Introduction
FluidFlow users occasionally experience software freezes or dialog box display issues that can interrupt workflow. This guide offers practical solutions to quickly resolve these problems and get you back to work.
These issues typically stem from corrupted configuration files that manage interface layout and positioning. While frustrating, most can be fixed using the straightforward troubleshooting methods outlined below - without affecting your valuable project data.
Quick Fix: Reset Form Positions
For newer versions of FluidFlow, a built-in solution is available:
From the main menu, select View → Reset Form Positions
Restart the application if the changes don’t apply automatically
This is the simplest solution and should be attempted first before proceeding to more advanced troubleshooting.
Advanced Troubleshooting: Removing Configuration Files
If resetting form positions doesn't resolve the issue, or if you’re working with an earlier version, you may need to remove specific configuration files that have become corrupted:
Method 1: Remove FluidFlow.LAY File
Start FluidFlow
Select Options → Environment → Open Environment... from the menu
Note or copy the folder location displayed in the dialog (for example:
C:\\Users\\Public\\Documents\\Flite\\FluidFlow3\\Preferences\\Administrator\\3530)
Close FluidFlow completely
Navigate to the folder location you noted in step 3
Find and delete the
FluidFlow.LAYfileRestart FluidFlow
Method 2: Remove Additional Configuration Files
If the issue persists after removing the LAY file, try removing these additional configuration files:
Follow steps 1-5 from Method 1
Delete the
FluidFlow.LAY,FluidFlow.BAR, andFluidFlow.INIfiles from the folderRestart FluidFlow
Method 3: Remove Parent Directory Configuration
If neither of the above methods resolves the issue:
Navigate to the parent directory of the folder identified in Method 1
For example, if your environment folder was:
C:\\Users\\Public\\Documents\\Flite\\FluidFlow3\\Preferences\\Administrator\\3530Go up one level to:C:\\Users\\Public\\Documents\\Flite\\FluidFlow3\\Preferences\\AdministratorFind and delete the
FluidFlow.INIfile in this parent directoryRestart FluidFlow
What Happens When You Delete These Files?
When you delete these configuration files, FluidFlow will recreate them with default settings upon restart:
FluidFlow.LAY - Contains information about dialog positions and window layouts
FluidFlow.INI - Stores application preferences and settings
FluidFlow.BAR - Contains toolbar customizations and arrangements
Note: Deleting these files will reset your interface customizations but will not affect your project data or calculations.
Preventing Future Occurrences
To minimize the risk of encountering freezing issues in the future:
Always close FluidFlow properly rather than forcing it to close
Keep your software updated to the latest version
Avoid making rapid, multiple changes to window positions when the software is under heavy load
FAQs
Q: Will I lose my project data when deleting these files?
A: No, these configuration files only control the appearance and layout of the interface. Your project data is stored separately and will not be affected.
Q: After deleting the files, my toolbar is missing. What should I do?
A: You can restore your toolbars by selecting View → Toolbars from the main menu or View → Reset Menus. See Restoring Missing Toolbars and UI Elements in FluidFlow.
Q: Will I need to reconfigure all my settings after this fix?
A: Yes, you will need to reconfigure any custom interface settings, toolbar arrangements, and preferences that were stored in the deleted files. The application will revert to default settings.
When to Contact Support
If you've attempted all the troubleshooting steps above and are still experiencing freezing issues, please contact FluidFlow technical support ([email protected]) with the following information:
The version of FluidFlow you're using
Your operating system and version
A detailed description of when the freezing occurs
Screenshots of any error messages
A list of the troubleshooting steps you've already attempted
Conclusion
Software freezing and missing dialog issues in FluidFlow are typically related to corrupted configuration files. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can quickly resolve these issues and return to productive work with minimal disruption.