NIHWDBDD.dll Not Found After Upgrading Software to 2020 on a Phar Lap Controller

Updated Apr 11, 2023

Reported In

Hardware

  • PXIe-8821
  • PXIe-1071
  • PXIe-8840

Driver

  • NI-VISA

Operating System

  • Phar Lap

Issue Details

After performing a clean format of a PXIe-8840 or PXIe-8821 controller an error "Error! NIHWDBDD.dll not found! (dependency)" appears on the PXIe's debug console immediately after installing LabVIEW Real-Time 2020 and all the required drivers (NI-VISA, NI-DAQmx, etc) through NI MAX:

error.png

Solution

There is a known issue (CAR 1134570) with NI-VISA 20.0 on Phar Lap controllers. To solve this issue, you can follow either of the following options:
  • Modify the niVISA.mxr target file:
    • Search for the niVISA.mxr file in your Phar Lap controller at /ni-rt/system.
    • Go to the [VisaDictionary] section and modify the SchemaVersion to 47. The final file should look as shown below.
    • Reboot the Phar Lap controller.
  • Modify the niVISA.mxr host file:
    • Search for the niVISA.mxr file in your host PC at C:/Program Files (x86)/National Instruments/RT Image/NI-VISA/20.0/niVISA.mxr
    • Go to the [VisaDictionary] section and modify the SchemaVersion to 47. The final file should look as shown below.
    • Format the Phar Lap controller and reinstall software using NI-MAX.
file fixed.png
 
  • Upgrade to NI-VISA 21.0:
    • Install VISA 21.0 on the host and reboot.
    • Install VISA 21.0 on the target and reboot.

Related Links

Other Support Options

Ask the NI Community

Collaborate with other users in our discussion forums



Request Support from an Engineer

A valid service agreement or active software subscription may be required, and support options vary by country.