unable to locate the LabVIEW Run-Time engine

[danren924]

Using LabVIEW 2011, I have built an executable and installer including the LabVIEW Run-Time engine. I built the app on a 32-bit system. I'm deploying it to a Windows7 64-bit system. When I ran the installer, rebooted, then tried to run the app, I got an error messsage stating "Unable to locate LabVIEW Run-Time Engine", stating that the LVRTE 2011 was needed to run the app, and asking if I want to download from NI. I have tried downloading the RTE and re-installing it, but when I try, I get an error message from the installer stating that there is a newer version of the RTE already installed, and the installer exits! I have tried un-installing the application, but have had no luck removing the RTE. Now I'm stuck. The re-installed executable application says it can't find the RTE, and the RTE installer says there's a later version already installed!

I can't go forward or backwards!

Prior to running the installer for this app, I had a working LVRTE for 2011, and was running some other executable LabVIEW programs on the target box. However, since this new application had additional components not included in the original install of the RTE, I built the new installer which included the additional components. Once I ran that installer, my problems began.

In my frustration, I've tried downloading from NI both the 32 and 64-bit versions of the RTE, and installing them. I realize that the app was built on a 32-bit system, so the 32-bit RTE SHOULD have run it fine, but didn't.

At this point I have removed the 64-bit RTE using the NIUninstaller. I believe I need to completely remove all 32-bit RTE components and start over, but I have not been able to. The 32-bit RTE does not show up in any un-install utilities I've found.

What could be causing this problem, and how do I get past it??

Thank you.

[NathanS]

Hi danren924,

I noticed that you've been working with Kevin on a service request about this issue. We will continue to work on the problem internally via the service request, but we'll go ahead and keep this thread open in case members of the community have ideas on this issue.

Thank you

Nathan S

[rfolea2]

Was this issue ever resolved?  I have the exact same thing ...

I built an exe on local 32 bit Win 7 machine - works great (Labview 2011 is installed on this machine)

Install Runtime on PC down the hall, re-boot PC, then try to run exe.

Get the "Unable To Locate LabVIEW Runtime Engine.

CTT Up Counter requires a version 2011 or compatible LabView Run Time Engine.

I did install that engine, albeit a 64bit version since that is a 64 bit machine.

Why can't my exe see the runtime?  Should I try doing a full (unlicensed) version of LV2011?

[danren924]

One thing I did discover in my struggles is that the RunTime engine on the target box needs to be based on the environment of the development box. So if you built the app on a 32-bit machine, you would need to install the 32-bit RTE, even on your 64-bit target box.

The RTE Uninstaller might not show up in the Windows Add/Remove Programs utility. In my case the 64-bit RTE uninstaller showed up, but the 32-bit did not. The NiUninstaller (C:\Program Files\National Instruments\Shared\NIUninstaller) did list both RTEs for uninstalling, but still didn't get me past the problem.

I was finally only able to get past the problem by doing a system restore to a point in time prior to my changing of the RTE.

Good luck.

Dan

[rfolea2]

unistalled the 64 bit engine and then installed the 32 bit engine. works great now. ni should clarify the error messsage - surely they can tell if an app is lookingfor one or the. other ...

[WM164]

I have a similiar problem on a 32 bit Windows 7 machine.  When I run the application developed on the 32 bit Windows 7 system, I get the message that it is "unable to locate the LabVIEW Run-Time engine" 2011.  When I try to install it again, the installer says that there is nothing to do, and it will leave it on the system.  When I check the list of software with MAX, it says that the LabVIEW Run-Time 2011 SP1 f2 is located in "C:\Progarm Files\National Instruments\Shared\LabVIEW Run-Time\2011" directory.  But that directory is empty.  When I try to Repair using the NIUninstaller, it does not list the NI LabVIEW Run-Time Engine 2011.  So I can not repair or remove it with the NIUninstaller, and I can not re-install it, because the installer and MAX both think it is already installed.  Where do I go from here???

[billko]

I assume you are on a 64-bit Win7 OS?  In that case, look under "C:\Progarm Files(x86)\National Instruments\Shared\LabVIEW Run-Time\2011".  It's strange, though, because any 32-bit programs that look for "C:\Progarm Files" on a 64-bit  Windows installation should automatically be redirected to "C:\Progarm Files(x86)", so if it's there, it should work.

[WM164]

No, this is a 32 bit windows 7 system.  The code was developed on this same machine.  I was able to find a 2011 directory in the recycle bin, and restore it.  MAX still says that LabVIEW Run-Time 2011 SP1 f2 is present, and the NI Uninstaller does not list it.  The applications says it is missing about half of the time, but the other half, it finds the runtime engine.

[WM164]

I was wrong about the software being developed on the same machine.  LabVIEW is not installed on this machine.  The software is a DLL that was developed on another machine.  The DLL is being called from C++ what was developed on this machine.  The DLL requires LabVIEW Run-Time Engine 2011.  MAX still says that the run-time engine is there, and NI UNInstaller says that it isn't.  Most of the time the DLL seems to run.