HOW TO FIX: ETABS 20 Crashing Computer After Creating New Model

Hey there! So, you’re using ETABS 20, right? It’s a pretty cool tool for structural analysis and design. But like all software, it can sometimes throw a tantrum. One issue that’s been bugging users is that it crashes their computer right after they create a new model. Super annoying, especially when you’re in the thick of a project. But don’t worry, we’ve got some steps you can try to get things back on track.

What’s the Problem?

So here’s what’s happening: you create a new model, maybe just with some simple grid lines. You get to the main window, the grid lines show up, and then…bam! Your computer freezes. It’s like the digital equivalent of a traffic jam. And you’re not alone – a bunch of users have reported this, but no one seems to have found a one-size-fits-all solution.

Let’s Try Some Fixes

The exact cause of this issue can be a bit of a mystery, and it might depend on your specific system setup. But here are some general things you can try that might just do the trick:

  1. Update ETABS: First things first, make sure you’re using the latest version of ETABS. Software updates often come with fixes for bugs like this one.
  2. Check Your System: Next, double-check that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for running ETABS 20. If your system’s not up to snuff, it might struggle to run the software, and that can lead to crashes.
  3. Update Graphics Drivers: ETABS is pretty heavy on the graphics, and if your graphics drivers are out of date, that could be causing problems. Check the website for your graphics card manufacturer to see if there are any driver updates you can install.
  4. Run as Administrator: Try running ETABS as an administrator. Sometimes this can sort out issues related to file permissions.
  5. Reinstall ETABS: If you’ve tried everything else and you’re still stuck, it might be time to uninstall and reinstall ETABS. This can fix issues caused by corrupt installation files.

And remember, always back up your work regularly, especially when you’re dealing with complex software like ETABS. That way, if something does go wrong, you won’t lose all your hard work.

Keep in mind, these are just general suggestions and might not work for everyone. If you’ve tried all these steps and you’re still having issues, it could be worth getting in touch with the ETABS support team for some extra help.

Wrapping Up

Software issues can be a real pain, but with a bit of troubleshooting, they’re often fixable. If you’re having trouble with ETABS 20, give these steps a go. With a bit of luck, you’ll be back to designing and analyzing structures before you know it. Hang in there!