AWS Thinkbox Discussion Forums

Deadline + 3ds Max Error: "Unexpected exception (Failed to open the max renderer."

Hey folks,

We’ve got an artist whose submissions seem to always fail, but when others open their scenes and submit, the job renders as normal. Pretty plain jobs, just still images, nothing super fancy. Couple thing’s we’re doing:

  • Ignore missing DLLs
  • Run in silent mode

In general it’d be nice to know how to dive a bit deeper than this error. “Failed to open the max renderer” isn’t particularly descriptive, and the log’s last entry is “MaxLightning: Opening renderer,” but I’m not sure where to go from here.

Max 2020.3
V-Ray 4.3
Deadline 10.1

Below is the error log. Thanks for any help in advance!

=======================================================

Error

=======================================================

Error: FailRenderException : RenderTask: Unexpected exception (Failed to open the max renderer.

2021/01/04 13:21:08 DBG: [04820] [04676] Starting network

2021/01/04 13:21:08 INF: [04820] [04676] Application started with secure mode state 'OFF'

2021/01/04 13:21:08 INF: [04820] [04676] Product version: 3ds Max 2020.3 Update  (22.3.0.3165)

2021/01/04 13:21:14 DBG: [04820] [04676] ADP Initialize: Done

2021/01/04 13:21:14 INF: [04820] [04676] Data collection and use is 'ON'. Change your participation anytime in the Help menu of 3ds Max.

2021/01/04 13:21:14 DBG: [04820] [04676] Could not find the specified file in DefaultSettingsParser::parse()

2021/01/04 13:21:19 DBG: [04820] [04676] Graphics driver requested by the user : Nitrous

2021/01/04 13:21:19 DBG: [04820] [04676] Graphics driver actually created in the viewports : null driver

2021/01/04 13:21:21 INF: [04820] [04676] Autodesk 3ds Max Security Tools is active via configuration settings

2021/01/04 13:21:21 INF: [04820] [04676] ALC Security Tool 1.1 loaded.  (c:\programdata\autodesk\applicationplugins\3dsmaxsecuritytools\contents\scripts\ALC_SecurityTool.ms)

2021/01/04 13:21:21 INF: [04820] [04676] ALC2 Security Tool 1.1 loaded.  (c:\programdata\autodesk\applicationplugins\3dsmaxsecuritytools\contents\scripts\ALC2_SecurityTool.ms)

2021/01/04 13:21:21 INF: [04820] [04676] CRP Security Tool 1.0 loaded.  (c:\programdata\autodesk\applicationplugins\3dsmaxsecuritytools\contents\scripts\CRP_SecurityTool.ms)

2021/01/04 13:21:21 INF: [04820] [04676] ADSL Security Tool 1.0 loaded.  (c:\programdata\autodesk\applicationplugins\3dsmaxsecuritytools\contents\scripts\ADSL_SecurityTool.ms)

2021/01/04 13:21:21 INF: [04820] [04676] PhysXPluginMfx Security Tool 1.0 loaded.  (c:\programdata\autodesk\applicationplugins\3dsmaxsecuritytools\contents\scripts\PhysXPluginMfx_SecurityTool.ms)

2021/01/04 13:21:21 INF: [04820] [04676] PhysXPluginMfx2 Security Tool 1.0 loaded.  (c:\programdata\autodesk\applicationplugins\3dsmaxsecuritytools\contents\scripts\PhysXPluginMfx2_SecurityTool.ms)

2021/01/04 13:21:29 DBG: [04820] [04676] Starting network

2021/01/04 13:21:29 DBG: [04820] [04676] Calling NetRenderPreLoad

2021/01/04 13:21:29 DBG: [04820] [04676] in NetWorkerPreLoad. jobFile: ; jobname: C:\Users\renderwrkr\AppData\Local\Thinkbox\Deadline10\slave\bo1renderfarm72\jobsData\5ff269048fb88041280a0331\maxStartup\0\deadlineStartupMax2020.max

