NI MAX Error - Database is not running

Issue Details

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

Users may also not be able to:

• See installed 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 NI devices
• Use DAQ Assistant in LabVIEW
• See 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.

• On Windows 7, click the Processes tab and select NIMAX.exe. 
• On Windows 10 & 11, click on Measurement & Automation Explorer. 
• For older versions of NI MAX, click on nimxs.exe. 

• 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.

• 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.

• Reset the MAX database. 
  • Please see How to Fix or Restore the NI MAX Database File for instructions.
  • Note: Resetting your MAX Database will delete all your MAX Settings (Scales, Virtual Channels, etc). To prevent losing data, export the System Configuration before resetting the database.
• If you did not use NI Package Manager to install your software: Force reinstall your software.
• If you did use NI Package Manager to install your software: Repair your driver from NI Package Manager.
• Download the latest version of your driver, or System Configuration , that is compatible with you hardware and system. This will create a new database file.
  • If you're running into an error when installing a package in NI Package Manager, you may have to enable MSI logs.
• Perform a Clean Boot to determine whether 3rd party drivers or software are conflicting with NI MAX.
  • Refer to [External] How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows 10 and Windows 11 to Troubleshoot Software Conflicts for instructions.
  • Note: performing a Clean Boot starts Windows with a minimal software set, which helps to identify if a program during normal operation is introducing issues.
• Use the System File Checker to identify corrupt registries or missing files.
  • Refer to [External] Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files for instructions.