This article explains what to do if you have problems launching OpticStudio, and will help you get your OpticStudio installation running smoothly.

Authored By Don Dickinson

Introduction

This article is organized by error message or issue that may arise in an OpticStudio installation. Please navigate to the section relevant to the issue you are experiencing to find steps to resolve the issue. If the issue persists, the Getting Help section covers support contact.

OpticStudio requests a license code

The first time you run OpticStudio, you may be prompted for a license code as shown below (if using a Black USB legacy license).

If you see this dialog box, your copy of OpticStudio is correctly installed, and the USB key is working properly. You just need a license code to allow this version of OpticStudio to run with your key. To request a license code, refer to How to request an Opticstudio license code.

Nothing happens when launching OpticStudio

If you have no error and nothing is displayed when launching Opticstudio, this is normally due to missing Windows components that OpticStudio requires to run. See the next section, Reinstalling the Visual C redistributables below.

Reinstalling the Visual C redistributables

This is usually easily resolved by going into Control Panel...Programs and Features (Windows 7) or Settings....Apps (Windows 10). <Right-click> on each of the redistributable packages, select Change then Repair. 

If you don't see the appropriate Redistributable versions, they can be downloaded from this link

For Opticstudio 17.5 and higher, check and repair the 2010, 2012 and 2022 Redistributable. 

If you are still unable to launch OpticStudio, skip to the "Getting help" section.

Error: OpticStudio requires the .NET Framework

OpticStudio requires that the Windows .NET Framework be properly installed. Normally, OpticStudio automatically downloads the required version of the .NET Framework from Microsoft during installation, but errors can occur during the installation. If the .NET Framework has not been proply installed or needs to be repaired, you will receive the following error.   

As of OpticStudio 16.5 SP1, a minimum of .NET 4.6.2 is required. As of Opticstudio 20.3, .NET 4.8 is required.

To correct this error, you need to install the version of .NET (or higher) referred to in the error. Typically this means that Opticstudio was unable to automatically update .NET during the install process. Offline installation files for .NET 4.6.2 is here. NET 4.8 is here.

If you are unable to install .NET, or still unable to launch OpticStudio, skip to the "Getting help" section.

OpticStudio has stopped working or immediately launches the Zemax File Collector

If you encounter an error message when launching OpticStudio that contains "stopped working" or a similar error, this is usually due to missing or corrupt Windows components required to run OpticStudio. In 18.7 and higher, a crash will automatically open the Zemax File Collector utility to allow you to report the crash to us for assistance. Before submitting a crash report, there are some steps to take. 

One of the most common errors is with the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages not properly installing, even though they show up in the list of installed programs. To fix this, follow the instructions outlined in the above "Reinstalling the Visual C redistributable" section.. 

Getting help

If your installation issue is not resolved, please open a support ticket from the Ansys web site @ https://customer.ansys.com or if applicable, your Ansys Channel Partner.

When opening a ticket, please send us the following:

• Screen shots or description of any error messages or the behavior you encounter.
• A summary of any troubleshooting steps you have already taken 
• Account number or license number if you have one.

This will provide us with all the information we'll need to quickly diagnose the problem or escalate as needed.

References / other resources

If you experience slow response in graphics windows while running OpticStudio, see "Troubleshooting UI issues in OpticStudio."

If you experience black (or blank) windows within OpticStudio, see "What to do if the graphics windows in OpticStudio are black or blank."

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