2021/01/04 13:21:29 DBG: [04820] [04676] in Init. jobFile: ; jobname: C:\Users\renderwrkr\AppData\Local\Thinkbox\Deadline10\slave\bo1renderfarm72\jobsData\5ff269048fb88041280a0331\maxStartup\0\deadlineStartupMax2020.max

2021/01/04 13:21:29 DBG: [04820] [04676] in Init. calling nrGetIface. jobToSend: C:\Users\renderwrkr\AppData\Local\Thinkbox\Deadline10\slave\bo1renderfarm72\jobsData\5ff269048fb88041280a0331\maxStartup\0\deadlineStartupMax2020.max

2021/01/04 13:21:29 DBG: [04820] [04676] in NetWorkerPreLoad. curJobname: C:\Users\renderwrkr\AppData\Local\Thinkbox\Deadline10\slave\bo1renderfarm72\jobsData\5ff269048fb88041280a0331\maxStartup\0\deadlineStartupMax2020.max; init: 0

2021/01/04 13:21:29 DBG: [04820] [04676] in NetWorkerPreLoad. calling PostInitMessageSystem()

2021/01/04 13:21:29 DBG: [04820] [04676] in NetWorkerPreLoad. srv_pid: 0

2021/01/04 13:21:29 DBG: [04820] [04676] leaving NetWorkerPreLoad. LoadLib()

2021/01/04 13:21:29 DBG: [04820] [04676] NetRenderPreLoad passed

2021/01/04 13:21:29 DBG: [04820] [04676] Graphics driver requested by the user : Nitrous

2021/01/04 13:21:29 DBG: [04820] [04676] Graphics driver actually created in the viewports : null driver

2021/01/04 13:21:29 DBG: [04820] [04676] Graphics driver requested by the user : Nitrous

2021/01/04 13:21:29 DBG: [04820] [04676] Graphics driver actually created in the viewports : null driver

2021/01/04 13:21:29 DBG: [04820] [04676] Graphics driver requested by the user : Nitrous

2021/01/04 13:21:29 DBG: [04820] [04676] Graphics driver actually created in the viewports : null driver

2021/01/04 13:21:29 INF: [04820] [04676] SYSTEM: Production renderer is changed to Scanline Renderer. Previous messages are cleared.

2021/01/04 13:21:40 DBG: [04820] [04676] Interface8::LoadFromFile(C:\Users\renderwrkr\AppData\Local\Thinkbox\Deadline10\slave\bo1renderfarm72\jobsData\5ff269048fb88041280a0331\maxStartup\0\deadlineStartupMax2020.max)

2021/01/04 13:21:40 INF: [04820] [04676] Starting to load file: C:\Users\renderwrkr\AppData\Local\Thinkbox\Deadline10\slave\bo1renderfarm72\jobsData\5ff269048fb88041280a0331\maxStartup\0\deadlineStartupMax2020.max

2021/01/04 13:21:40 DBG: [04820] [04676] WARNING: The Populate data is missing on your system.

2021/01/04 13:21:40 INF: [04820] [04676] Done loading file:  C:\Users\renderwrkr\AppData\Local\Thinkbox\Deadline10\slave\bo1renderfarm72\jobsData\5ff269048fb88041280a0331\maxStartup\0\deadlineStartupMax2020.max 

2021/01/04 13:21:40 DBG: [04820] [04676] Interface8::LoadFromFile(C:/Users/renderwrkr/AppData/Local/Thinkbox/Deadline10/slave/bo1renderfarm72/jobsData/5ff269048fb88041280a0331/WF000339_LS1__6682 x 4303_003.max)

2021/01/04 13:21:40 INF: [04820] [04676] Starting to load file: C:/Users/renderwrkr/AppData/Local/Thinkbox/Deadline10/slave/bo1renderfarm72/jobsData/5ff269048fb88041280a0331/WF000339_LS1__6682 x 4303_003.max

2021/01/04 13:21:41 WRN: [04820] [04676] Missing dll: wayfair3d2020.gup - wayfair3DArch

2021/01/04 13:21:41 WRN: [04820] [04676] Missing dll: wayfair3d2020.gup - wayfair3DPart

