Improper Installation Message on CompactRIO with NI-RIO 3.1 and MAX 4.5

Primary Software: Driver Software>>NI-RIO
Primary Software Version: 1.0
Primary Software Fixed Version: N/A
Secondary Software: Utility Software>>Measurement & Automation Explorer

Problem:
I just upgraded my NI-RIO driver to version 3.1 to use with my new CompactRIO (cRIO) system. When I install the minimal Recommended Software Set (RSS) on the controller and reboot, MAX gives me this message:

Connected: Safe Mode (Improper Installation)

and I get the same message for system state using Console Out. Why is this happening and how do I fix it?

Solution:

Newer CompactRIO controllers require NI-RIO 3.1 and MAX 4.5.1, or later, to work properly. If you install the minimal RSS with NI-RIO 3.1 and MAX 4.5, your controller will never boot out of safe mode due to a corrupt INI file that MAX 4.5 generates. The issue occurs only with the minimal RSS, not with a full RSS.

Updated cRIO controllers affected by this issue include the following and all future revisions:

cRIO-9022 (revision C or later)
cRIO-9074 (part number beginning with 198944)
cRIO-9073 (part number beginning with 198944)

You can determine the revision of a controller by the letter following the first six digits of the part number. For example, a revision C cRIO-9022 controller has the part number 198286C-01L.

The February 2009 Driver CD includes version 3.1 of NI-RIO, however, at the time of release, the latest version of MAX was version 4.5.

If you purchased new hardware, you can fix this issue by installing software from the NI-RIO 3.1 disk shipped with the controller. This disk contains the correct software. The disk installs MAX 4.5.1 by default. Alternatively, you can download the newest version of NI-RIO from Drivers and Updates. The version on the Drivers and Updates page also includes MAX 4.5.1. After you install the software on the host computer, format the controller and install software on it from MAX as usual.

Workaround:

NI recommends that you upgrade your software to permanently correct the issue. However, if you cannot upgrade, you can fix the issue by giving the controller a name before adding software. Giving the controller a name causes MAX to create a proper, uncorrupted INI file.

To give the controller a name, select the controller in the MAX configuration tree under Remote Systems, type the new name in the Name field on the Network Settings tab, and click Apply. You can then install software on the controller.

If you have already installed software and you see the Improper Installation message, you must format the controller before changing the name:

1. Move the Safe Mode DIP switch to the ON position and reboot the controller.
2. Right-click the controller under Remote Systems in the MAX configuration tree and select Format Disk.
3. Change the name of the controller as described above.
4. Install software on the controller.

If you continue using NI-RIO 3.1 with MAX 4.5, and you ever have to reformat the controller, remember to rename the controller before re-installing software on it.

Report Date: 01/05/2009
Last Updated: 12/14/2009
Document ID: 4T4AAL4M

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