2023. 01. 25.

16:18 FactoryTalk View ME: Failed to open the FactoryTalk Private Directory for the application

ID: BF18518 | Access Levels: TechConnect

FactoryTalk View ME: Failed to open the

FactoryTalk Private Directory for the
application

Document ID BF18518

Published Date 06/30/2022

Summary
FactoryTalk View ME: Failed to open the FactoryTalk Private Directory for the application

Problem
When trying to open an application in FactoryTalk View Studio for Machine Edition version 8.00 or greater, the
following error message appears and the application will not open:

Failed to open the FactoryTalk Private Directory for the

application
Failed to create the FactoryTalk Private Directory for the
application

 
Computer<ComputerName> does not exist in the FactoryTalk
Directory.
Unable to communicate to RSLinxEnterprise server ’localhost’
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Contact your administrator for more information.

FactoryTalk View Studio crashes with the following error which can be found in the FactoryTalk Diagnostics event
log:

(RSDbgUtils,RTE_ERROR_CRITICAL,process:VStudio.exe) VStudio experienced an

unrecoverable anomaly. Please contact Rockwell technical support. Dump file= <dump
file path>

Environment
FactoryTalk View ME

Solution
Note: If you have Webroot SecureAnywhere installed, please see Cause / Solution 10

Solution 1
Restore a backup of the ME application via .MER or .APA file using the Application Manager.
 

Solution 2
Delete the PrivateDirectory folder as shown below.

Note: Deleting the PrivateDirectory folder removes the FactoryTalk Security and RSLinx Enterprise
configurations from the local application. These settings must be reconfigured and any scrambled user names
in Runtime Security must be deleted.

For Windows 7, 8.1, 10:

C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\RSView Enterprise\ME\HMI
Projects\YourApplicationName \PrivateDirectory

For Windows XP:

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Shared Documents\RSView Enterprise\ME\HMI
Projects\YourApplicationName \PrivateDirectory

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Once the folder is deleted the application can be opened and the PrivateDirectory folder will be re-created.
 

Solution 3
If this application was imported from an .APA archive file, the archive could have been corrupted on creation or
emailing.

Create a new .APA file on the working system.

 

Solution 4
If the .APA file was last edited on a system that had a newer version of the FactoryTalk Service Platform the
recommendation would be to upgrade the Service Platform to the same as that on which it was edited system or
the latest version.
 

Solution 5
If this is happening with several different applications, and even with newly created projects, the problem could
be related to the FactoryTalk Services Platform. Do a repair of the FactoryTalk Services Platform from Windows'
Control Panel-->Programs and Features.
 

Solution 6
If repairing the FactoryTalk Services Platform doesn't work, then you'll need to follow these steps:

1. Create a backup of all applications, as deleting the RNA files will clear the directory
configuration, including applications. Use either the FactoryTalk Administration
Console, or follow the instructions from QA33001 - FactoryTalk View SE: Backup or
Restore an application (.APB) file
2. Uninstall FactoryTalk Services Platform (Control Panel --> Add or Remove Programs /
Programs and Features). Note: Make note of the version. The version re-installed has
to be the same as the version removed. Also when the FactoryTalk Services Platform
is finished uninstalling, it will request a reboot. Do not reboot yet. We want to do the
next step first, then reboot.
3. Delete the RNAClient and RNAServer folders from the following directory:

For Windows 7, 8.1, 10:

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C:\ProgramData\Rockwell\

For Windows XP / Server 2003:

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Rockwell
 

Note: The Application Data folder or the ProgramData folder may be hidden. You will need to go into Folder
Options and allow to show hidden files and folders.

3. Reboot PC
4. Reinstall the SAME version of FactoryTalk Services Platform. Installing any other
version can cause installation errors.
 

Cause 7
The application was restored with the Application Manager. An attempt to open the restored application
resulted in the Failed to create FactoryTalk Private Directory for the application error
message. It was discovered that the Application Manager was still open and a warning message for the
Kepware Server was waiting for the OK button to be pressed so the application could finish being restored.
 

Solution 7
1. Click OK on the Failed to create... popup
2. Click Cancel on the Existing application tab/window
3. Return to the Application Manager
4. Click OK on the Application Manager warning message

Warning: Kepware Server files must be manually restored from

'C:\Users\Public\Documents\RSView Enterprise\ME\HMI
Projects\YourApplicationName \KepServer'

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5. The application will complete restoring
6. Open the application as normal
 

Cause 8
The current PC's FactoryTalk Directory is corrupt.

Note: This cause will affect all application when opening them in View Studio; not just one.
 

Solution 8
If the Failed to open... or Failed to create... occurs on all existing applications, then follow the solution from
BF24628 - FactoryTalk View Studio: Restore Directory (ResDir) Utility .
 

Cause 9
Windows Updates in regard to the Meltdown/Spectre vulnerability.
 

Solution 9
See BF6216 - Microsoft Windows Security Updates for Meltdown/Spectre Vulnerabilities Impact .
 

Cause 10
Webroot SecureAnywhere is the antivirus and an update prevents the Private Directory from closing properly.
 

Solution 10
Consult BF15674 - FactoryTalk View Studio: Failed to open Private Directory after Webroot update .
 

Cause 11
There is an issue with the RNL files.
 

Solution 11

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Follow tech note BF12152 - FactoryTalk: Deleting the RNL Files .

 

Cause 12
 A recent Patch Roll-Up install did not complete successfully.

 
Solution 12

Close all Rockwell Automation software and then run the Setup.exe file for the Patch
Roll-Up again as an administrator.

Note : If the patch install completed it may not have installed correctly, so Repair will need
to be selected after running the Setup.exe instead of Install .

Solution 13
Reinstall Factorytalk View Studio for ME. 

 
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