2021/01/04 13:21:41 WRN: [04820] [04676] Missing dll: wayfair3d2020.gup - wayfair3DSKU

2021/01/04 13:21:41 WRN: [04820] [04676] Missing dll: wayfair3d2020.gup - wayfair3DProp

2021/01/04 13:21:41 WRN: [04820] [04676] Missing dll: wayfair3d2020.gup - wayfair3DScene

2021/01/04 13:22:26 INF: [04820] [04676] Done loading file:  C:/Users/renderwrkr/AppData/Local/Thinkbox/Deadline10/slave/bo1renderfarm72/jobsData/5ff269048fb88041280a0331/WF000339_LS1__6682 x 4303_003.max 

2021/01/04 13:22:26 INF: [04820] [04676] SYSTEM: Production renderer is changed to V-Ray Next, update 3. Previous messages are cleared.

2021/01/04 13:22:30 INF: [04820] [04676] [V-Ray] ============================================================

2021/01/04 13:22:30 INF: [04820] [04676] [V-Ray] Console created, V-Ray 4.30.00 for x64 from Nov 18 2019, 20:23:45

2021/01/04 13:22:30 INF: [04820] [04676] [V-Ray] ============================================================

2021/01/04 13:22:30 INF: [04820] [04676] [V-Ray] Compiled with Microsoft Visual C++ compiler, version 19.12

2021/01/04 13:22:30 INF: [04820] [04676] [V-Ray] Host is 3ds Max, version 22

2021/01/04 13:22:30 INF: [04820] [04676] [V-Ray] V-Ray DLL version is 4.30.00

2021/01/04 13:22:39 ERR: [04820] [04676] Missing files found: "Tenuissima_C"; "Tenuissima_C"; "Tenuissima_B"; "Nassella_tenuissima_Breakup_a"; "Nassella_tenuissima_Breakup_B"

2021/01/04 13:22:39 DBG: [04820] [04676] FOREST 6.2.2 NotifyPreRender starts

2021/01/04 13:22:39 DBG: [04820] [04676] FOREST 6.2.2 NotifyPreRender ends

2021/01/04 13:22:40 DBG: [04820] [04676] FOREST 6.2.2 NotifyPostRender starts

2021/01/04 13:22:40 DBG: [04820] [04676] FOREST 6.2.2 NotifyPostRender ends

)

   at Deadline.Plugins.DeadlinePlugin.FailRender(String message) (Python.Runtime.PythonException)

  File "C:\Users\renderwrkr\AppData\Local\Thinkbox\Deadline10\slave\bo1renderfarm72\plugins\5ff269048fb88041280a0331\3dsmax.py", line 378, in RenderTasks

    self.MyMaxController.RenderTasks()

  File "C:\Users\renderwrkr\AppData\Local\Thinkbox\Deadline10\slave\bo1renderfarm72\plugins\5ff269048fb88041280a0331\3dsmax.py", line 1572, in RenderTasks

    self.RenderFrame( frame )

  File "C:\Users\renderwrkr\AppData\Local\Thinkbox\Deadline10\slave\bo1renderfarm72\plugins\5ff269048fb88041280a0331\3dsmax.py", line 2449, in RenderFrame

    self.PollUntilComplete( not self.DisableProgressUpdateTimeout )

  File "C:\Users\renderwrkr\AppData\Local\Thinkbox\Deadline10\slave\bo1renderfarm72\plugins\5ff269048fb88041280a0331\3dsmax.py", line 2861, in PollUntilComplete

    self.Plugin.FailRender( "RenderTask: Unexpected exception (%s)" % e.Message )

   at Python.Runtime.Dispatcher.Dispatch(ArrayList args)

   at __FranticX_GenericDelegate0Dispatcher.Invoke()

   at Deadline.Plugins.DeadlinePlugin.RenderTasks()

   at Deadline.Plugins.DeadlinePlugin.DoRenderTasks()

   at Deadline.Plugins.PluginWrapper.RenderTasks(String taskId, Int32 startFrame, Int32 endFrame, String& outMessage, AbortLevel& abortLevel)

   at Deadline.Plugins.PluginWrapper.RenderTasks(String taskId, Int32 startFrame, Int32 endFrame, String& outMessage, AbortLevel& abortLevel)



=======================================================

Type

=======================================================

RenderPluginException

...

