FAQ 236: Unable to Initialize the Message Module - Windows 11

Question

When I start a dSPACE program, e.g., ControlDesk, the following error message is displayed and the program is not started at all: 

Unable to initialize the message module. Terminating application.

Solution

Solution for dSPACE Release 2022-A or older in combination with Windows 11 operating system:

Note that dSPACE Release 2022-B was the first version with Windows 11 support.
Older Releases are not tested. Therefore, we do not recommend using older dSPACE Releases under Windows 11.
For details: https://www.dspace.com/go/windows11support

Under Windows 11, this error might occur if the Microsoft cumulative update from 9 July 2024 KB5039895 for .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.8.1 for Windows 11, version 22H2 and Windows 11, version 23H2 is installed.

To resolve the error, please execute the following steps:

1. Edit your environment variables on your system (Control Panel > System > Advanced system settings > Environment Variables)

2. Create a system variable ‘COMPlus_Disable_GetTempPath2’ with a value=true and confirm the dialogue.
 

3. Reboot the PC.
4. Open dSPACE Setup (Install_Release.exe on the dSPACE DVD) and execute a ‘Repair Installation’ of your dSPACE installed products. 
5. After repairing the dSPACE installation, delete the previously created environment variable again.

The change made by Microsoft as part of the Windows 11 update (KB5039895) is based on a security vulnerability related to the detection of the USER TEMP directory. Therefore, deleting the environment variable is recommended.