Troubleshooting Blank Explorer Panel Issue in FactoryTalk View ME (v5.00) and RSLinx Enterprise on Windows 11

Question:

Have you encountered a UI issue while running an old version (5.00) of Rockwell Automation's FactoryTalk View ME and RSLinx Enterprise on Windows 11? Despite a smooth installation process, the Explorer panel becomes blank when opening or creating an application. This problem persists even when no errors are logged in the diagnostics pane, leaving you puzzled about the cause. You've attempted running it in XP compatibility mode with no success. The display editor functions properly, and all other features are operational. Any insights on solving this UI problem would be greatly appreciated before resorting to reverting back to XP. Have you experienced and resolved a similar issue before? Your input would be invaluable. Thank you!

Top Replies

Rockwell has provided a Tech Note addressing an issue that may occur with certain tools installed on HP computers. Whether you are using an HP device or not, it is recommended to uninstall the following items: Device Access Manager for HP Protect Tools, File Protect for HP Protect Tools (coreshredder.exe), HP Protect Tool Security Manager Suite, and HP Backup and Recovery Manager. The Tech Note highlights error messages and potential crashes in Windows systems, including Windows XP, Windows 7, and Server 2008. It is possible that Windows 11 may experience a similar issue without resulting in a system crash.

Operaghost mentioned that Rockwell has provided a Tech Note addressing a similar issue concerning tools installed on HP computers. The Tech Note recommends removing specific items like Device Access Manager for HP Protect tools, File Protect for HP Protect tools (coreshredder.exe), HP Protect Tool Security Manager Suite, and HP Backup and Recovery Manager to avoid error messages and Windows crashing. This issue has been reported on Windows XP, Windows 7, and Server 2008 systems. It is possible that Windows 11 may also be affected, although it may not cause crashes. If you are interested in accessing the Tech Note for more information, you can do so to gain insights and troubleshoot your own device, even if you are using a Microsoft Surface laptop.

To access Tech Note ID: BF13214 from Rockwell, a Tech Connect contract is required. Please sign in to proceed.

I ran into a similar snafu while running an old version of FactoryTalk on Windows 10, and it turned out to be an issue with some underlying system files from Windows not being fully compatible with the older software version. Running it in XP compatibility mode wasn't a solution for me either. However, I managed to resolve it by installing a Virtual Machine with Windows XP on it and running FactoryTalk inside the VM. Hope you find this workaround helpful. Might be worth giving a shot before throwing in the towel.

I went through a similar issue a while back. One possibility could be the inherent compatibility issues between an older software like FactoryTalk View ME 5.00 and a newer operating system like Windows 11. An update to a newer version of FactoryTalk might help, but if you're steadfast about using version 5.00, you could potentially consider setting up a virtual machine running an operating system compatible with FactoryTalk View ME 5.00 like Windows XP. That way you could continue running your software without jumping back and forth between different OS versions. Just my two cents. Best of luck resolving your issue!

I've run into a similar problem before with Rockwell's FactoryTalk View ME and, while it took some trial and error, I found out that the issue was primarily due to compatibility problems between the older version of the software and the newer OS. Have you tried updating FactoryTalk and RSLinx to their latest versions? It did the trick for me. I know sometimes there's hesitation in upgrading due to potential bugs or unfamiliar interfaces, but in this case, it could solve your issue without needing to resort back to XP. Worked for me!

I've actually encountered a similar issue before, and in my case, it was something to do with the graphics settings. Rockwell software, especially older versions like 5.00, sometimes tends to have trouble with the newer graphics performance of Windows 11. I suggest you try adjusting the graphical performance settings to see if it resolves the issue - it's certainly worth a try before reverting back to XP. Hope this helps!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: 1. Why does the Explorer panel in FactoryTalk View ME (v5.00) and RSLinx Enterprise become blank on Windows 11?

Answer: Answer: The issue of the Explorer panel becoming blank can occur due to compatibility issues with older versions of software running on Windows 11.

FAQ: 2. How can I troubleshoot the blank Explorer panel issue in FactoryTalk View ME and RSLinx Enterprise on Windows 11?

Answer: Answer: Some troubleshooting steps include running the software in XP compatibility mode, checking for any logged errors in the diagnostics pane, and ensuring that the installation process was smooth.

FAQ: 3. Is there a known solution to the UI issue in FactoryTalk View ME and RSLinx Enterprise on Windows 11?

Answer: Answer: While there may not be a straightforward solution, exploring compatibility settings, updating software versions, or seeking advice from Rockwell Automation's support team could help resolve the problem.

FAQ: 4. Should I revert back to Windows XP if the blank Explorer panel issue persists?

Answer: Answer: Reverting back to an older operating system like Windows XP should be a last resort. It's recommended to exhaust troubleshooting options and seek assistance before considering drastic measures.

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