2021-01-04 13:22:30: 0: INFO: Scene loaded successfully

2021-01-04 13:22:30: 0: INFO: Executing script: C:\Users\renderwrkr\AppData\Local\Thinkbox\Deadline10\slave\bo1renderfarm72\plugins\5ff269048fb88041280a0331\[customize.ms](http://customize.ms/)

2021-01-04 13:22:30: 0: INFO: >Version Information:

2021-01-04 13:22:30: 0: INFO: >OS version: Microsoft Windows NT 6.2.9200.0

2021-01-04 13:22:30: 0: INFO: >3ds MAX, API, SDK version: #(22000, 55, 0, 22, 3, 0, 3165, 2020, ".3 Update ")

2021-01-04 13:22:30: 0: INFO: >3ds Max Version: 22.3.0.3165

2021-01-04 13:22:30: 0: INFO: >Assigned renderer: V_Ray_Next__update_3:V_Ray_Next__update_3

2021-01-04 13:22:30: 0: INFO: >Applying customizations to max file...

2021-01-04 13:22:30: 0: INFO: >Adding scene path 'C:\Users\renderwrkr\AppData\Local\Thinkbox\Deadline10\slave\bo1renderfarm72\jobsData\5ff269048fb88041280a0331' to session paths

2021-01-04 13:22:30: 0: INFO: +Restored Scene Selection: #()

2021-01-04 13:22:30: 0: INFO: >General Renderer Settings:

2021-01-04 13:22:30: 0: INFO: >Bitmap Pager Settings:

2021-01-04 13:22:30: 0: INFO: +Not overriding Bitmap Pager setting

2021-01-04 13:22:30: 0: INFO: >Render Environment Settings:

2021-01-04 13:22:30: 0: INFO: >V-Ray detected as current renderer.

2021-01-04 13:22:30: 0: INFO: >V-Ray version, build: #("4.30.00", "00001", "add2822a")

2021-01-04 13:22:30: 0: INFO: >Enabled V-Ray silent mode

2021-01-04 13:22:35: 0: INFO: +output_imageaspect (Image_aspect) set to 1.33333

2021-01-04 13:22:36: 0: INFO: +output_rawFileName set to \\[csnzoo.com](http://csnzoo.com/)\services\imagedata\3dviz\3D Artists\DeadlineSubmission\soshea\WF000339_LS1__6682 x 4303_003_20210301195406\renders\WF000339_LS1_6682 x 4303_003..exr

2021-01-04 13:22:36: 0: INFO: +output_splitfilename set to \\[csnzoo.com](http://csnzoo.com/)\services\imagedata\3dviz\3D Artists\DeadlineSubmission\soshea\WF000339_LS1__6682 x 4303_003_20210301195406\renders\WF000339_LS1_6682 x 4303_003.tif

2021-01-04 13:22:37: 0: INFO: +Not overriding Show V-Ray Frame Buffer (VFB) setting

2021-01-04 13:22:37: 0: INFO: >Performing XREF workaround...

2021-01-04 13:22:37: 0: INFO: >Completed XREF workaround.

2021-01-04 13:22:37: 0: INFO: >Scanning Renderer Paths...

2021-01-04 13:22:37: 0: INFO: >Done Scanning Renderer Paths.

