fully closed.
1. Open Windows Task Manager.
  • On Windows 7, click the Processes tab and select NIMAX.exe. 
  • On Windows 10, click on Measurement & Automation Explorer
  • For older versions of NI MAX, click on nimxs.exe. 
2. Click End Process or End task and click Yes.
  • On Windows 10 you might need to click More Details to see the process. 
  • On Windows Vista, make sure you check the Show processes from all users option so all processes are visible.
  • Restart or start NI Configuration Manager and NI Device Loader services.
  1. Reboot the computer to restart the services.
  2. If you want to restart the services manually, go to Control Panel » Administrative Tools » Services.
  3. Right-click the line NI Configuration Manager and select Start or Restart.
  4. Repeat the previous step with the NI Device Loader service.
  5. Close the Services application and restart MAX for the changes to take effect. MAX should now operate correctly.
 
 
Note: Another option is to right-click on each service and select Properties. You can check to see if the service is running in the Service status section. If it is not running, click Start.
 
 
  • Modify the NI Configuration Manager and NI Device Loader recovery settings to help avoid the problem in the future.
    • Navigate to their Recovery tabs in the Properties window and select Restart the Service from the First failure, Second failure, and Subsequent failures list boxes, as shown in the image below.