2008

If you receive an error message, you know one of the objects is the offending
item. Then, do as follows.
1 Reset 3ds Max.
You now have to narrow down exactly which object in the previous list
is corrupt.
2 Once again, choose File > Merge and turn off everything except Geometry,
Shapes, and Groups/Assemblies.
3 Select the first 10 objects in the list of components and click OK.
If those objects merge successfully, save the scene and repeat the Merge
operation with the next set of 10 objects. Eventually, one of the sets of
objects you try to merge will report the error message.
4 Keep refining the number of objects you are merging until you have
singled out the object that reports the error.
5 Once you've found the corrupt object, reset 3ds Max and merge all the
objects and components except for the object you've singled out.
6 After everything is merged, save the scene and rebuild the object that
was corrupt.
Granted, this can be a long process, but it's well worth it if you can salvage
most of your previous work.
Remember Backup Files
By default, the 3ds Max
automatic backup on page 7544 feature is active, and
writes a backup file every five minutes while you're editing the scene for a
total of three files. The files are stored in the \autoback folder. By default, this
folder is stored in \My Documents\3dsmax\ . Using backup files is especially
helpful if your file became corrupt due to a system crash or power outage.
1 Start 3ds Max and verify that you cannot load the scene.
2 Open Windows Explorer and browse to the \autoback folder.
3 Start by highlighting AutoBackup01.max and then copy the file (Edit >
Copy or Ctrl+C).
4 Browse to the \scenes folder, found in \My Documents\3dsmax\ or in the
program install folder, and paste the file.
If you want, you can rename it.
7666 | Chapter 27 Troubleshooting 3ds Max