2021-01-04 13:22:37: 0: Done executing plugin command of type 'Start Job'

2021-01-04 13:22:37: 0: Plugin rendering frame(s): 0

2021-01-04 13:22:38: 0: Executing plugin command of type 'Render Task'

2021-01-04 13:22:38: 0: INFO: Render Tasks called

2021-01-04 13:22:38: 0: INFO: Executing script: C:\Users\renderwrkr\AppData\Local\Thinkbox\Deadline10\slave\bo1renderfarm72\jobsData\5ff269048fb88041280a0331\0_temp2JQUs0\setRawBufferFilename.ms

2021-01-04 13:22:38: 0: INFO: RawBufferFilename set to: \\[csnzoo.com](http://csnzoo.com/)\services\imagedata\3dviz\3D Artists\DeadlineSubmission\soshea\WF000339_LS1__6682 x 4303_003_20210301195406\renders\WF000339_LS1_6682 x 4303_003..exr

2021-01-04 13:22:38: 0: INFO: Executing script: C:\Users\renderwrkr\AppData\Local\Thinkbox\Deadline10\slave\bo1renderfarm72\jobsData\5ff269048fb88041280a0331\0_temp2JQUs0\setSplitBufferFilename.ms

2021-01-04 13:22:39: 0: INFO: SplitBufferFilename set to: \\[csnzoo.com](http://csnzoo.com/)\services\imagedata\3dviz\3D Artists\DeadlineSubmission\soshea\WF000339_LS1__6682 x 4303_003_20210301195406\renders\WF000339_LS1_6682 x 4303_003.tif

2021-01-04 13:22:39: 0: INFO: STARTED

2021-01-04 13:22:39: 0: INFO: MaxLightning: Render frame 0

2021-01-04 13:22:39: 0: INFO: MaxLightning: Overriding save file option to 0

2021-01-04 13:22:39: 0: INFO: MaxLightning: Rendering frame "C:\ProgramData\Thinkbox\deadline\temp\temp_filename93750000.bmp"

2021-01-04 13:22:39: 0: INFO: MaxLightning: Rendering 0 render elements

2021-01-04 13:22:39: 0: INFO: MaxLightning: Setting up render parameters

2021-01-04 13:22:39: 0: INFO: MaxLightning: Rendering camera node VRayCam001

2021-01-04 13:22:39: 0: INFO: MaxLightning: Checking multipass info for frame 0

2021-01-04 13:22:39: 0: INFO: MaxLightning: Opening renderer

2021-01-04 13:22:40: 0: Done executing plugin command of type 'Render Task'

=======================================================

Details

=======================================================

Date: 01/04/2021 13:22:43

Frames: 0

Elapsed Time: 00:00:01:38

Job Submit Date: 01/03/2021 20:01:56

Job User: soshea

Average RAM Usage: 5650501632 (9%)

Peak RAM Usage: 10311237632 (16%)

Average CPU Usage: 2%

Peak CPU Usage: 7%

Used CPU Clocks (x10^6 cycles): 156308

Total CPU Clocks (x10^6 cycles): 7815387

=======================================================

Worker Information

=======================================================

Worker Name: bo1renderfarm72

Version: v10.1.8.5 Release (60c6a62b5)

Operating System: Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard

Running As Service: Yes

Machine User: renderwrkr

IP Address: 10.233.242.72

MAC Address: 98:40:BB:6D:74:0C

CPU Architecture: x64

CPUs: 32

CPU Usage: 0%

Memory Usage: 9.6 GB / 63.8 GB (15%)

Free Disk Space: 231.827 GB (46.524 GB on C:\, 185.303 GB on D:\)

Video Card: Microsoft Basic Display Adapter

Hi Thomas,

I would pay close attention to the line

2021/01/04 13:22:39 ERR: [04820] [04676] Missing files found: "Tenuissima_C"; "Tenuissima_C"; "Tenuissima_B"; "Nassella_tenuissima_Breakup_a"; "Nassella_tenuissima_Breakup_B"

I am not sure what these files are supposed to be as there are no file extensions, but maybe the names will tell you something?

From the log it appears that the scene loads properly, then the current renderer switches to V-Ray, and V-Ray fails to start for some reason, possibly related to the missing files above. The error message is followed by 4 debug prints from Forest Pack Pro, so I wonder if the missing files are related to that?

Thanks Bobo! Always appreciate your help. :slight_smile:

The missing extensions on those files seemed to be the cause, not sure how those messed up. They’re supposed to be .vrmesh files which were stripped of the extension, but just adding the .vrmesh extension back allows it to render again.

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